The open fenders, flip-down windshield, big grille, plastic side curtains and exposed hinges and fasteners are still, giving the Wrangler that rugged, no-nonsense look that has appealed to us for more than 50 years.

Jeep's Wrangler is available in three models. At first glance, the base SE looks attractive, but its low price quickly rises when carpeting, nicer seat fabric, a rear seat, a stereo and other options are added. Not having a rear seat is certainly an option for those who don't think they'll ever use it. The SE comes with a 4-cylinder engine that is best teamed with the standard 5-speed gearbox.

Sport and Sahara models come with the much more powerful 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.

The Wrangler Sport we tested is a good choice for those who want more power and a higher level of standard equipment. The 6-cylinder engine loses some fuel economy around town, but gets 21 mpg on the highway-matching the efficiency of the 4-cylinder.

The top-of-the-line Sahara comes with more features, more style and adds more than $2,000 to the bottom line.

Regardless of model, buyers who contemplate a lot of off-road driving can benefit from optional gas shock absorbers, locking rear differential, front tow hooks and heavy-duty battery and generator. Three different tire sizes are available, including huge 30x9.5x15 Goodyears designed for desert conditions. For all around use, especially snow and slush and rain, skinnier tires are a better bet. We think the best compromise are the optional P225/75R15 Goodyear Wranglers.

New colors for 1999 are Forest Green and Desert Sand. New interior colors include Camel and Agate; Sahara versions are available in a new combination of Camel and Dark Green. Soft and hard tops are available in a new Dark Tan.

One of the biggest decisions when buying a Wrangler is selecting the top. Purists prefer the soft top, a high-quality piece of equipment that can be configured according to the weather. Folding the top down takes only a third of the time it took before, and if a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the back country. The side curtains, however, can be a hassle in everyday use. Stopping at a toll booth in the rain can mean a lap full of water when the side curtain is unzipped.

We prefer the $755 optional hard top because of its practicality. The hard top provides more security for expensive gear; I was uncomfortable leaving Sage fly rods and expensive reels protected only by fabric and clear plastic. The hard top also offers better protection from weather. It comes with full-height doors and wind-up windows. Driving one at dawn through a violent thunderstorm felt dry and secure. Rearward visibility is aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced. The top can be removed and stored when not in use.

For those who want the best of both worlds, Jeep offers a package that includes both hard top and soft top in matching colors. Either top is far easier to remove or install than tops of years past and provides much better sealing from the elements.