The Unlimited shrugs off mortal vehicles' limits not only when it comes to the trails, but also in its combination of sport and utility. It one-ups regular Wranglers with its added length, giving more room for cargo and rear-seat passengers.
The Unlimited distributes its additional 15 inches this way: 13 inches to the cargo area and 2 inches more legroom in the backseat. Its overall look also makes it stand out in the parking lot, garnering more looks and waves and shouts from fellow Jeep aficionados.
A 4.0-liter I-6 furnishes the Unlimited with 190 horses, enough to satisfy most buyers. When properly equipped, the Unlimited can tow up to 3500 pounds. The shocks on the 2006 are improved over previous years', resulting in a smoother ride that user reviewers made note of. A Quadra-Coil suspension, Trac-Loc differential, Dana 44 rear axle, tow hooks, skid plates, and Command-Trac 4WD transfer case make it complete and ready to leave pavement far behind. Air conditioning and fog lamps were also standard.
Although it would be another year, at the start of the new generation, before Wranglers contained safety features such as standard-equipment ABS and traction and stability control, the 2006s all had driver and passenger air bags and energy-absorbing foam in the sport bars and windshield trim (as well as the optional hard top).
The Unlimited trims came with a Sunrider soft top, a folding number that can be set up in various positions, including one that mimics a large, open sunroof. A hard top with full-steel doors with tinted-glass windows was made available as an option, as were side step-rails.
Gas mileage only reached a disappointing but not surprising 14 city/18 highway, but most buyers of this vehicle were well aware and accepting of that stat. For them the frequent fill-ups are made worthwhile by the fun they have off-road at playtime.
Tuners love the Unlimited because it's so easy and inexpensive to customize, plus its maintenance is relatively simple, pleasing DIYers. Problems reported with leaky tops, windshields, and AC drain hose leaks.
