There is no greater memory for a Jeep fanatic than buying their first Jeep. Except, of course, when they have to give it up for the bigger things in life such as settling down, paying a mortgage and buying diapers. This was the scenario for one friend, who loved the open-air lifestyle and freedom of his Jeep TJ. When it came time to buy a bungalow in the city, his other half insisted it was also time to give up the Jeep and shop for a more sensible family vehicle. Too bad the Unlimited, Jeep's first four-door Wrangler (and longest name: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4), wasn't around a few years ago. It would have been easy to upgrade to the rugged, go-anywhere ride while adding five-passenger practicality and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler. Or so one would think. Jeep fans are a hard lot to crack. Ask any of the 4x4 fanatics what could be done to improve their Jeep, and you're likely to hear, "not a thing." Especially when the change affects the classic Jeep, those that roll out of the Toledo, Ohio, plant, with signature seven-slot grilles, round headlamps and military-inspired bodies. These classic Jeeps have been going strong for more than 65 years; they are the bread and butter of the brand. They are Trail Rated and rugged, unlike the latest "Jeep lite" contributions, the Compass and Patriot. If you're wondering just how much room you'll find in the Unlimited, it's on par with a mid-size sport utility vehicle. The stretched Wrangler gets a 294-centimetre wheelbase, up 52 cm from the standard Jeep. Three months ago I test-drove the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara for the first time. It was February and Toronto had been doused in a winter storm. Roads had not yet been cleared, let alone parking lots. Yet the Jeep Unlimited, with its four-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance, soldiered on through the heavy snow while other vehicles spun in their tracks. Fast forward a few months, and snow is the last thought in mind. It's 30 degrees, and time for sun and fun – and that's just what the Unlimited delivers. During a two-day urban refresher drive last week, instead of feeling a chill (the Jeep's hardtop is not insulated), sun warmed up the cabin. After just 60 seconds of unlatching levers and hooks and popping off roof panels, the Unlimited turned into a four-door convertible thanks to the "Freedom Top," a hardtop roof with three potential sun ports: one over the driver, the other for the front passenger and the third over the rear seat. The task of dismantling the Freedom Top is in stark contrast to the labour involved in removing the hardtop completely and/or adding the soft top. An associate recently purchased a Wrangler Unlimited (the full-length Jeep comes in three trims, the entry-level X model, the premium-equipped Sahara and the "ultimate off-road rig," the Rubicon), and says he devoted three hours to removing the roof on the first go. Once behind the wheel of the Unlimited the ride was a far cry from the stereotypical Jeep. Though it felt harsher than typical family-oriented SUVs, it wasn't rude or crude – but smooth. That refined ride comes from tweaks in the housing: the frame, all new, is 100 per cent stiffer while the body becomes 50 per cent more rigid. The seats (covered in stain-resistant material) were more than palatable for a few hours of driving. The Unlimited felt firmly planted and far from tipsy on ramps. The turning circle wasn't bad, either. One of the most debatable features of the Unlimited is the 3.8-litre V6 that strums beneath the hood. It makes 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. True off-roaders argue that the engine produces enough pep. Those who drive the 1,972-kilogram Jeep in the city and on the highway, likely the case for most, will say the engine could be more powerful. I'm not a speed demon, but I'd like more juice for this Jeep. Paired to that V6 is an available four-speed automatic transmission or the (as-tested) six-speed manual. Like most trucks, throws are long in the standard transmission, and it feels primitive, though again, this is an indication that no change is a good thing for Jeep fans. The clutch was also a point of contention: nail 'er down hard to ensure you don't stall. Inside Jeep fans will either be impressed or upset with the standard upgrades. All of the conveniences are planted in the Sahara: air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, temperature and compass gauge, speed control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 outlet. Climbing into the back seat of the Unlimited is an easy chore, the 90-degree hinged door opens wide and once there, the legroom is good, headroom is lofty. Getting out is tough. You have to stretch your leg out the door – trying to find or avoid the side step, whatever works best – though inevitably your thigh will graze the rear fender. Those with a car-seat-aged child, however, will appreciate the extra rear doors. The Unlimited's stretched wheelbase makes for nearly double the cargo room of a Wrangler, enough to carry an adult bicycle, without removing a wheel, when the rear seats, split 60/40, are folded flat. For that expanding family who loves a backcountry adventure (the doors are removable, the windshield folds down and skid plates protect the underbody), there's a child seat anchor system, multi-stage airbags, anti-lock braking, brake assist, electronic rollover mitigation and electronic stability program. The Wrangler Unlimited Sahara is for Jeep lovers who have to grow up but still want to rough it. At a starting price of $24,495 (compared with $19,995 for the two-door model), it's affordable enough to be able to pay the mortgage on time, stock up on diapers and live the lifestyle of the free – without compromise.
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