Jeep Wrangler gets Unlimited for 2007

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Introduction

Few vehicles in America have as much history or as dedicated a following as the Jeep Wrangler. This compact SUV and its earlier CJ predecessors have been providing Americans with rugged off-road ability and iconic style for more than 60 years. Whether it's South Dakota's badlands, San Diego's Pacific Beach or mud bogs in Arkansas, the original Jeep seems right at home.

While the Wrangler's traits and affordable price have made it a steady seller through the years, the vehicle has also come bundled with a lot of drawbacks, such as a harsh and noisy ride, a cramped interior and a dated level of refinement. So for the 2007 Wrangler, Jeep has performed a full redesign aimed at fixing the previous model's most outstanding faults without diluting its character.

Full Review 2007

 Body Types

The Wrangler X ($18,105) comes with the basic soft top, theft deterrent system, 16-inch steel wheels, rear folding seat, locking glove box, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, tilt steering wheel, and six-speaker sound system with MP3 input.

There are also a Dana 44 rear axle, Trak-Lok anti-spin differential, 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels, electronic front sway bar disconnect, trailer tow group, tow hooks, engine block heater, and locking fuel filler cap.

The Sahara ($19,345) is the premium model in the lineup, and adds the Sunrider top, the electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, 17-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler tires, body-colored fender flares, tubular side steps, heavy-duty suspension, tinted windows, cruise control, foglamps, tow hooks, and the Infinity sound system. Options include all the X options, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an infotainment system with navigation, using a 20-gigabyte hard drive and DVD video-audio capability of storing 150 hours of music or probably a zillion photos.

The Rubicon ($26,090) is the model for serious off-roading. To the Sahara, it adds the disconnecting front sway bar, Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 low range, Dana 44 front and rear axles, Tru-lok locking front and rear differential, 4.10 axle ratio, rock rails, and 32-inch B.F.Goodrich Mud Terrain tires on 17-inch aluminum rims.

The four-door Unlimited X comes with either two-wheel drive ($19,750) or four-wheel drive ($21,750).Standard equipment includes all that the two-door X offers, plus a Dana 44 rear axle, 23-gallon fuel tank, air conditioning, 60/40 split rear seat, full-length floor console and colored fender flares. It offers all the options as the two-door X and two-door Sahara, plus seat-mounted side air bags.

The Unlimited Sahara two-wheel drive ($24,075) and four-wheel drive ($26,075) is equipped like the two-door Sahara, except its power doors and windows are standard. 

 Style Inside 

In the cabin of the 2007 Wrangler there is greater width than previous models, yet the length is about the same. 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. 

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.

What it looks like 

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 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.

First Drive 2007 

The 2007-year improvements have made a difference. The new Jeep Wrangler tracks better on the highway and leans less in the turns. But braking distances are unimpressive, and the model's big tires and solid-axle front suspension don't do it any favors when it comes time for precision handling. As before, the Wrangler, especially in Rubicon trim, is pretty much unstoppable in off-road situations. This is also true for the Unlimited Rubicon, though its increased size and weight prevent it from being as maneuverable on tight trails as the regular Wrangler.

Engine Style and Driving 

The Rubicon trim has heavy-duty axles, a Rock-Trac transfer case with extra-low gearing, and electronically locking front and rear differentials. 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.

Conclusions

 The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is safer than any other previous model. Seat-mounted front side air bags are optional with some models. Caranddriver.com loves that the Wrangler has stayed true to its muddy roots. "People put up with it, because Jeeps represent freedom and nonconformity. In a Jeep, you're not like other people." adds U.S. News 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.