As the icon of the Jeep brand, the Wrangler has evolved into a must-have vehicle for the true off-road enthusiast.
This year, Jeep has upped the ante with more off-road enhancements, plus they've actually made Wrangler roomier and more on-road friendly. For the first time ever, Wrangler is now available with optional power windows/locks and remote keyless entry.
All Jeep Wrangler models now include standard anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are available.
Also new for 2007, the Wrangler Unlimited, which is built with a longer wheelbase, now features four-doors and seating for five passengers.
The Wrangler (short wheelbase) and Wrangler Unlimited (long wheelbase) are offered in three trim levels - X, Sahara and Rubicon.
For those that want Wrangler's notorious open-air driving experience, but without all the four-wheel drive hardware, the Wrangler Unlimited X and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara can be ordered with two-wheel drive. All other iterations of the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are 4x4 only.
Pricing for the sparsely equipped Wrangler X begins at $18,765. Jeep's first-ever four-door Wrangler Unlimited X (2WD) costs $20,410. As one would expect, the more features you get the higher the pricetag. My Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon tester came loaded with extra goodies and the price soared to $32,680.
With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops, Jeep Wrangler retains the brand's image of being tough and adventurous.
The highly capable underpinnings of all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models include an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features enhanced, next-generation heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles.
Additional Rubicon exclusives include an Off-Road Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires for extreme off-road conditions.
While improving its legendary 4x4 Jeep capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler features more of a refined on-road experience courtesy of an all-new 100-percent stiffer frame, 50-percent stiffer body and refined five-link coil suspension.
In addition, new steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, while new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent.
Wrangler's cabin is much more comfortable thanks to a wider body. I especially like Wrangler's all-new, three-piece modular hardtop (called Freedom Top) that features left- and right-front passenger panels and a rear panel, providing more options for open-air driving.
These panels are easy to remove. Also available in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the innovative Sunrider soft top, which includes a "sun roof" feature in addition to the full top-down option. This soft top provides a second open-air option by folding the soft top back completely over first-row occupants to create a 52 x 30-inch sun roof opening.
Powering all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models is a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque. Borrowed from the Dodge and Chrysler minivans, the 3.8-liter V6 engine replaces Wrangler's tried-and-true inline 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
Mated to the 3.8-liter V6 is a standard 6-speed manual transmission or available 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy figures for the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler are 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (manual transmission); 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (automatic transmission).
While we appreciated the increased level of refinement and more pleasing on-road mannerisms exhibited by our Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon tester, acceleration was acceptable, but not impressive, especially when loaded down with five passengers.
But all things considered, we'd still take a Wrangler over any other compact SUV.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Engine 3.8-liter (202 hp) V6
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drive Type 4WD
Fuel Economy 17 city/19 highway
Base Price $28,235
As Tested $32,680 (includes $660 for destination)
Website http://www.jeep.com |
