2007 Jeep Wrangler
by Jim Prueter -05/2007

Jeep revamps the Wrangler

For 2007, Jeep has revamped the Wrangler while smartly maintaining both its classic looks and legendary off-road capabilities. 

There is no shortage of Jeep loyalists who will be pleased that designers kept the fold-down windshield, removable doors with its exposed hinges, the solid front and rear axles and the iconic seven-slot grille (even though it has a more exaggerated slant).

But Jeep also added some refined features, like an optional navigation system, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and an alarm system. There are still some significant “no’s”, however: no heated or power seats, no side curtain airbags, no power mirrors.

Standard equipment includes electronic stability control, air conditioning, folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD audio system, tilt steering column and fog lights. 

The Wrangler 2-door is available in four models: X; Sahara; Rubicon (our test subject); and the first-ever four-door Wrangler, the Unlimited, which is 21 inches longer than the standard Wrangler. Jeep says fully two-thirds of all Wrangler sales will be the four-door version.

All models are powered by a new 3.8-liter 202-horsepower V-6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission.  A four-speed automatic is optional. 

All Wranglers come standard as convertibles with a soft top.  Our test Rubicon came well-equipped, including automatic transmission, power windows and locks, an optional three-piece modular hardtop called the Freedom Top, which allows for open-top driving for one, two or all vehicle occupants.

I found the Freedom Top awkward to use. Worse was the heat that radiated into the cabin from the un-insulated fiberglass top.  Even on a moderately hot, 98-degree Phoenix day the “maximum” air conditioning setting never cooled the Rubicon to a comfortable level. 

The Rubicon was most impressive during off-road driving — climbing dry, sandy, riverbanks, deeply rutted boulder strewn trails and mountain canyon roads. 

On pavement, Rubicon is a completely different experience. It’s clumsy like a sea lion trying to maneuver out of water. The tough suspension, short wheelbase and huge knobby off-road tires make for a bouncy, noisy ride. Handling felt loose, with too much play in the steering wheel causing the Rubicon to wander on the highway without driver correction. 

Inside, front driver and passenger will find ample head, leg and hip room.  The seats are well cushioned, supportive and comfortable on long drives.  They’re covered in a new fabric called Yes Essentials that make seats softer, smoother and stain and odor resistant. Good news for those who jump in with wet bathing suits.

Wranglers have always looked cool and fun to drive.  But if your goal is to use it as a daily driver and only on a rare occasion go off road, I suggest you resist the temptation. I think you’ll find Wrangler too Spartan. I’d recommend considering the Toyota FJ Cruiser or Hummer H3 for about the same money. 

Standard safety gear includes stability control, traction control, brake assist and rollover mitigation. The 2007 Wrangler has not yet been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Loyal Jeep fans will be more than pleased with the slightly larger, more comfortable Wrangler. The new four-door Wrangler opens the brand to a huge market segment that previously wouldn’t consider ownership and sales have been nothing short of spectacular.