Retro before retro was cool, the Jeep Wrangler has an undeniable and undying appeal. It represents American adventure, authenticity, and audacity. Plus it’s almost unstoppable no matter what the terrain. Now, with the addition of a new extended-length Unlimited model to the lineup that starts just under $25,000 and rises to about $30,000 before options, it’s easier to make any trip a Jeep Thing with two extra passengers.

When it comes to convertibles, you can’t buy a vehicle more exposed to the elements than the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Once you’ve wrenched open the latches holding the top secure to the windshield, you can either enjoy the Sunrider sunroof feature or tackle the maze of zippers and snaps that comprise the convertible top. Either way, wind is going to blast the cabin no matter what speed you’re traveling, especially if you remove the doors and fold the windshield down. Because the convertible top takes minutes rather than seconds to raise or lower, leave yourself a cushion of time to get the Wrangler buttoned up before it rains, or you’ll need a change of clothes before continuing the journey.

We think the Jeep Wrangler is plenty of fun to drive, even though it performs terribly on paved roads and is among the most uncomfortable vehicles for sale today, because it’s a distinctly unique driving experience. This Jeep is noisy, rough riding, and difficult to enter and exit. Operating the manual shifter is like rowing the towering stick of a school bus, but our test car came with a four-speed automatic hooked up to the Unlimited’s standard 195-horsepower, 4.0-liter inline six, with which we managed to extract just 15.1 mpg. The Wrangler lurches, rocks and tosses about on its short wheelbase and stiff suspension, though the Unlimited’s 10-inch stretch between the front and rear tires does smooth the ride out some. Steering is utterly lifeless yet transmits so much road shock you might as well be gripping a jackhammer. Interior materials rank sub-par, the front seats are mounted low and stuffed full of mushy foam, and the cabin drones like seat 25A on a Boeing 757 – and that’s with the hard top installed. Think Douglas DC-3 with the soft top.

But you know what? We love this damn thing anyway.