2007 Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited
All New and Better in Every Way
In August, VehicleVoice correspondents Jim Hossack and Stephanie Brinley were among the four groups of journalists and analysts invited to take the latest Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the all-new four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon out on the Rubicon Trail, as well as a bit of on-road time in the rest of the Wrangler range. After seeing the two-door drive through glass at the Detroit auto show (click for our coverage) and the four-door found under a pile of mud at the New York auto show (click here), we were anxious to get the vehicle on the road.
Jim Hossack summed it up: "What a trip! What a Jeep!"
The Rubicon (Trail)
Hossack Says:: Beautiful. Challenging. FUN! DaimlerChrysler is to be congratulated for one of the most enjoyable press trips I've ever been on. Good folks and a great product, perfectly presented. Most memorable quote: "Go as slow as possible...but as fast as necessary." Easier said than done.
Brinley Says: This the best place to showcase a vehicle that puts so much of its pride in crossing the Rubicon. A typical Rubicon Trail drive is a two-day adventure; the first day is a six-to-eight-hour drive in. Then camp for the night at a site complete with a campfire and a piano player and drive out the next day. We drove the second portion, having been brought in by helicopter the night before. (The ten-minute helicopter ride was just one of the high points on this event.)
There isn't anything "rough" about roughing it at the Mark A. Smith Off-Roading (MASOR) campground facilities, situated at about 8000 feet. Huge tents, cots, sleeping bags, and port-a-john facilities. And the piano and good food. A night there is an adventure. Beyond hosting Jeep groups and assisting with vehicle introductions, MASOR provides logistic services creating off-road courses and providing off-road training across the country. In fact, the first Jeep Jamboree was in 1953 and Smith was there. He is enthusiastic about the Trail and the new Wrangler and was at camp to see us off.
The Rubicon Trail provides incredible scenery and the view from Observation Point, a natural break point about halfway through, was breathtaking. The Wranglers looked at home sitting atop a huge rock overlooking cliff and forest.
The Rubicon (Wrangler)
Hossack Says: New and improved body; new and improved chassis; new and improved powertrain. Otherwise, pretty much carryover Wrangler essence. I like the Jeep Wrangler - after all, I own one. But this new vehicle is massively improved.
Brinley Says: As a novice, I was eager to experience the Rubicon Trail, and I had a blast. The Wrangler is sure-footed and intuitive and made the arduous four-hour, eight-mile drive seemed not much more difficult than a walk through the park. (And what a beautiful park it was!)
The Jeep chewed up the Trail, with no one getting stuck or causing serious damage along the way. Wrangler easily crawled over and around rocks and inclines and trees and boulders, with a comfortable ride for the conditions. We took the four-door Unlimited breezed through, but the shorter two-door models seemed to have an even easier time in some areas.
I drove a four-door automatic-transmission off-road and the two-door with a manual transmission on-road. Compared with the previous Wrangler, shifts are smoother, the 3.8L V6 allows better acceleration, and I, for one, appreciate that Jeep has figured out how to put power window and locks in the Jeep without sacrificing the ability to remove the doors.
Highlights of the New Wrangler
Hossack Says: The Wrangler is just a couple inches longer and five inches wider. Much better ride and handling, on road and off. Better package (there is room for your elbows now)! NVH way better, but from an admittedly low base point. Much better hardtop system. Too complex to explain here, but this transforms the vehicle from tertiary (almost toy) vehicle into a more mainstream proposition. Many more standard safety features - I have a list of twenty of them, including ABS (antilock brakes), ESC (electronic stability control) and ETC (electronic throttle control) among the more recognizable acronyms. Optional features include power widows and locks, satellite radio and (starting with November production) an electronic navigation system. {Note: This is the MyGig hard-drive navigation/music storage system first being installed in the 2007 Sebring.}
The Wrangler Unlimited four-door is an all-new model with a twenty-inch increase in wheelbase over the two-door Wrangler. Now that expands the Wrangler appeal to a much wider potential audience.
