2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Road Test

by Bob Plunkett

A rough trace cut through the Tillamook State Forest in Oregon's rugged Coast Ranges presents a challenge for four-wheeling through tall timber.

There are big rocks and deep ruts to overcome, barricades of felled tree trunks to bump across, steep inclines to scale, rock-littered creek beds to wade and oodles of tire-sucking mud to traverse.

Run this trail in a new 2012 Wrangler Rubicon by Jeep, and this sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle will quickly dispel all daunting trail fears and build driver confidence with a demonstration of its amazing off-road prowess.

Wrangler traces in concept and heritage to the original off-road Willys MB "jeep" vehicle of World War II fame.

A modern interpretation appeared in 1987 to replace the CJ series, while a fresh design in 1997 brought a progressive suspension system and strong ladder-frame chassis with superior ground clearance and generous angles of approach and departure, all necessary for moving into off-road recesses where conventional vehicles cannot tread. Full Review