Teresa’s View

Here’s something us old codgers never thought we’d live to see — a four-door Jeep Wrangler. Why, if the two-door version was good enough for the U.S. Army, it’s good enough … hey, the back seat is roomy enough for three medium-size adult types, and, oh, my gosh, are those power windows and door locks? Hey! Isn’t that a 368-watt Alpine stereo system with satellite radio and iPod integration on our Rubicon tester? Well, I guess I can keep an open mind.

But can a four-door Wrangler still stump-jump? Well, of the Unlimited’s three trims — the Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon — the Rubicon, named after California’s 22-miles of ruthless off-roadedness, is rated Category 10-Plus. It sports extra ground clearance, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, locking front and rear Dana axles, and 32-inch sidewall-reinforced tires — if you’ve ever changed a tire between a rock and a hard place, you’ll appreciate the benefit. A new Active Sway Bar System detaches the front anti-roll bar for additional wheel travel in certain beloved off-road conditions. Even some safety features have been modified to allow for a little fun. The Electronic Stability Program, for example, offers three modes — full on, full off and partial on.

A new 205-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 replaces the Wrangler’s previous inline six, while the four-cylinder engine was dropped altogether. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional.

Some sportsmen and women are still huffy about the center console that includes a spot for storing CDs, but eliminates the space often used for rifles. But before you get bent out of shape, yes, the doors are still removable and half-doors are an available option.

Aw, heck. The truth of the matter is that the majority of Wranglers, regardless of the number of doors, will spend more time on mean city streets than twisted trails. To make that ride more civilized, Jeep engineers relaxed the spring rates for a less bouncy ride and added sound-dampening features.

What Is It?: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a four-door, five-passenger convertible SUV. Oh hush. A two-door is still available. All but the Rubicon trim are available in either two- or four-wheel-drive. Prices start at just over $23K.

The Back Seat: The 90-degree slabs Jeep calls seats are hard and the short bottom cushion provides no thigh support, although the seat back does recline. The seats fold to a flat floor using a clever motion that calls for the headrests to automatically swing clear of the front seat.

Dropping Top: Anyone who’s wrestled with a Wrangler’s canvas top will rejoice at the new 3-piece modular hard top. (A soft top is also available.) Various pieces can be removed for a variety of top-down options from “all gone” to “just me and not you” or “just them and not us.”

Cheat Sheet: Jeep is a member of the DaimlerChrysler family.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Wrangler Unlimited is assembled in Toledo, Ohio.