1997-2003 Jeep TJ Wrangler

The current TJ-series Wrangler represents the most significant technical update to the WWII-styled automotive icon to date.

Adding to the newfound civility in the coil-spring undercarriage are the car-like dash and HVAC controls, along with the four-star safety rating gleaned by the addition of airbags. Yet the Wrangler is still a basic vehicle--rubber mats, no power seats, windows, locks, or mirrors--and that's just the way Jeep aficionados love it. This is the template from which the entire off-road-vehicle class emerged.

All Wranglers have part-time four-wheel-drive systems with two-speed transfer cases. This, plus the short overall length and minimal overhangs, gives the Wrangler an almost unstoppable nature off-road, but provides a somewhat bouncy ride on anything but smooth pavement.

Problems are surprisingly few for such an off-road-capable vehicle. Powertrains include the 2.5-liter four-cylinder OHV motor, with anywhere between 110 and 120 horsepower depending on vintage, and the 4.0-liter straight-six with 190 horsepower. Both had a three-speed automatic until '03, when a long-awaited four-speed took its place. Neither, however, is preferred by the majority of Jeep buyers, who most often choose the standard five-speed manual. The four is okay for commuting and short hops, but comes up breathless on the highway as well as being loud mechanically. The new-for-'03 2.4-liter DOHC four sourced from the Liberty SUV adds 27 horsepower and isn't a bad choice for those on a tighter budget.

Anyone expecting off-road use should go for the six with the manual, as its flexibility and torque are well-known advantages, plus on the highway, this combination minimizes shifting and passing-maneuver angst.