What Changed for 2008:

• Remote engine starting available


• Tire-pressure monitor now standard


• New Sahara Appearance package with 18-inch wheels and bright interior and exterior trim

Overview
With the launch of the newest generation Jeep Wrangler or the 2007 model year, a 4-door body style called Wrangler Unlimited was added to the standard 2-door convertible body style. The Wrangler Unlimited has a 20.6-inch longer wheelbase, more rear seat room, and considerably more cargo volume at 86.75 cubic feet versus 61.2 cubic feet, plus seating for 4 and a standard manual-folding cloth top with an available removable hardtop. Rear-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are offered. The only engine is a V-6 with a manual or automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Wrangler Unlimited can tow up to 2000 pounds.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is offered in three trim levels: base X, mid-line Sahara, and off-road oriented Rubicon. Standard features on X models include a tilt steering wheel; vinyl upholstery; center console; split-folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD stereo; theft-deterrent system; skid plates to protect the transfer case and fuel tank; and P225/75R16 all-terrain tires on steel wheels. The Wrangler Sahara adds YES Essentials cloth upholstery that Jeep says is stain-, odor- and static-resistant; a height-adjustable driver’s seat; air conditioning; cruise control; 368-watt Infinity sound system with 7 speakers and subwoofer; leather-wrapped steering wheel; side steps; tow hooks; fog lamps; compass; outside-temperature indicator; and P255/70R18 all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels.

To the X model, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon adds amenities such as air conditioning; leather-wrapped steering wheel; cruise control; height-adjustable driver’s seat; floor mats; compass; outside-temperature indicator; and a 368-watt Infinity sound system with 7 speakers and subwoofer. It also adds off-road equipment that includes front and rear tow hooks; rock rails; off-road suspension; electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar to enhance off-road capability; Rock-Trac heavy-duty transfer case; Dana 44 front and rear axles; 4.10 axle ratio; locking front and rear differentials; fog lights; and LT255/75R17 BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels.

Options on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited include metal half doors; Jeep’s MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment system with 20-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system; towing package; the hardtop; 6-disc CD changer; remote engine starting; and a chrome package.

Powertrain
All 2008 Jeep Wranglers are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. In Unlimited models it makes 205 hp at 5200 rpm and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Wrangler can be started in low range without depressing the clutch, thus providing enhanced rock-crawling capabilities, Jeep says. EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for a 2WD model with the manual transmission; 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway for a 2WD model with the automatic; or 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway for 4WD models with either transmission.

Safety
The base 4WD system on the 2008 Wrangler Unlimited is Jeep’s Command Trac, which is a part-time system that should not be used on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. It can be driven in 2WD mode, 4WD Hi or 4WD Lo. The Rubicon’s Rock Trac 4WD system is also a part-time system with the same driving modes. It has lower low-range gearing (4:1). It comes with front and rear locking differentials and an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, as well as other off-road equipment.

All 2008 Wrangler Unlimiteds are equipped with dual front air bags; anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes; tire-pressure monitor; roll bar; traction control; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Torso-protecting front side air bags are optional.

Technology
Jeep’s MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System comes with a 6.5-inch touch screen; 20-gigabyte hard drive; and a navigation system with voice control and real-time traffic information. The hard drive holds music, pictures and navigation map information. CDs can be ripped right to the hard drive; music and pictures can be transferred via a USB port.