2003 Jeep Wrangler - Review

MOAB, Utah — Located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, the Moab region is a national treasure, a geological wonder and the site for some of the best and most varied four-wheeling in the country. With thousands of miles of backcountry trails, most left over from mining days, 4WD enthusiasts can explore the mixed topography of deserts and canyons, with the 13,000-foot La Sal Mountains in the backdrop, and motor on trails that range from a difficulty of #1 (in our handbook, Unimproved or rarely graded roads, 4WD or extra clearance needed at times, with no special driving skill required) to a #5 (Locking differentials and tow hooks, front and rear, necessary. Winch urgently recommended-unless you travel with someone who has one and can pull you out. Expert driving skill is critical). 

DaimlerChrysler brought the 2003 Special Edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to Moab for a nine-day event dubbed the Easter Jeep Safari. Despite the fact that this vehicle is named after the famed Rubicon Trail, located in the high Sierras of northern California, Jeep folks wanted to give the 4WD motor press the opportunity to try out this trail-ready rig before the snows melt on the boulder-littered Rubicon Trail, which is often not until early summer.

Moab is considered by many somewhat of a Jeep Capital of the Country and this annual event, now in its 36th year, draws thousands of "Jeepers" to participate in trail rides by day and rubber-neck after the sun sets at the wide array of backcountry-capable rigs that show up for this event and parade along the streets of this town of nearly 5,000. Additionally, many aftermarket manufacturers take advantage of this annual event to showcase their wares to this captive audience of four-wheel-drive enthusiasts who drive on trails such as Hell's Revenge, Cliff Hanger, Metal Masher, and Top of the World, which travel through forest, desert, steep ravines and rims, rivers, mountains, and the famous Moab "slick rock."