The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Review
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The big news at Jeep in 2007 was the complete redesigned of the Jeep Wrangler, and the introduction of the first four-door Wrangler, the Unlimited. The 2007 is the most civilized, comfortable, convenient, powerful, and off-road-capable Jeep ever made. The ’07 Wrangler is available in a variety of trims, including the Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited also comes as an X, Sahara or Rubicon. All come with the new 3.8-liter V6 engine with 198 horsepower and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. A lot more content has been added for 2007, especially in the areas of comfort, safety and convenience; and there has been an average price reduction of $1200 down the line. The Wrangler Unlimited is a jeep a lot of people have been waiting for, it's a perfect fit for the times. It doesn't change the character of Wrangler at all, it just makes the vehicle more attainable, and more desirable for many. It's much more comfortable and convenient, and holds way more stuff, including passengers.
Jeep Wrangler Power
The Rubicon trim has heavy-duty axles, a Rock-Trac transfer case with extra-low gearing, and electronically locking front and rear differentials. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, which fits the Wrangler's personality quite well; the four-speed automatic overdrive is for those who appreciate convenience more than aesthetics. Properly equipped, this Jeep can tow 3500 pounds. The new 3.8-liter V6 that comes standard on all Wranglers is an overhead valve engine. It replaces the old 2.4-liter DOHC four and venerable 4.0-liter overhead-valve inline-6.
Driving the Wrangler
The Wrangler, especially in Rubicon trim, is pretty much unstoppable in off-road situations. The Wrangler X uses 16-inch Goodyear Wrangler STs, also on/off-road, but the shocks are low-pressure, so that combination might offer the best ride, with the standard Sahara setup somewhere in between the two. Standard on the Sahara are 17-inch Goodyear Wrangler SRA on/off-road tires with those shocks. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler's body structure is stiffer than before and works in conjunction with enhanced suspension and steering tuning to provide a more refined on-road experience. Still, on city streets, the Wrangler is pretty bouncy, and out on the freeway it can feel squiggly over pavement changes. The only limitation with the Unlimited is its turning radius of 41.2 feet versus 34.9 feet with the two-door.
Design for 2007
Like all other model years, the 2007 Wrangler looks just like a Jeep; the redesign avoided changing the classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille or upright fold-down windshield, although the windshield is slightly curved, for the first time on a Jeep, for better aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. Although the wheelbase of the '07 Wrangler has been stretched by 2 inches, the vehicle is 2.6 inches shorter overall, thanks to reduced overhangs and new bumpers. And it's 5.5 inches wider, with a 3.4-inch wider track. The standard soft top is improved for easier removal and installation. The Sunrider soft top slides back half way, like a huge sunroof over the front seats. The three-piece modular hardtop (Freedom Top) found on some Wranglers has two front panels that easily pop on and off like a T-top, and are stored behind the rear seat. Wide spaced frame rails cradle the fuel tank between the wheels. Three skid plates protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.
Inside the Jeep Wrangler
The extra width is a plus as it provides additional shoulder and hip room for both front and rear passengers. This has been done before, but this time it happens to be topped with the Wrangler's first four-door body style. Additional sound insulation and new top designs reduce wind noise. The regular Wrangler has a small backseat for two passengers, while the Unlimited's roomier rear seat accommodates three people. In front, the Wrangler disappoints due to small cupholders, a lack of storage space, characterless analog gauges, cheap-feeling climate-control knobs and plenty of budget-themed plastic on the dash and doors. The comfortable high-back front seats, using a handsome stain-resistant gray or khaki-colored fabric in the Sahara and Rubicon, offer 5.1 inches more shoulder room and 4.6 inches more hip room than previous models. The removable rear seat provides 3.9 inches more shoulder room, 1.6 inches more hip room and 1 inch more leg room for each of the two passengers. As for the larger Unlimited, Jeep claims that its 86.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded flat. In the rear seat, the Unlimited offers 1.6 more inches of leg room and a whopping 12 inches more hip room. That huge difference is because in the regular Wrangler, the rear passengers sit directly over the axle and between the wheel wells; in the Unlimited, the axle is located behind them.
Safety Features
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is safer than any other previous model. Seat-mounted front side air bags are optional with some models. Front seat-mounted side airbags are optional. Standard safety features also include side impact door beams and an energy-absorbing steering column. The Sahara models offer electronic stability and electronic roll mitigation.
Summary
For those who love the Jeep Wrangler, it can’t get better than this. Lots of options, lots of comfort and ability, and finally a four door version, the 2007 Wrangler is trail worthy, yet capable on road. Use it as a family car, a daily commuter, and a fun weekend vehicle, it does it all. Read a Car and Driver review of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler for more research.