And the prices: Lower than last year. Generally, price down and content up by a total of about $3,000. {Note: Base price, two-door is $18,756, including destination; four door is $20,410. The most expensive version, Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4, starts at $28,895. Across range, Jeep claims average price drop of $1200 and average $1800 in increased content.}
So what's not to like?
The floor covering is "mouse fur" carpeting. Not the best for mud, sand, slush or dog fur. The Toyota FJ (and the Honda Element) set the standard in this area.
The only engine available in North American is a 205HP north-south version of the Chrysler Town & Country east-west 215HP 3.8L V6. Adequate power and torque, more than enough off road, perhaps a little underpowered with the Unlimited fully loaded, on a grade, in the mountains, at interstate speeds. One of the primary virtues of the V6 engine is that it is short - good for the crash signature. It sure would be nice to have a diesel available in the North American Wrangler (it will be available in selected international markets) and the 4.7L V8 available in the Wrangler Unlimited.
Brinley Says: I agree that the V6 is merely adequate on-road in terms of power, and with a fully loaded vehicle it might not be quite adequate. The manual transmission operates more smoothly than before. The V6 was fine off-road, and with the automatic transmission it was easy to modulate the appropriate gas/brake combination on the Trail.
A diesel might make a nice addition to the U.S. lineup; it seems to suit the Jeep personality. This is a rough product in need of lots of torque, and moving a box is never very efficient, so any help it can get in the fuel economy department is good. But I'm not sure the V8 is necessary. Jeep could sell a few on novelty. But are Wrangler buyers looking for speed?
The package is pure Jeep. Jeep added elements that make it easier for owners to do what they love, including a new flexible fender material that is easy to replace, something Jeep owners tend to do for style or off-road repair. Though interior plastic has a rough texture, there is a substantial feel to the dash. Among the cool touches is the exposed sheetmetal on the inside door panel, contributing to the rough-and-ready personality and historic style of the Jeep.
This Wrangler is everything it needs to be: The personality, character, and capability is retained in a shape that buyers have clearly shown that they love, but improvements make the Jeep easier to live with. It keeps key features like fold-down windscreen, available half-doors, and the ability to just take the doors off, and provides a more inviting environment without making it so comfortable as to be accused of selling out functionality and attitude for luxury and convenience.
The extra doors will get some into a Jeep who wouldn't accept the two-door, just as adding a two-wheel-drive model will get some buyers who just want the cool factor. And buyers who would have settled for the compromises inherent in the two-door will simply take the four-door, changing which Wrangler is purchased rather than converting the choice from somewhere else.
Comments
I test drove both and as I told the salesman, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both need either a strong V6 (minimum 250 hp) or a small to mid v8. Actually, mileage would not deteriorate as these engines would be working more efficiently and at lower rpms, providing Chrysler puts a 5 or 6 speed transmission. The current 4.0 is way underpowered most definitely because the weight of the new Wrangler Unlimited has increased almost 300 lbs. And, don't blame the Germans. They only owned the company. We Americans designed/produced the vehicle.
Posted by: Robert Foster | April 25, 2008 06:51 AM
I'll put in my two cents.
I am a jeep owner and a father of 2 and a dog. I plan to take the family on a 3week tour of middle America in 3 years using an offroad pop-up trailer.
What will the tow vehicle be?
1st choice: a Stock Unlimited if Jeep puts a V-8 in it.
2nd choice: My already built 80's Jeep
3rd choice: sell my CJ and use the cash to put a V8 in a used unlimited.
