What the Jeep Wrangler lacks in driving refinement, it makes up for in choice.

Two doors or four? Hardtop or soft? What about a V-6, a turbo four-cylinder, a monster V-8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain? All that and more is available for mixing and matching. Sure, the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner offer more comfort and better on-road manners, but that’s not what attracts folks to the Wrangler. It is its reputation for off-roading distilled, improved over the years with the availability of things like power windows and air conditioning—and now even decent infotainment—but retaining the look, character, and capability that date back to its inception as part of the WWII war effort. You’ll have to get past the vague steering, bumpy ride, and tight interior if you want to make one your daily driver, so we suggest a test drive before signing on the dotted line. But a Wrangler and you’ll then be inducted into a not-so-rare group of enthusiasts who wave to each other with a knowing glance that says, “we’re all in this together.”