No vehicle is more instantly recognizable throughout the world than the Jeep Wrangler. That remains true in spite of the fact that nearly every body panel was redesigned for 1997 for a softer, gentler appearance.The open fenders, flip-down windshield, big grille, plastic side curtains and exposed hinges and fasteners are still there, giving the Wrangler that rugged, no-nonsense look that has appealed to us for more than 50 years.
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 means unzipping the window and folding it inside; water runs off the window and your pants get wet while you pay the toll.