2007 Jeep Wrangler

2007 Jeep Wrangler - For the 2007 Wrangler, designated internally as the JK, the first step was to judiciously enlarge it and add — for the first time ever — a four-door model, the Wrangler Unlimited (not to be confused with the ’04 stretched-wheelbase two-door Unlimited). Compared with the old two-door model, the new one is 5.4 inches wider, and its angular fenders cover wheels set about three inches farther apart.

All of this adds up to a much wider and more spacious-feeling cabin. The juggling of length and wheelbase along with a new roll-and-tumble rear seat have also yielded substantially more cargo capacity.

As in the previous TJ Wrangler, a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic feeds the usual combination of a New Venture two-speed transfer case and heavy-duty Dana axles, both of which are upgraded on the top-of-the-line Rubicon model. Although the basic suspension layout is much the same as before, new geometry provides a better ride and greater control without restricting axle motion.

In more than two days off-road, however, we developed a fondness for the JK. The machine was tight, emitting no squeaks or rattles, even when the trails were pounding the wheels one at a time. The ability to disconnect the front anti-roll bar really helped reduce head toss under these circumstances.

When you shift into low range, the V-6’s electronic throttle switches onto a more progressive throttle curve. Combined with the 4.00:1 low range, the engine will simply idle up and down astonishingly steep terrain. On some of the toughest sections, we were switching the quick-acting front-diff lock several times within 50 feet to trade traction for turning ability.

The four-door Wrangler Unlimited has a 20.6-inch wheelbase extension and offers a back seat for three and increased luggage space. Despite their length, the Unlimiteds on the trip made it through every challenge the two-doors did.

Whether you spend your time in the African jungle or the asphalt jungle, if you’re a Wrangler fan, you’ll like the new machine.