CD Article: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

All-new for 2007, the Jeep Wrangler doesn't look much different to the previous model, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, but it features a new engine, stiffer frame and more off-road capability. With four doors and a wheelbase that's 52 cm longer than the two-door model, the Wrangler Unlimited is "more spacious...and naturally much easier to access," she says.
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[roamer]

    Ill be getting one of these babies soon. I'm glad that it's heavy and tanklike and has few creature comforts relatively speaking.  I want to drive it down into central America and that's whast it was made for. The fewer soccer moms I see in these things the better.

[Wolfe]

Those wheels look way too clean. It just doesn't look right with shiny tires. Needs dirt.


Otherwise it's a pretty impressive SUV. I'm surprised at the length of the rear cargo area with the seats up. It's much bigger than I would have expected. I guess that's to help sell it to the suburban Hummer crowd.

The price is good too.

[G0dspd]

I've never been a fan of any Jeep products ... even the regular YJ, TJ, Wrangler or whatever you want to call it.  I don't know why but I like the 4-door model.  It looks like a more reasonnable and justifiable Hummer (price and looks).  I'm assuming it's also a more rugged off-roader.

There's a lot of these in Ottawa.  I've seen 5 or 6 just yesterday.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I've seen quite a few already too, reports are it's greatly exceeded Chrysler's projected sales.

I like the looks too. From some angles, it sort of looks like it has a slightly chopped roof. Definitely is off-road ready, yet slightly more practical and serious with the subtle updating. Doesn't look quite like a cheerleader's useless tippy ride IMO. Still affordable.

I think that the interior should be basic, but parts look cheap or just of poor design. For example, if you're bolting door map pockets on, why not make them wider/bigger? <EDIT: Noticed now the door looks to be scooped out on the 2dr but not the Unlimited?> Some of the trim bits and levers don't look rugged - just insubstantial. Those interior door handles look awkward to use too. At least the rear seat back is of proper height now!

Overall I'm impressed with how they've redesigned this vehicle, growing the potential audience for it, while staying true.

[Giant Dwarf]

Those wheels look way too clean. It just doesn't look right with shiny tires. Needs dirt.


Otherwise it's a pretty impressive SUV. I'm surprised at the length of the rear cargo area with the seats up. It's much bigger than I would have expected. I guess that's to help sell it to the suburban Hummer crowd.

The price is good too.

Wolfe, I agree with you on all points.  The pricing surprised me too.  It's been so long since I've even paid attention to Jeeps that considering the cost of even the most basic of  "cute utes" these days, a less-than $20k starting point for the new Wrangler seems pretty reasonable. 

Given the added functionality of the 4-door version, this might make a neat small-family vehicle, no? 

I'll reserve final judgement on the 'cheapness' of the interior bits until I can play around in one at the AutoShow in a few weeks.

[wing]

Doesn't look like that interior has changed since the '50s

[stickshift]

Doesn't look like that interior has changed since the '50s

But it least the Wrangler's cool

Unlike the Compass, right? 

[mdxtasy]

I like this Jeep...much nicer than a H3....

[Bullet Blue]

I've only seen one in an army kind of green, but I didn't mind the way it looked. I agree with Wolfe, get that Wrangler off road and in the dirt! Decent price too.

[wing]

Doesn't look like that interior has changed since the '50s

But it least the Wrangler's cool

Unlike the Compass, right? 

I'll agree to that.

[Benhaze]

I've seen quite a few already too, reports are it's greatly exceeded Chrysler's projected sales.

The 2007MY production is nearly sold out. Quite a homerun for Chrysler.

[ovr50]

Good deal for Jeep - the formula just keeps on working for them with this vehicle. I have always harboured a wish to own one of these things, but have never got up the guts to actually buy one. I looked for a decent used one a couple years ago but found a lot of them were "well used". I think it really is one of those vehicles I kind of want, but if I really went out and bought it, I would probably be mad at myself pretty quickly after the purchase. Buyer's remorse in a hurry. OTOH, there are lots of roads and places around here to use a Wrangler.

I'm glad Jeep is doing well with them. The design is getting on in years now, and is maybe starting to almost have a cult following. 

