2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport

The 2013 Wrangler is the go-anywhere SUV that competes with the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan Xterra, but it's really in a class of its own for open-air fun. It's a rough-and-tumble ride on pavement, but off-road it's unstoppable, with solid axles and serious ground clearance that let you crawl over rocks and through mud without breaking a sweat. The cabin is utilitarian and easy to hose out, and the removable top and doors turn it into a true open-air machine, though rear-seat space is tight and cargo room is minimal. Owners have reported leaky soft tops and finicky tire pressure sensors, so expect to keep an eye on those if you buy one. The Sport is the no-frills Wrangler for buyers who want the off-road capability without the Sahara's extra comfort features or the Rubicon's rock-crawling hardware. The 3.6L V6 makes 285 horsepower and pairs with the six-speed manual, and the part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case handles serious trails. The Sport comes with a manual transmission standard, and the manual windows and locks keep things simple and easy to fix in the field.