WRANGLE GRINDER (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 164

The word icon has become a hackneyed expression. In an age of disposable celebrity and transient success, icons, legends and classics are manufactured overnight. At Jeep, however, they see things differently. Back in 1938, the original brief for a 'light reconnaissance vehicle' resulted in the development of the Willys Jeep, with 368,000 being built during World War 2. General George C Marshall described it as "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare". The spiritual successor to the Willys Jeep is today's Jeep Wrangler. It's bloodline can be traced directly back through various guises, through the CJ series, right back to its illustrious military forebear. But does what makes sense in a theatre of war make a sensible used buy in more sophisticated times? The Jeep Wrangler is in every sense a throwback from another era. Despite a range of improvements, the emphasis is still on low speed acceleration, manoeuvrability and ruggedness. Refinement and, surprisingly, all round practicality aren't high on the Wrangler's list of priorities.

Modelsword count: 11

Models Covered: 2/3dr 4x4 hard/soft top: 2.5, 4.0 petrol [Sport, Sahara]

Historyword count: 205

Given such a long and complicated history, this test aims to make 1996 to all intents and purposes Year 0. It was in this year that Chrysler Jeep introduced a heavily revised Wrangler to replace the Series YJ model. Many Jeep enthusiasts had railed at the fact that the YJ was too modern looking, and had strayed from its roots too far. At Jeep gatherings, tee shirts began to sell with the slogan "Real Jeeps don't have square headlamps." 1996's TJ series aimed to not only provide a traditional Jeep look, but to build in a range of modern features that would attract a whole new generation of Jeep customers. Just as the Cherokee had become a 'must-have' vehicle, Chrysler Jeep aimed to make the Wrangler a fashionable buy. It's debatable whether they have succeeded. Wranglers aren't a common sight on British roads, their outrageously macho image often proving too much for the modest British sensibility. This is a shame, because as a low mileage, fun vehicle, the Wrangler holds a great deal more appeal than its more politically correct rivals. In 2001, Jeep launched the Wrangler 60th Anniversary, a limited edition with bigger wheel arches, wider wheels and a bit of extra interior frippery.

What You Getword count: 249

Designed for a young crowd, the Wrangler isn't laden down with creature comforts. What you get is basically a bouncy, noisy, fun to drive jeep powered by gutsy engines. The development of the TJ series saw an acknowledgement that whilst Jeep owners wanted the image, they also wanted some niceties to make life more bearable. The interior of the Wrangler received a makeover which made it look more car-like. Airbags for both driver and passenger was probably the key change made, as well as an integrated heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. A lockable glove box was also introduced, with new high back rear seats. Access to the rear bench was still very awkward, requiring a degree of contortionism to effect an exit. The bench was made wider than before, as the new suspension system intruded less into the passenger compartment. The key difference between trim levels was the Sahara's standard removable hardtop. This is a heavy but well-engineered unit, with glass side and rear windows, heated rear screen and rear wash wipe. Available as an option on Sport models, don't expect to remove it whilst sitting at traffic lights, Mercedes SLK style. The Sahara also gained trailcloth seat fabric, leather covered tilt adjustable steering wheel, intermittent windscreen wipe and a rear seat saddlebag for extra stowage space. Standard features on Sport models include the soft top with removable 'soft' side and rear windows, radio/cassette, auxiliary power socket, black wheelarch mouldings, and tailgate mounted spare with Jeep wheel cover.

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