2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

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. Stepping up to the Sahara from the Sport adds body-colored fenders and a hardtop option, giving it a more polished look without losing any off-road ability. The 3.6L V6 makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and with the six-speed manual and four-wheel drive you get a torquey, low-geared powertrain that crawls well but returns 18 mpg combined.