2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[RonMAIDEN]

Definetly a solid off road vehicle but it's also the reason Jeeps have poor on road handling characteristics compared to other SUVs.

For the off roading I do I would never need a Jeep (or want one). On a vehicle I drive everyday there has to be compromises and the Jeep definetly doesn't compromise it's off roadability.

 

[Thai]

Definetly a solid off road vehicle but it's also the reason Jeeps have poor on road handling characteristics compared to other SUVs.

For the off roading I do I would never need a Jeep (or want one). On a vehicle I drive everyday there has to be compromises and the Jeep definetly doesn't compromise it's off roadability.

You need to go and testdrive the new JK Wrangler before giving judgement...it will shock you! The ride is darn good for a 2-solid axle vehicle! I testdrove a 2-door Rubicon (SWB) and it's ride comfort was definitely better than my old 2002 4runner (3rd gen)...at some point, i thought it was even more comfortable than my G500 (which has a much longer wheelbase). Of course, handling will never match an IFS vehicle, but i am a granny when it comes to driving and don't really care about handling in an off-roader. And with this latest Wrangler generation, you get all the safety nannies (stability control, brake assist, etc.) for on-road safety, yet you can turn all of this OFF when off-roading (very cool!).

And if Car & Driver's stats are correct, the Jeep JK Wrangler is not so noisy at all at 70 mph (they got 68 db)...probably a fluke measurement, but it's still decent.

Is it as well-made or reliable as 4runner?? Likely not. I do know that the sheetmetal is very thin ("Altoid can" thin!), but the frame is very modern & stout (similar to 4runner with boxed rails and plenty of crossmembers). And from reading JK Wrangler forums, there are 1st year bugs and minor manufacturing defects...typical of 1st year model. Hopefully, it is isolated to 1st year only.

What attracts me is how easy and cheap it is to get mods for it. Hell, even the factory accessories look great! And when Jeep puts in a diesel, i just may be waiting in line...diesel + Rubicon = the best damn stock off-roader on the planet by far and relatively dirt cheap.

 

[Camprunner]

I noticed that some of the Jeeps in the pictures had Goodyear tires in place of the stock BFG's I wonder why?

 

[Thai]

I noticed that some of the Jeeps in the pictures had Goodyear tires in place of the stock BFG's I wonder why?

Good eye and good question...the new BFG M/Ts that are on the new Rubicon is supposedly the next gen of BFG M/T...better on-road performance esp in snow. So, this is strange that they use Goodyear MT/R.

 

[toybox]

I noticed that some of the Jeeps in the pictures had Goodyear tires in place of the stock BFG's I wonder why?

Going by the sticker on the side I would say because they sponsered them. meaning free tires and money.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

My friend's wife got one last week so maybe I'll get a test drive.

 

[mkaresh]

I'll have initial reliability results for the 2007 Wrangler in August. Based on the raw data (I haven't gone through and cleaned it yet), it'll be about average.

 

[Pincushion]

I noticed that some of the Jeeps in the pictures had Goodyear tires in place of the stock BFG's I wonder why?

Jeeps have came with stock Goodyears for years. BFGs are very popular with Jeepers. Especially the ATs for daily drivers.

I like the JK, but I would hold out for the diesel or Hemi engine.

 

[Camprunner]

Diesel maybe but I don't think you will see a Hemi ....... Maybe the new/revised 4.7 V-8.

 

[boston_kevin]

I have seen several of these here in New England on the beach. Almost every driver/owner complains that these (especially the Unlimiteds) are underpowered. I did get to ride in one, and the ride is as comfortable as a 4Runner, although a bit more noisy. Overall I liked the truck, but still much too big and boxy for my tastes.

 

[4Runner1371]

I like this thing as much as I like the 4runners. Love how you can fold the front windshield, take the door off (which has auto-lock/windows), drop the top down. Saw a black one pull up right next to me, it was hot. I've always thought the 2door versions are mighty too small for my taste, now they finally got it just right. Just need some bigger engines to push it's bigger body. Can't believe how underpowered it is compared to v8 4 runner.

 

[Iolaus]

I'll have initial reliability results for the 2007 Wrangler in August. Based on the raw data (I haven't gone through and cleaned it yet), it'll be about average.

When I started my new car shopping, my basic requirements were 4x4 4-seater. I seriously considered this, but decided against it because of Jeep's general reliability record, and because it seemed to "purpose built" to be a daily driver that my wife would be comfortable in as well.

Maybe in a few years I'll get one to replace the minitruck and give her the 4R.

 

[Thai]

When I started my new car shopping, my basic requirements were 4x4 4-seater. I seriously considered this, but decided against it because of Jeep's general reliability record, and because it seemed to "purpose built" to be a daily driver that my wife would be comfortable in as well.

Maybe in a few years I'll get one to replace the minitruck and give her the 4R.

Jeep now has lifetime powertrain warranty. And for $3000, you can get lifetime Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge BUMPER-TO-BUMPER warranty...it is a true factory warranty! I think that it will be a great 2nd vehicle for any family, esp. with the warranty. You may have to visit the shop often, but at least, you do not have to pay for the repairs.

Of course, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge is currently undergoing some fat trimming due to financial troubles with it's new owner (Cerberus)...so, the warranty may actually outlast the company!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Avoid the backseats in the new Jeep since they seem to be a mild improvement since the seats 50 years ago. The things were hard and almost straightup back with minimal adjustability. Not a paseenger hauler by far.

I can't see owning one if you truly don't off road much since their comfort level is pretty weak for a $30k vehicle. Jeeps have always been sparse in comfort and it still hasn't changed.

 

[Neversummer]

My neighbor just picked up a new Unlimited Sahara. It is pretty nice now i've seen it up close. The interior is much improved and the extra room is nice. The back seats were a little uncomfortable because they appeared to be too upright and the bottom cushions too short. Legroom was decent.

I didn't drive it so I can't comment on that but the ride was smoother than the previous Wranglers, probably due to the longer wheelbase. The new powerplant seemed pretty anemic though?

Overall I thought it was a nice truck. I wouldn't buy one myself though. However, that Lifetime Warranty is pretty hard to ignore for potential customers.