Please put a V-8 in the Jeep, so I can keep my trail rig! :)
Posted by: MellowYellowCJ7 | April 14, 2008 05:05 PM
Yes Jeep Enthusiasts are looking for more power. Why would a person who loves a Jeep and everything that goes with it such as hunting and fishing not want a wrangler that could pull the boat or atv to a destination. How many Wrangler owners coan afford to have a truck and a jeep to do all the jobs that one vehcle should. Give me my V8 and a diesel and I bet you won't see to many v6's sold in the unlimited. I love the new jeep I just need a Wrangler that has a heart to match its other great attributes
Posted by: More power! | April 8, 2008 08:18 AM
I have a 2004 Unlimited (4.0 w/automatic) and it runs great at about 80 on a flat highway...even gets it's best mileage around that speed. However, I've been on trips through the mountains going from Florida to Canada and I must say, when you get up in the Blue Ridge Mountain area, you wish you had a V8...and more gears. It was constantly in 3rd and only hit overdrive on downhills and killed mileage as well. I can only imagine how it is with the new, heavier Unlimited and the 3.8 minivan engine. Frankly, I think the Germans missed it on this one. This is a JEEP, not a minivan and not just any Jeep. I'm not quite sure they "trail rated" the new Wrangler as they did the old one. I know that the 3.8 makes more power over all, but the 4.0 has serious torque as soon as you step on the gas and as it is suppose to in an all terrain vehicle. The minivan engine and grocery getter design of the new Wrangler is blasphamist at best...an insult to the real Wrangler nuts of the world. Should have made the 4.0 the base engine and a V8 optional...the 4cyl is a joke and always has been. I drove a Jeep in the military in the 1980's and it was a much lighter version and it was weak. Jeep has been giving the Grand Cherokee owners a lot of attention. It's time to give us Wrangler drivers the same attention we deserve. We are willing to drive a rough and tumble vehicle on a daily basis and we deserve a V8. I wish it would have been in a TJ because I refuse to buy a 4 door Wrangler with a minivan engine...kinda like having a 4 door Mustang or Camaro. I'm sure the people that own one are happy with it, but I am a purist. Obviously, the Germans are looking at the numbers and trying to sell more Wranglers. I'm sure that they could have sold a Liberty or a Grand Cherokee to the same people. Due to the 4 doors and the minivan engine (you gotta laugh at the Germans...way too practical), I will likely replace my 4.0 with a Hemi when it has had enough. Oh...and by the way Jeep...if you don't make us happy we won't buy a new one. My buddy is still driving his 78 CJ with a 304 V8 because you haven't put a V8 in the Wrangler in over 25 years. He is not the only one. Put the family and kids in a minivan, put the Wranglers back where they belong. Also, do everything you can to get rid of the 4 doors, including buying back the ones that you sold. Ya, I know this sounds rediculous. But you're hearing from a Jeep fanatic that will never...read my lips, "NEVER" buy another Wrangler. Oh, you forgot to put the chrome headlight trim around the headlights...as much a trademark of a Wrangler as the grill. Kinda the same concept of screwups that were done on the YJ...remember a Wrangler with square headlights? We call them "Wronglers". Not sure what to call the JK...maybe "JerKopf"...Jerk + Kopf (head in German).
Oh...and no insult to our German friends. I love your country, culture, food and beer. But when it comes to a Wrangler, you guys should follow the "PURIST LAWS" you are so fond of.
Posted by: Rich | November 25, 2007 09:04 PM
A V8 is necessary at highway speeds. It is juvenile to think that every unlimited wrangler will be purchased primarily for off road use. If that was the case, my 1976 CJ 5 would have less than 30,000 miles, not near 100,000. Jeep, give us the power we desire. Make the money that's there to be made.
Posted by: aaron | July 6, 2007 09:04 PM
i m interested to find out the prices of all the 2007 jeep rubicon 4 doors .. MY favorite jeeps....
Nezir:
The best places to find prices for specific vehicles are:
http://www.edmunds.com
and
http://www.kbb.com
Also, don't forget Jeep's own website. It will have pricing and option information on it.
