MotorMouths

the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited manages to add two doors and still keep all of its iconic looks without sacrificing its abilities.

Off the road, the Jeep Wrangler will chew up almost any terrain in front of it. It relishes every opportunity to get dirty. On the road, it feels like a nice SUV with a smooth ride.

No, the new Wrangler isn’t perfect. You may have to wait for the next generation for more power, more gears and better gas mileage. But the most glaring foibles have been worked out and its pure design remains undiluted.

Some compromises — vague steering, a high step-in height, bluff aerodynamics — are worth making because they’re necessitated by the Wrangler’s mission. Others — a weak and noisy engine, a cheap interior — are not.

A new drivetrain and recent upgrades make the 2012 Jeep Wrangler more appealing for the true believers — and maybe even some agnostics — but they won’t be enough to sway nonbelievers.

Archaic technical details duly noted, the Wrangler has plenty going for it. Jeep’s legendary 4×4 represents a rare confluence of history, practicality and fun. It’s the strangest car that we all take for granted.

Though more civilized than ever, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler remains a no-nonsense American icon. Its quirky character and unique off-road abilities continue to hold appeal.

The 2012 Wrangler hasn’t changed its basic and most-loved features, and it’s remarkably tolerable. The new V-6 is smooth, pulls hard, and is nearly Lexus-quiet at low speeds. And I actually have room to stretch my arms and legs.

With a terrific new powertrain, the Wrangler has fully arrived. It’s win-win with improvements to comfort, handing, power, smoothness and fuel economy.

While the Jeep Wrangler may not be our first choice for commuting, it would be our first choice for a weekend of off-road adventures. There’s still no other vehicle that offers this much capability at this price point.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4×4 retains the off-road chops that make this model legendary, but adds creature comforts that make it an adequate, though not particularly good, daily driver.

The 2012 Wrangler’s new drivetrain and the suspension changes that accompany it make it a Jeep to savor. Not only can you still do hardcore Jeep things — slam around off-road, take off the doors and the top, fold down the windshield — but now you also can take it home to meet the family.