[Wolfe]

Those wheels look way too clean. It just doesn't look right with shiny tires. Needs dirt.


Otherwise it's a pretty impressive SUV. I'm surprised at the length of the rear cargo area with the seats up. It's much bigger than I would have expected. I guess that's to help sell it to the suburban Hummer crowd.

The price is good too.

Wolfe, I agree with you on all points.  The pricing surprised me too.  It's been so long since I've even paid attention to Jeeps that considering the cost of even the most basic of  "cute utes" these days, a less-than $20k starting point for the new Wrangler seems pretty reasonable. 

Given the added functionality of the 4-door version, this might make a neat small-family vehicle, no? 

I'll reserve final judgement on the 'cheapness' of the interior bits until I can play around in one at the AutoShow in a few weeks.

Dang, GD you and I have been agreeing a lot lately.

I'll agree with your agreement and raise you by agreeing that the Wrangler is one of the vehicles I am most looking forward to climbing around in at the Autoshow.

[Giant Dwarf]

Dang, GD you and I have been agreeing a lot lately.

I'll agree with your agreement and raise you by agreeing that the Wrangler is one of the vehicles I am most looking forward to climbing around in at the Autoshow.

I agree!   

[safristi]

MUD WRASSLING AFTER @ ARMADILDOE'S??

[johngenx]

For the first time in a loooong time, I'm considering a Jeep.  Libertys are really good used values and have excellent off-road capability.  The poor fuel economy is a little worrisome, as I really don't want anything that uses more gas than a Forester.

The NEW Wrangler Unlimited is a VERY cool design, and shouts "hey $50K H3 owner, ya COULD HAVE HAD THE REAL DEAL for about HALF!!"  It's almost a slap in the face to the H3, and I love it.

However, the $19,995 base two door is a STEAL!  It's got the new V-6, a six cog manny, and for a lousy $495 you can order the locking diff.  Hello Toyota, the FJ needs a $495 locking diff option, not a thousands of dollars package!  For about $21,000 I can get into a new two-door Jeep.  I think they've got it right.

Either of the Wranglers is a good buy and if I could get a diesel version that had rock-crawling torque and econo-box economy, I'd think I'd died and gone to heaven...

[Julie]

Good deal for Jeep - the formula just keeps on working for them with this vehicle. I have always harboured a wish to own one of these things, but have never got up the guts to actually buy one. I looked for a decent used one a couple years ago but found a lot of them were "well used". I think it really is one of those vehicles I kind of want, but if I really went out and bought it, I would probably be mad at myself pretty quickly after the purchase. Buyer's remorse in a hurry. OTOH, there are lots of roads and places around here to use a Wrangler.

I'm glad Jeep is doing well with them. The design is getting on in years now, and is maybe starting to almost have a cult following. 

I've always liked the design of the original Jeeps, and also wondered if I would get one one day.... Then I rode in a friend's YJ and wanted to throw up because of the roughness of the ride.... Ugh. I knew then it would never work for me. However, I still like this new Jeep.  There's just something about these Jeeps...

Me too, looking forward to checking it out in Feb.

[G0dspd]

  ... a reasonably priced 4-door Wrangler with a diesel would be great.  

The Wrangler is pretty much the only decent thing Jeep as to offer.  The Commander is pretty much on its way out because of low sales and it's cannibalizing the Grand Cherokee who is not looking very good these days.  The Liberty is being replaced by the Patriot which is complete garbage IMO ... just like that very ugly car the Compass.  The Patriot is a boxy Caliber and it's low to the ground.  I almost bashed my head on a opened rear gate at the Montreal show and the only inteligent thing the Jeep guy had to say is: "You're too tall to own a Jeep ha-ha-ha".  You can keep your toy car you moron.  

[mrthompson]

The TJ, introduced in '97, features an improved suspension system using coil springs instead of leaf springs.  This give the TJ improved ride and handling over it's predecessor.  The short wheelbase of the 2 door, however, still means a choppy ride versus a longer vehicle.

The Wranger (formerly TJ in Canada) Rubicon edition is a wicked package.