2007 Jeep Wrangler: Late to the Event, the Unlimited Makes a Splash!
Summary
For years folks have had a love affair with the Jeep Wrangler. It was cute
and cuddly in a crude sort of way, and it was rugged enough to climb up hills,
over boulders and logs and through streams.
The motto "Only in a Jeep" could just as well have been "Anywhere in a Jeep."
Full Review 2007
Jeep's iconic off-roader has received its first complete redesign since 1998.
The 2007 Wrangler looks very similar to the previous generation, which should
bode well for most Wrangler enthusiasts. Offroad mainstays include a
non-independent suspension (solid front and rear axles) and a part-time
four-wheel-drive system with available dual locking differentials.
The four-seat Wrangler is wider, but shorter from bumper to bumper, than its
predecessor. An extended-wheelbase Unlimited edition adds 20.6 inches to the
Wrangler's wheelbase, as well as two additional doors.
Exterior Styling and Design
The previous generation's boxy, modular construction is largely unchanged in
the 2007 model. A vertically slatted grille, removable doors, exposed C-pillars
and a tail-mounted spare tire are among the classic elements that live on.
Changes for '07 include shorter grille slats, clearly separated fenders, and fog
lights incorporated into the front bumper. Jeep says a curved windshield and
tighter roof integration help reduce interior noise by 20 percent, which means
passengers should be able to actually hear the stereo now.
Trims and Styling
Three trim levels - X, Sahara and Rubicon - have ascending amounts of offroad
equipment. The Wrangler X uses a standard four-wheel-drive system incorporating
a two-speed transfer case for part-time use. Sahara editions add monotube shock
absorbers in place of the X's twin-tube setup, and Wrangler Rubicons get a
four-wheel-drive transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio plus heavy-duty
Dana 44 axles, each with a locking differential.
Other offroad features include three underbody skid plates, an available tow
package with Dana 44 axles for lower trim levels and an available electronically
disconnecting front stabilizer bar for increased ground clearance. A longer
wheelbase and shorter rear overhang increase the departure angle for 2007
Wrangler Rubicons to 40.6 degrees, which is 6.7 degrees more than the previous
generation's. Ground clearance and the breakover angle remain about the same,
but the approach angle drops slightly due to a longer front overhang.
An available three-panel hardtop has removable sections above the driver,
front passenger and rear passengers. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard,
while alloy wheels in 16-, 17- and 18-inch diameters are available.
At 173.4 inches long, the Wrangler Unlimited is more than half a foot longer
than the previous Wrangler Unlimited. The side doors, available as full or
half-size, are removable, and the windshield can be folded down for those who
like to catch bugs in their teeth.
Interior Style and Design
Changes to the 2007 Wrangler are much more apparent inside. The thin-spoke
steering wheel has a circular hub, and a vertical center control panel features
a high-mounted radio with circular air vents underneath. Newly available options
include power windows and door locks - a Wrangler first - and an in-dash
navigation system.
Total passenger volume measures 102.9 cubic feet in the regular-length
Wrangler and 104 cubic feet in the Unlimited. Both figures represent about a 10
percent increase over their predecessors. The rear seats fold, leaving a maximum
of 56.5 cubic feet of cargo volume in the regular-length Wrangler and more than
85 cubic feet in the Unlimited. Lockable storage spaces include the center
console and a compartment integrated into the rear load floor.
Engine and Power
A 3.8-liter V-6 is the sole drivetrain for the 2007 Wrangler. It produces 205
horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is
standard across all trim levels, while a four-speed automatic is optional.
Safety
Standard four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS incorporate an offroad feature that
allows sustained lockup over loose surfaces. Also standard is an electronic
stability system with Chrysler's new rollover mitigation technology, which can
pulse individual brakes in an attempt to prevent impending rollovers.
Side-impact airbags are optional for the front seats. Side curtain-type airbags
aren't offered.
Conclusion 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Highlights: Redesigned for 2007, this is the continuation of the civilian
version of the World War II military vehicles. This is the most-refined model
yet, however, and it comes with a wider body, more-refined interior and a new
V-6 engine. Negatives: Still not very practical for everyday use; also pricey,
especially when compared with larger, more practical SUVs. Yet there is still
nothing quite like it. Engine: 3.8-liter V-6. Transmission: Six-speed manual,
four-speed automatic (optional). Power/torque: 205 HP/237 foot-pounds. Length:
152.8 inches. Width: 73.7 inches (not including mirrors). Wheelbase: 95.4
inches. Curb weight: 3,760-4,129 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc,
antilock. Cargo volume: 17.1 cubic feet (behind rear seat). Towing capacity:
2,000 pounds. EPA fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon city/19 highway (manual);
16/19 (automatic). Base price: $18,105 plus $660 freight (X model).