For 2006, Jeep has added more heavy-duty equipment to the base Unlimited model. An extended-wheelbase version introduced mid-2004, the Wrangler Unlimited models are designed to offer more room for people and cargo and improved handling and ride quality on the pavement while maintaining most of the shorter Wrangler's legendary off-road capability.

For 2006, Jeep has brought back the Golden Eagle package from the 1970s. Golden Eagle Wranglers feature two-tone premium seats with Golden Eagle logos; a painted center stack bezel; a Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle; 15-inch gold-finished aluminum wheels; and 30-inch tires; plus Golden Eagle hood, fender and spare tire decals.

For the ultimate in off-the-shelf, off-road capability, Jeep offers the Wrangler Rubicon. Jeep looked at the aftermarket modifications off-road enthusiasts were making to their Jeeps, and engineered many of those features into a turn-key vehicle you can buy (and finance) right off the showroom floor. Built with Jeep's "Go anywhere, do anything" design philosophy, the Rubicon is a 4x4 gem.

In any form, Wrangler remains an icon, a symbol of go-anywhere adventure. Although it's been re-engineered at least a half-dozen times over the past 60 years, the Wrangler is still as close as you can get to a direct descendent of the World War II-era Jeep.

Because the Wrangler is designed for off-road capability first with on-road behavior a secondary consideration, it is not the most practical everyday vehicle. And it is not be the best choice for someone drawn to it simply because it's cute. (And it is cute.) Getting in and out is awkward. The interior is spartan. The ride quality is rough by today's standards, though many don't mind it. And it doesn't handle very well, so it should be driven with care, particularly in the rain.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is available on most models. Four-wheel disc brakes are available for better stopping ability, and many convenience features are available.