Jeep - Wrangler |
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1997 onwards
Wrangler is the original off-roader and can trace its roots back to World War Two, so it should be more popular in the UK. However, it's cramped inside despite being actually quite large, expensive to buy new, old fashioned and is fitted with excessively big and obscenely uneconomical engines.
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American classic look |
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Good off-roader |
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Sturdy and relatively trouble free |
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Classic but out-dated look |
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Heavy on the fuel |
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Noisy and uncomfortable in the back |
Go for a car from before 2000 and there's a 2.5 as well as a 4.0. The 4.0 is underpowered for its size, noisy and thirsty. But it does offer plenty of low down power for off-road work, which is aided by outstanding ground clearance and a low ratio gearbox.
Wrangler's cabin is a mix between utilitarian and high-tech. The driving position is upright, with little adjustment and although it's well equipped, many of the buttons are scattered in awkward locations. The ride is terrible. The old fashioned suspension means that it's choppy at speed and rolls through corners at even moderate speeds.
Practicality is a problem. Wrangler's a large car, but space is tight with poor rear leg- and shoulderroom a tiny boot area and although the rear bench seat can be folded, it's heavy and difficult to do. Reliability has been below average and it's expensive to insure.
4.0 Sahara
2.5-litre
Land Rover Freelander Softback
Suzuki Grand Vitara SWB
Vauxhall Frontera Sport
