Rental report: Jeep Wrangler

This is the first of a three-part report. Also see the second and third parts.

The American automobile industry deals frequently in iconography. Cars like the Corvette, Charger, and the F-150 stand as tributes to the history of domestic iron. Similarly, the Pacer and the interior of any recent American auto stand as markers of product development gone awry. For better or worse, there undeniably exists many uniquely American icons in the past and present of Detroit and its sister cities.

Possibly the most predominant representation of America's auto history (certainly abroad) is the Jeep—and I'm pleased to say that the Jeep (now officially the Wrangler) is still one of the very best of Automobiling Americana's icons.

We rented this Jeep for our stay on Kauai for approximately twice the price of a typical rental econobox (advertised: Hyundai Accent) although there is absolutely no doubt that the added cost was worth it.

Even after only two days, this car has rewarded us with reasonable driving dynamics, incredible versatility, and loads of fun.

First things first—this car spends > 80% of its time on the road, so paved manners are important even though this is a 4x4. This Jeep hangs on significantly better than the older Jeeps (particularly the YJs) which are admittedly the last generation I've driven. The automatic transmission is one of the best 4-speed units I've driven, without hunting for gears, or with an intrusive torque converter. The suspension is capable on twisty roads although the solid front axle does predictably wander a fair amount at highway speeds. Speaking of highway speeds—the aerodynamics are awful, but I suppose that's expected for a car shaped like a brick.

Enough with the road—the versatility is really where the Jeep shines. The soft top is abosolutely invaluable in Kauai's tropical climate—we perpetually stowed the rear windows in the trunk, and on nice days, stuffed the whole top behind the back seat (it takes a bit over a minute). Actually, it takes more like ten minutes the first time, since the monkey-bar-like frame is far more awkward than a modern small convertible top. Figuring out what to detach and how to fold it (without a manual, mind you) is a little tricky.

But not even the soft top distinguishes the Jeep from the Mustands and the Sebring littering the rental lots on the Hawaiian islands. It's the Jeep's off-road capabilities that do that and without a doubt, the Jeep is the single most capable off-road vehicle in nearly any major rental fleet—Explorers and Hummers included.

But for that part of the report, you'll have to wait. We have more trails to hit first.