Main Menu Vehicle Trails Mechanicals TJ/LJ Mods JK Mods Gallery
2005 Press Release

2005 PRESS RELEASE

With unmatched off-road capability, the 2005 Jeep® Wrangler lineup continues to grow the Jeep legend with new options for Jeep enthusiasts. For 2005, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds a new Rubicon model (late availability), allowing hard-core Wrangler Unlimited owners to “Go Anywhere, Do Anything and Bring Everything.”

Also adding more capability for Jeep in 2005, all Jeep Wranglers feature an all-new six-speed manual transmission. A new Premium package is available on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Premium package features new and unique cloth seats, silver painted center stack and instrument cluster bezels, bright grille and body color fender flares. Also new for 2005 is an optional six-disc in-dash CD changer system (late availability).

No vehicle illustrates the legendary Jeep 4x4 capability better than the Wrangler, the heart and soul of the Jeep brand. Wrangler is the icon of the brand, offering open-air fun and freedom with award-winning off-road capability to young buyers, seasoned off-road enthusiasts and those who are young at heart. With the addition of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in 2004, Jeep has delivered the joys of “Jeeping” to new customers.

“The Jeep Wrangler and the Wrangler Unlimited are the heart and soul of the Jeep brand,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President—Jeep. “We have expanded the rugged appeal of the standard Wrangler to a whole new group of Jeep enthusiasts with the Wrangler Unlimited and now the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. The Wrangler Unlimited builds on the unique elements of the original Wrangler and continues to deliver a true emotional connection to Jeep customers. But with the Unlimited, Wrangler now appeals to a broader range of core customers who require more space.”

All Jeep Wranglers wear the Jeep Trail Rated® badge, indicating that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, circulation and water fording.

2005 JEEP® WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON: THE LEGEND GROWS AGAIN
Building upon the success of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon takes extreme off-roading to a new level.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model builds on the award-winning capability of Wrangler Rubicon with an off-road system that 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. Not only is this premier off-road package fully synthesized by Jeep engineers, it’s an exceptional value to customers.

“The Wrangler Rubicon was too popular with Jeep owners not to expand it to the successful Wrangler Unlimited,” said Bell. “With the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, we brought the Jeep sense of freedom and adventure to a new customer who required more space. The standard wheelbase Wrangler Rubicon continues as the ultimate off-road Wrangler, but both are rigs that are ready for serious off-road trails—and at a significant savings, compared to the costs of modifying the vehicle with aftermarket hardware.”

The Rubicon editions feature a Rock-Trac™ transfer case with 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. The Wrangler Rubicon also features Goodyear Wrangler “Maximum Traction/Reinforced” 31-inch tall tires with a beefy 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. The LT245/75R16 tires add an extra half-inch of ground clearance to the Jeep Rubicon models.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Unlimited Rubicon feature unique exterior design cues that 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.

JEEP: UNLIMITED POTENTIAL
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds versatility to the Jeep icon, with 15 inches added to its overall length. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited delivers 13 inches more cargo area and two inches more second-row leg room, while maintaining the unmatched open-air fun and 4x4 capability of the original Jeep Wrangler.

“Jeep owners don’t want us to change a thing on their Jeep vehicles, but the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited holds true to the ideals of Wrangler and instantly becomes a formidable part of the family,” said Bell. “The Wrangler Unlimited delivers all that is Wrangler, but with more space for passengers and cargo, and a broader appeal.”

MORE ROOM, VERSATILITY AND COMFORT
While maintaining its legendary 4x4 Jeep capability, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers more refined, on-road comfort and quietness because of its longer 103-inch wheelbase—10 inches longer than the original Wrangler.

The versatility and functionality is increased with the additional 13 inches of space behind the second row, giving the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited double the amount of cargo capacity. The additional two inches in the second row provide more leg and knee room for passengers. Access to the second row is also improved with tip and slide front seats added to the driver’s side.

In addition to a more refined ride, the longer wheelbase contributes to the Wrangler Unlimited’s best-in-segment towing capability of 3,500 lbs., which is 1,500 lbs. more than the standard Wrangler.

OPEN-AIR FUN, 4x4 CAPABILITY AND NO COMPROMISES
Jeep Wrangler continues as the only open-air sport-utility vehicle with legendary Jeep 4x4 capability.
“We continue to sell Jeep Wranglers to off-road enthusiasts—the opinion leaders who recognize there is no substitute for the original—as well as younger buyers and those who want the fun, freedom and ultimate four-wheel drive capability for their second or third vehicle,” said Bell. “The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited broadens that appeal, and solidifies Wranglers as one-of-a-kind vehicles with no real competitors. No other vehicle can match the emotional connection with the outdoors and the excitement of driving with the top down, doors off and, if desired, the windshield down on the trails.”

