The Wrangler Unlimited was put into assembly partly because Chrysler received
over 300 comment letters from 2002 Camp Jeep(R) participants, tremendously positive,
asking when it would be made and how much it would cost. It only took 18 months
to bring the Unlimited to the market, though the Jeep people had been considering
a longer wheelbase Wrangler, they didn't do it until Egyptian Jeep sellers asked
for a longer TJ. The 22 inch longer wheelbase TJL went on sale in Cairo in August
2003.
The American version was done expeditiously, and at nearly 20% less cost than
budgeted, thanks partly to durability testing and on-road miles for Egypt. 9,000
orders were placed before the Wrangler Unlimited's debut. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
stretches the length of the standard Wrangler by 15 inches, delivering 13 inches
more cargo area, doubling the standard Wrangler, and two inches more second row
leg room. Cargo volume went from 9 to 29 cubic feet. The Unlimited is a real Wrangler,
perfectly happy toying with the rocks and plunging in the mud and stream, but
more civilized on the highway and competent of carrying four people and their
stuff. It's a unique vehicle, and its owners like it that way.
