It's a long way from Omaha Beach to Malibu Beach, and today's basic Jeep really isn't the same vehicle that helped save civilization some 60 years ago. But even though the original 1941 part numbers are long gone, somehow the persona of the Jeep has remained the same: A light, compact, but rugged truck, capable of scouting uncertain terrain, and burdened with a minimum of bodywork.At various times it's been called the Universal Jeep, the CJ (for Citizen's Jeep), and, since 1987, the Wrangler. The current model, which debuted in 1997, is by our count at least five generations removed from the World War II original. But it's still the hot setup for off-roading, the undisputed king of mud, swamp, and sand. At the same time, it's also much easier to live with than ever before. Wrangler is still no Cadillac, but it is quieter, roomier and more comfortable than any of its predecessors. It rides better. It handles better. It's even more capable off-road. It's still affordable.Click here to read more