ED
Posted by: nezir cosovic | March 24, 2007 12:13 PM
I would consider myself an off roader from Colorado and almost wet myself when I heard about the 4-door Jeep Wrangler. I drove it and could not have been more disappointed. Everything about the Rubicon is perfect except for the power. The V-6 is great for off road, but try and drive it on the interstate at 80 MPH on I-70 through the mountains and slit your wrists out of frustration. All those smart guys at Chrysler and no one thought about power. Drop in a at least 250 H.P. or cover an after market turbo under warranty and I will buy the first one.
Posted by: Bill | February 18, 2007 06:00 PM
I've been waiting for the four door wrangler to come out, but when I drove it there was no power what so ever. My friend said floor it and I said I was. Please give us a V8 and I will write the check...
Posted by: Bragg | February 11, 2007 10:15 PM
I SELL DODGE CHRYSLER AND JEEPS AND MY CLIENTS LIKE THE NEW JEEP BUT THE FOUR DOOR IS A BIT UNDER POWERED IN TERMS OF LOW END TORQUE FOR TAKE OFF AT LIGHTS AND FOR PASSING BUT IS GREAT OFF ROAD IN KEEPING THE TORQUE WHEN YOU NEED IT. SO MAYBE A DIESEL OR 4.7 V8 WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE FOUR DOOR AND HELL WE'RE AMERICANS AND BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER!!!
Posted by: BJ | January 20, 2007 05:34 PM
The 3.8 mini motor might work fine for crawling around the ranch, but I also do some towing and highway driving. Put a V-8 in the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a class 4 tow rating and I'll buy it.
Posted by: Dan Koontz | January 18, 2007 07:11 PM
Everyone is talking horsepower. Last time I checked it was the TORQUE that off0roaders needed to crawl over the rocks and through the river. With the 4 foot pounds of torque increase this year that brings the total foot pounds to
960 lb/ft of torque!!!!! (in 4w low) Jeeps were to made to crawl at speeds of 1-2 miles /hour not dragrace Corvettes!!!
It is you 9 out of 10 Jeep owners who wanted 2wd also!! Jeep doesn't need a V8 at all. Jeeps are all about mechanical advantage. That means gearing for you slower people. Would it be nice?? Yes, of course. But that is typical American.... It works great but I want it bigger!!! Jeeps are Just fine the way they are!!
Dan:
Yep, your comments are right on for the hardcore off-roader that the properly equipped Wrangler can satisfy. Can't beat a Wrangler for the Rubicon. Ordering the Wrangler with the right specifications can guarantee that you can do just about anything you want - at 1 or 2 MPH crawling over rocks. But that is for the very, very small percentage of folks who really enjoy wringing out their vehicle under the most adverse conditions and at slow speeds.
Thanks for the comments.
ED
Posted by: Dan Graff | January 1, 2007 11:55 AM
Jeep needs a v8 in the 4 door Wrangler. Just look at the Nissan Xterra it has 4.0 V6 and it gets 265 hp. The old I-6 4.0 in the TJ's never even got anywhere near that kind of power. The toyota Fj Cruiser has a 4.0 V6 with 240 hp. Jeep needs to put a V8 in the Wrangler. Maybe they need to make a new engine, like a 4.4 V8 or a 4.2 V8 with at least 250 hp. I would buy a 4 door Wrangler in a second. My Dream Vehicle= V8 4 door Wrangler.
Posted by: John Doe | September 26, 2006 10:46 AM
I am looking at buying a 2007 wrangler 4 door when they come out. I have always wanted a wrangler. It's the best of both worlds, a 4x4 SUV and a Convertible SUV. You can't get any better than that, unless you have the money to buy a new Hummer H1 softtop which can be $130,000+. I would like to see jeep put a V8 in the wrangler, especially in the 4 door unlimited. The extra power would be better for passing, towing, and off roading. Jeep already made everything else on the wrangler better, why can't they add a bigger engine. The 205 hp on the 3.8 L V6 is only a 15 hp increase from the 4.0 inline 6 and yet they made the wrangler stronger, wider and longer. So I would like to see a V8 in the wrangler with in a few months after it comes out.
Posted by: John Doe | September 26, 2006 10:11 AM