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler lineup includes short wheelbase Wranglers in SE, X, Sport and Rubicon models, and the long wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited. Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is new for 2005 (late availability).

The Jeep Wrangler lineup for 2005 includes SE, X, Sport, Unlimited and Rubicon soft top models. A hard top with full steel doors, roll-up windows and tinted glass is available on X, Sport, Unlimited and Rubicon models. Also optional on Sport and Rubicon models is a dual-top package that includes both a hard top and soft top in matching colors. Additionally, the Wrangler Sport model is available in right-hand versions for North American markets in order to accommodate a variety of purposes, including rural postal delivery and parking enforcement.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features include a new option for open-air fun with an innovative new Sunrider™ soft top, which includes a “sun roof” feature in addition to the full top-down option. This new soft top gives a second open-air option by folding the soft-top back completely over driver and front passenger to create a 45x23 inch sun roof opening—larger than any typical glass sun roof. The sun roof can also be operated from the inside of the Wrangler Unlimited, once the vehicle is stopped.

The Sunrider soft top includes larger, deep-tinted side windows, giving second-row passengers a better view. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is also available with a hard top and larger, deep-tinted rear windows, as well as rear defroster and rear window wiper and washer.

RUGGED AND DURABLE POWER
The Jeep Wrangler X, Sport, Unlimited and Rubicon models feature as standard equipment the 4.0-liter Power Tech™ I-6 mated to a new-for-2005 six-speed manual transmission or available 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter engine is rated at 190-horsepower (142 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque at 3,200 rpm.

The Jeep Wrangler SE is equipped with the 2.4-liter Power Tech I-4 engine, which is the same engine that powers the Jeep Liberty. The 2.4-liter engine provides 147 horsepower (112 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. (224 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm, and is available with the six-speed manual transmission only. Wrangler SE is also available for the first time with the 190-horsepower (142 kW) 4.0-liter engine. Jeep Wrangler X, Sport and Wrangler Unlimited models include a Quadra-Coil suspension and a Command-Trac® four-wheel drive transfer case.

Safety features standard on all Jeep Wranglers include next-generation air bags, a driver’s side constant force retractor, self-adjusting low-tension three-point belts, height-adjustable shoulder belts and energy-absorbing foam in the sport bar and trim around the windshield and back of the hard top.

For 2005, the Jeep Wrangler adds two new exterior colors—Impact Orange and Deep Beryl Green. The Jeep Wrangler Sahara model is no longer offered in 2005.
Sold in 100 countries, Jeep Wrangler is available in right- and left-hand drive versions. Jeep Wrangler is built at DaimlerChrysler’s Toledo (Ohio) Stickney Avenue assembly plant.

2005 WRANGLER FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

MODEL AVAILABILITY
Revised short-wheelbase lineup: SE, X, Sport and Rubicon

FUNCTIONAL
New six-speed manual transmission replaces five-speed manual
3.73 axle ratio packaged with automatic transmission
Dana 44 rear axle packaged with 30-inch tires

CHASSIS
Full-size spare tire made standard on all models
Full-face steel wheel made standard on SE, X and Sport

BODY
Medium Gray replaces Black as color for top and fender flares
New Neutral Density fender flares for Rubicon
Deep tint glass standard on Sport and Rubicon (paired with hard top)
Paint: Impact Orange replaces Solar Yellow
Paint: Deep Beryl Green Pearl Coat replaces Shale Green

INTERIOR
Air conditioning made standard on Sport and Rubicon
Convenience Group made standard on X
Seven-speaker system made standard on Sport and Rubicon
Six-disc in-dash CD changer optional (not available with SE) (late availability)
New Premium Audio Group (six-disc in-dash CD changer and seven-speaker system) optional on X
New Security Group (electrochromic rearview mirror and Sentry Key®); Optional on Sport, Rubicon
New Brake and Traction Group (four-wheel disc brakes and Trac-Lok®(a)); Optional on Sport (must have 30-inch tires); standard on Rubicon and Tru-Lok replaces Trac-Lok
(a) Trac-Lok is a registered trademark of Spicer Technology, Inc.


