3.6   What's new each year for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?

What's New For 2003?

For 2003, the Wrangler gets a new trim level: the Rubicon. All trims have been bestowed with an all-new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission which is supposed to provide smoother-shifting, better highway fuel efficiency and quieter engine operation at highway speeds compared to the previous three-speed automatic transmission.

Available four-wheel disc brakes debut this year, along with a new fold-and-tumble rear seat that can be more easily removed. Finally, the Wrangler's interior has been refurbished for 2003; it gets new front and rear seats, a new electrochromatic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display (optional on Rubicon trim), and a new four-spoke steering wheel.

The 2003 Wrangler also features an additional power outlet on the dash, and new front seats that offer an additional 20 millimeters of rearward travel, allowing taller drivers to sit at a more comfortable distance from the steering wheel. Additionally, taller seat backs provide a more comfortable ride, with a lever on the side of the front-passenger seat for easier access to the rear. A new fold-and-tumble rear seat has been added that can be more easily removed. Finally, replacing the optional sound bar, new standard corner pods located just behind the B-pillar on both sides of the vehicle have been added, housing interior lamps and optional speakers.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Wrangler is available in five trims: SE, X, Sport, Sahara, and the new-for-2003 Rubicon.
The top-of-the-line Rubicon trim gets you goodies such as black fender flares and 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels. Options available across the various trims include a hardtop (included are full doors with roll-up windows, a rear-window wiper and a rear-window defroster) and an Add-A-Trunk (a lockable storage box that serves as a trunk substitute).

Powertrains and Performance:
The Rubicon trim level is motored by a more vigorous 4.0-liter Power Tech inline-six that deals out 190 horses and 235 lb-ft of twist. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with this engine, but a new-for-2003 four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for all models.

Safety:
New for 2003, available four-wheel disc brakes give the Wrangler better brake feel on-road. Also, tots are able to safely enjoy the Wrangler's charms, since its rear seats are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Upper Tethers for Children) system. ABS is available as an option on all trim levels except the SE. In NHTSA frontal impact crash tests, the Wrangler rates four stars for both driver and passenger side; it nets three stars in rollover resistance. The Wrangler gets an "Acceptable" rating in IIHS frontal offset crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features:
The Jeep's interior blends nicely with its exterior in terms of function and ruggedness; you're not going to find any soft-touch plastic or supple leather, but the cabin's look is clean and contemporary. Maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 46 cubic feet for the hardtop, and 47.2 cubic feet for soft-top models.

What's New For 2004?

An AM/FM/CD stereo and a tilt steering wheel are now standard on all models.

What's New For 2005?

A Rubicon version of the Unlimited joins the lineup.
With the introduction of the long-wheelbase Unlimited version, the ride gets a little more pleasant and the added interior space makes living with the Wrangler everyday a less daunting proposition. The Unlimited doubles the cargo capacity of the more traditional Wrangler and offers a bit more rear-seat legroom should you need to carry passengers rather than cargo.
The Wrangler Unlimited features unique cloth seats, a painted center stack, a bright grille and body-color fenders. Rubicon models forgo some of the nicer amenities in favor of hard-core off-road features like black fender flares, diamond-plate side sills, heavy-duty axles, front and rear differential lockers and 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels.
All Wranglers get a new six-speed manual transmission to replace the old five-speed unit.

Powertrains and Performance:
Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds on regular-size Wranglers and 3,500 on the Unlimited.

Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Rubicon models.

Interior Design and Special Features:
Maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 46 cubic feet for the hardtop, 47.2 for soft-top models.
The Unlimited is 15 inches longer than the standard-issue Wrangler, and the result is additional passenger and cargo space out back.

What's New For 2006?

Jeep dusts off the '70s and '80s-era Golden Eagle name for 2006 - but not for the Rubicon trim level!

What's New For 2007?

The Jeep Wrangler has been fully redesigned for 2007.
Highlights include a new four-door body style, a V6 engine and additional convenience and safety features.

The new Wrangler is about the same length as before but much wider. This provides additional shoulder and hip room for both front and rear passengers. For additional space, there's the new Wrangler Unlimited. Like last year's model, the Unlimited is built on an extended wheelbase. But this time it happens to be topped with the Wrangler's first four-door body style. The four-door has a roomier three-passenger backseat and a cargo capacity that's better than many other small SUVs.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler's body structure is stiffer than before and works in conjunction with enhanced suspension and steering tuning to provide a more refined on-road experience. Additional sound insulation and new top designs reduce wind noise. For power, Jeep has replaced the previous inline six-cylinder engine with a new 3.8-liter 202-horsepower V6. It's more powerful than the old engine, but it also must move more weight; the Wrangler Unlimited weighs in at about 4300 pounds, more than 1000 pounds heavier than last year's regular Wrangler.

Underneath, the general hardware configuration is the same -- lives axles suspended by five-link designs -- and Jeep has made sure that off-road ability is still intact. There are 10.2 inches of ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles, and low-range four-wheel drive. The hardcore Rubicon trim level returns as well, and again features many hardware upgrades meant to make it the most capable production vehicle you can buy for off-road use.

And yes, you can still fold down the windshield and take off the doors, even on the four-door.

The Wrangler Rubicon model is equipped similarly to the Sahara but features special drivetrain upgrades, an electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar and special BFGoodrich off-road tires.

Powertrains and Performance:
The Rubicon trim has heavy-duty axles, a Rock-Trac transfer case with extra-low gearing, and electronically locking front and rear differentials. Properly equipped, this Jeep can tow 3500 pounds.

Safety:
Safety has been improved for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, and all models now feature antilock brakes and stability control with a rollover sensor. Front seat-mounted side airbags are optional.

What's New For 2008?

After setting a new trail with a complete redesign last year, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited travel into 2008 with only minor equipment changes. These include a standard Sunrider soft top on Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models, optional remote ignition and a new Sahara appearance package for both two- and four-door versions.

What's New For 2009?

For 2009 the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited receive a handful of upgrades, including hill start assist, trailer sway control and a small storage net under the center stack.