The 2007 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle with a long history and a forever following.  Originally called a CJ, the Wrangler has been providing Americans with rugged off-road ability and iconic style for more than 60 years.  For 2007, the Wrangler got a redesign.  It is the most civilized, smoothest, comfortable, convenient, powerful, and off-road-capable Jeep of its time.  It looks just like the old Jeep, but has quiet design updates that make for a better vehicle. In 2007, Jeep introduced its first four-door; using the name Unlimited from last year's stretched two-door.

Wrangler Body Types

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is offered in two SUV body styles -- regular two-door and the extended-wheelbase, four-door Unlimited. The basic Wrangler X could be called bare bones, though a CD player with an auxiliary input jack is standard. There is an "S" Package which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, tow hooks, cruise control and a compass/temperature display. Some models do come with a hard top (Freedom top), a limited-slip rear differential, power windows, keyless entry, an Infinity audio system, a six-disc CD/MP3 player and satellite radio. The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is more upscale. In addition to having many of the Wrangler X's optional features as standard, it also features 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color fenders, a heavy-duty suspension and upgraded seat fabric. Lastly, there's the trail-busting Wrangler Rubicon. This model is equipped similarly to the Sahara but features special drivetrain upgrades, an electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar and special BFGoodrich off-road tires.

2007 Interior

In the cabin of the 2007 Wrangler there is greater width than previous models, yet the length is about the same.  The extra width is a plus as it provides additional shoulder and hip room for both front and rear passengers.  Another new benefit for 2007s is the choice of the Unlimited, which is built on an extended wheelbase.   This has been done before, but this time it happens to be topped with the Wrangler's first four-door body style.

The four-door has a roomier three-passenger backseat and a cargo capacity that's better than many other small SUVs. 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.

Wrangler Design

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. The 2007 Unlimited, on the other hand, is easy to identify: it has four doors.  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. The third panel over the rear seat can be removed separately and stored in the garage. The Freedom Top yields a total of six open-air possibilities. 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.

Driving a 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 driver needs to pay attention to keep the Wrangler going in a straight line. The only limitation with the Unlimited is its turning radius of 41.2 feet versus 34.9 feet with the two-door. Six feet is a big difference. 

2007 Engine

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 2007 has the same peak torque but at a higher range, and that detracts some from the Wrangler's uphill performance; but gas mileage is about the same, at 16 city and 19 highway for the 4x4.  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.

Safety

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is safer than any other previous model. One reason for this is that all models now feature antilock brakes and stability control with a rollover sensor. Read a 'road test' by Car and Driver for more information.  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. For pricing and details click here.