2005 WRANGLER UNLIMITED FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Premium version of Unlimited (2TH) added with bright exterior grille, body color fender flares, premium cloth seats and silver-painted instrument panel bezel
Rubicon Unlimited added (late availability)
New six-speed manual transmission replaces five-speed manual
Medium Gray replaces Black as color for Top and Fender Flare for Unlimited
Medium Gray is the only Fender Flare and top color available with Unlimited Premium
Neutral Density new color for Fender Flare on Rubicon (not available on Unlimited)
Paint: Impact Orange replaces Solar Yellow
Paint: Deep Beryl Green Pearl Coat replaces Shale Green
Seven speaker system made standard on Unlimited 2TH and Rubicon
Six-disc in-dash CD Changer optional on all Unlimited models (late availability)
Four-wheel disc brakes standard to Unlimited
Trac-Lok differential standard to Unlimited
Tru-Lok™ differentials standard to Rubicon Unlimited
New Premium Audio Group (six-disc in-dash CD changer and seven-speaker system)
New Security Group (electrochromic rearview mirror and Sentry Key®) optional (included with Unlimited 2TH)

WRANGLER PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2004 MODEL YEAR
Wrangler Unlimited introduced
Right-hand-drive model available for U.S. retail market
New 30-inch spare tire cover with Sahara logo
Optional locking fuel cap
CD player now standard on X, Sport, Sahara and Rubicon
Tilt steering standard on all models

2003 MODEL YEAR
Wrangler Rubicon model added
2.4-liter Power Tech™ DOHC, 16-valve I-4 engine replaces 2.5-liter engine
42RLE four-speed automatic transmission with skid plate is optional with 2.4-liter and 4.0-liter engines
Optional four-wheel disc brakes
Sideview mirror redesign
New front and rear seats
Interior Upper Head Impact Protection to meet 2003 federal standard
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)

2002 MODEL YEAR
Wrangler X model added
All-new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system
Premium audio system adds front tweeters

2001 MODEL YEAR
Four-ply soft top
Amplified subwoofer—Optional with all radios
New anti-lock brake system
Long-life 100,000-mile engine coolant
New steering column tilt mechanism
User-ready child seat anchorage system
Plastic Add-a-Trunk

2000 MODEL YEAR
NV3550 five-speed manual transmission with synchronized Reverse—4.0-liter engine
4.0-liter engine modifications for lower emissions and improved durability
Child seat tether anchorages included with rear seat
4.0-liter engine meets Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) requirements in CA, ME, MA, NY, VT and the Northeast Trading Region states

1999 MODEL YEAR
Rotary air conditioning controls with bi-level mode
Optional AM/FM stereo radio with CD player (mid-year introduction)
2.5-liter engine meets Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standards where required
Next-generation driver and front passenger air bags(a)
Passenger air bag cutoff switch (May 1998 introduction)(b)

1998 MODEL YEAR
Sentry Key® theft-deterrent system available (November 1997 introduction)
4.0-liter Power Tech engine meets Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standards where required
Dual Top Group (spring 1997 introduction)

1997 MODEL YEAR
All-new, refined exterior body panels and hardware
Quadra-Coil Suspension
Contemporary interior appearance
New frame with outstanding torsional and bending stiffness

(a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children.
(b) Important—Always remove key and replace cover. Rearward-facing child seats may be used in the front seat only with the passenger air bag turned off.
Driver and passenger air bags

1994 MODEL YEAR
Three-speed automatic transmission available with 2.5-liter engine

1993 MODEL YEAR
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes available

1991 MODEL YEAR
4.0-liter Power Tech, OHV, 12-valve SMPI I-6 “Power-Tech Six” engine replaces 4.2-liter engine

1988 MODEL YEAR
Sahara model introduced

1987 MODEL YEAR
Initial introduction

This page last updated: 16-Apr-2008

Content and Design © 2002-present WanderingTrail,  Ronald Seegert
Common Sense and Safety should always be observed when working on your vehicle or doing modifications. Jackstands, wheel blocks, disconnecting the battery are a few of the basic safety precautions that should be used and may not be mentioned in the write ups on this site. You are responsible for your own installation, these write ups are a helpful guideline and should not be taken as an official installation instruction. My write up may be different from the kits currently out there, so alwasy double check the manufacturers installation instructions when installing anything. I try to keep the site up to date with changes that have occured as I discover them, but may not have the latest unless someone lets me know. If you feel that an install is above your capabilities after reading my write ups, I recommend getting together with a club and getting some help. Only a few times have I needed to employe some actual help from a shop to get something done. Usually welding or A/C work. While I have spent many years working on mechanical systems, I am not an expert, nor do I pretend to be one. I hope these write ups have been useful to you.
All trademarked names & logos are property of their respective owners
This site is in no way associated with FCA.
Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA.