2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Review | Buying Guide
The Wrangler Rubicon should come with a warning sticker attached to it. The sticker should read something like this: “Please do not purchase this vehicle unless you intend to do some serious off-roading. And by off-roading, we’re not talking about splashing through a couple deep puddles; we’re talking about the heavy stuff.”
With the Rubicon, you have a Wrangler that is crafted solely for heavy off-road use. Every aspect of the vehicle is tailored to withstand harsh terrain. Later in the year, Jeep will offer an extended-length Unlimited Rubicon model as well.
Among its many features, the Rubicon uses Goodyear Wrangler “Maximum Traction/Reinforced” 31-inch tall tires with a tread pattern that wraps around the sidewall to help grab ledges along the trail. This state-of-the-art off-road tire includes a three-ply sidewall and advanced silica compound for excellent durability and puncture resistance.
Under the Hood
The 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Unlimited Rubicon use a 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. It produces 190 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. The I6 can be had with the new 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic system.
The Rubicon’s off-road system includes locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles, four-wheel disc brakes and a 4:1 low-range transfer case. The exclusive Rock-Trac transfer case uses a 4:1 “low range” that slows vehicle speed to give the driver more control, while increasing the amount of torque available at the wheels.
In addition, the front and rear axles include “air-actuated” Tru-Lok locking differentials to maximize traction. There is no slipping with this beast.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
LT245/75R16 tires add an extra half-inch of ground clearance to Jeep Rubicon models. Like the Wrangler Sport, the Rubicon also offers such standard features as air conditioning, full metal doors with roll-up windows, a full-length center console and an AM/FM CD player.
To distinguish the Rubicon models, Jeep gives them a unique look. Their exterior design cues include heavy gauge diamond-plate sill guards, 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels and a “Rubicon” graphic placed prominently on each side of the hood.
Options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a lockable storage feature and a security group package. It adds an a utomatic day/night rearview mirror, a compass, an outside-temperature indicator and a theft-deterrent system.
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