What Model to Buy, For the First Timer Buyer

What Model to Buy, For the First Timer Buyer
February 25,2013 

      You've finally decided that its time to live out that dream of owning your very own Jeep Wrangler but your new to the field. You've went to your local Jeep dealer, you've walked through the lot looking at the Jeeps they have, some say, "Sport", "X", "Unlimited", "Sahara", or "Rubicon", and your thinking, "why so many models". Today, I'd like to talk about some of the features and the differences between each model.

      Back in 1987, the Jeep brand was purchased by Chrysler, and it wasn't really until 1997, that they began to indentify each of the Wranglers they produced with different model names. They had such names as the SE, Sport, and the Sahara from 1997 to 2003. Starting in 2003, is when the model names began to become the standard on into today. Today you have the Wrangler X, Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Unlimited, and Rubicon. And sometimes you may even have two or even three of the model packages mixed in together, such as the Rubicon Unlimited. Chrysler has produced special edition models as will but I won't cover them today, only the standard models you will mostly see sitting on your local dealership lot.

      The Wrangler X is what is considered as your entry level, base model Wrangler. You have the option to customize is with some higher end model features if you like. With the Wrangler X, get such things as, base model steel wheels, basic interior, most of the time a soft top is standard equipment. Today, with the newer Wranglers, they have discontinued the Wrangler X name in favor for simply the Sport. This paticular model is perfect for the guy or gal on a budget or who wants to customize their Jeep by saving model to buy after market accessories.

     The Sport or now days, Sport S, is the next step up in the Wrangler trim package line. With this paticular model, you get alluminum wheels, the option to have both soft or hard tops, cruise control, heated seats, heated mirror, power windows and locks, middle grade sound system with the option to upgrade to the higher end navigation system, leather seats, and many other cool options.

      The Sahara is the model for those whom like a little taste of luxury in his or her four wheel drive. With the Sahara, you get such things as matching body colored fender flares, upgraded style alluminum wheels, leather heated seats, power window and locks, high end garmin navigation audio system, down hill assist, heated mirrors, and the list keeps going on. The Sahara is Chryslers way of letting one ride in style in a Jeep Wrangler.

      The Rubicon was Chryslers answer for the hardcore folks that love to off road their Jeeps. With the Rubicon, you get all the interior features of the Sport or Sport S, and the Sahara models if you so choose. But the beautiful part with the Rubicon is not its interior, its its exterior that makes is unique. With the Rubicon you get stronger front and rear axles, a rocktrac transfer case, diamond plate body skid plates, Rubicon badging on each side of the hood, locking front and rear axles, electronic sway bar disconnects, and bigger wheels and tires. The Rubicon is a monster of machine  straight off the factory floor four wheel drive as it is.      

     The Wrangler Unlimited was Chryslers answer for larger familys, whom still want the joys of owning a Wrangler. The Unlimited is their four door model, which can come in any of the trim packages mentioned above. The longer wheel base also helps these Wranglers out by providing somewhat of a smoother ride than two door models, and the extra room is also alot nicer for groceries or storing all your camping equipment on weekend get aways.


       Will there you have it, your more knowledged about the different trim packages, and model of Jeep Wranglers and are hopefully ready to head on down to your local Jeep dealership. Also, if you still seek more knowledge about the different models, ask questions, search the internet, and read all you can before making your first purchase. Happy Jeeping Guys.