Rubicon

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The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains) was introduced in 2003 and has been considered the best out of the box off road vecicle ever built. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, 4:1 low-range NP241OR transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16 inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245×75×R16 tires. All Rubicon models were equipped with the 4.0L I-6 engine. 2003 and 2004 featured the NV3550 manual transmission in the Rubicon while 2005 and 2006 modles used the NSG370 six speed. The 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006. Rubicon models also featured rear disc brakes, diamond plate rocker guards and wider fender flares. The Rubicon was available in Unlimited and short wheelbase versions.

A limited run of 1,000 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models were produced in 2003 to promote the Tomb Raider sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Along with the standard Rubicon fare, it also included exterior features such as 16 in. Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, Tomb Raider badging, and Mopar accessories including a light bar with small 55watt "driving" lights, riveted fender flares(looked like the bushwacker pocket flares), tubular grille guard, diamond-plated bumper guard, etc. Interior features included Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center, silver surround instrument panel bezel, red seatbelts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number. To match the vehicle in the film, it was offered in Bright Silver.

In 2007, the TJ Rubicon was replaced by the JK Wrangler Rubicon. JK Rubicons came factory equipped with Dana 44 axles featuring electrically actualted locking differentials with 4.10 gearing, 4:1 low range NV421 transfer case, electrically actuated front swaybar disconnects, 17 inch alloy wheels and 32 inch BF Goodrich MTR Tires. 2007 Rubicons were equipped with the 3.8 L EGH V6(205hp/240tq). As with the TJ models, JK Rubicons were avalable with the NSG370 six speed or a four speed automatic. Two and four door versions were offered.