As American as apple pie, the Jeep Wrangler is a national treasure among off-roaders in the States, but this side of the pond its appeal has always been limited. In summer 2007 Jeep hoped to change that with the introduction of an all-new model.

Roomier and more powerful, the new vehicle upped the Wrangler’s game, but in order to succeed it had to offer some­thing special. And it did. More than almost any other vehicle, the Wrangler is more at home on the rough stuff than on the black top.

Built using a separate body and chassis, it is a curious mixture of precision components and pig iron. So, although in some respects it is as sophisticated as a spoon, that’s a good thing: anything you can’t fix with a hammer when in the wilderness is so much scrap metal.

New prices were never high but an entry-level, shorter-wheelbase, two-door example on a 2007 07 plate can be yours for about £10,000, and despite the absence of such comforts as air-conditioning, it still cuts something of a dash. The four-door model commands a premium of some £1,000. Not only does it boast increased luggage capacity (up from 142 litres to 490 litres with the rear seats in place) but towing capacity jumps up from 2,000kg to 3,500kg.

Buyers of second-hand four-door models have no choice of engine; the only one available is the 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel producing 174bhp. Two-door buyers can choose the diesel or a lusty 3.8-litre V6 petrol unit with 196bhp. In addition to the extra power, the 3.8-litre has a pretty comprehensive list of standard equipment, including 18in alloy wheels and an alarm system.

The Wrangler was engineered to live in the rocky lane. Its short overhangs and massive suspension articulation give it the rock-crawling capabilities of a mountain goat. On the road it’s a different story, the deep tyre walls and softish suspension making for a less than taut driving experience. Rear passengers may feel cramped in two-door models, and the lowish roofline can create a sense of claustrophobia.

The good news is that all Wrangler models can be stripped back for open-top motoring. Not only does the roof come off, but the doors too, and even the windscreen can be folded flat.

When buying a second-hand Wrangler, look for one that is more familiar with tarmac than boulders, but don’t discount an off-road veteran, as the car is designed to handle such abuse, and those that have will almost certainly have been properly maintained.

OWNER’S VIEW

“My Wrangler is cheaper than a Freelander, well equipped, but not comfy on long journeys.”

Simon Green, Oldham

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