2007 Jeep Wrangler Review

The Wrangler is the essential SUV. It’s a modern interpretation of the classic World War II military vehicle. There’s nothing else like it on the market, and if you’re wanting an inexpensive, convertible off-road vehicle, only the Wrangler fits the bill. The 1997 TJ series brought back the classic round headlights, and the 2007 model updates the Jeep for the 21st century.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

There is just nothing else like the Jeep Wrangler. What other vehicle offers superior off-road performance and a convertible top for under $20,000? If you crave rocky trails, the Wrangler is the best value for your money, equaling pricey Land Rovers in off-road capability. But if you want to use it for a family vehicle, you should probably think otherwise. The four-door version is much more expensive than a practical CR-V or RAV4, and the Wrangler just isn’t kid friendly. Nor is it road friendly. But it wasn’t designed for any of that fancy stuff. It was designed to go anywhere on a budget, and it does it like nothing else can.

What’s New For 2007:

This year marks the first new Wrangler in ten years. The most shocking change is the addition of a four-door Unlimited trim. It features a 3.8-L, 202-hp V6 engine. The interior is a touch more refined, with a new instrument panel and more interior room. The exterior doesn’t differ much from the TJ.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Wrangler 2 stars for overall mechanical quality and 3 stars for design. Problems with the TJ included water leaks, stuck doors, inaccurate fuel gauges, difficult shifting, steering issues, and fuel odors. It was recalled twelve times overall. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Wrangler earned perfect government frontal crash scores. No other information is available. Anti-lock brakes, a rollover sensor, and stability control are standard. Front side airbags are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Inexpensive starting price
+ Convertible
+ Standard 4WD

Cons
- Small interior
- Poor gas mileage
- The four-door model is blasphemous to die-hard Jeep lovers

Head-To-Head Competition:

Comparing the Wrangler to anything is else pretty much impossible, since there’s just not another vehicle like it. You might consider the Toyota RAV4, though it costs $2,000 more and only has a four-cylinder, though it gets up to 11 more miles to the gallon and is considerably more civilized. The Honda CR-V likewise has less of an engine, but gets better gas mileage and has a much more refined interior. However, it costs $4,000 more. You might consider the Suzuki Grand Vitara for $2,000 more, but it has 20 less hp. However, it gets up to five more miles to the gallon. It should be noted that unlike the rest of these, the Wrangler has standard 4WD.

What Others Are Saying:

“I once traveled the Continental Divide Trail from Durango, Colo., to Chama, N.M. It was a challenging off-road trip in a Land Rover Range Rover. But this week’s test vehicle, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, would have handled the journey just as well at a substantially lower equipment cost.” – Washington Post

“I’ve left some space between my Wrangler Unlimited and the rest of the caravan, so I feel like I’m all alone in the world’s largest sandbox, and instead of aimlessly pushing a Tonka Toy, I’m at the wheel of one of the world’s best off-roaders. I hit the accelerator, bounce over sandbars, careen from side to side, and head for the hippos.” – Automobile Magazine

“Unlike many vehicles that handle a wide variety of tasks with overall competence, the Wrangler remains a specialist aimed at backwoods trails. Its on-pavement performance, while improved, could easily become aggravating without a consolation prize – like finding yourself in places where no cars have gone before.” – New York Times

Read more about the 2007 Jeep Wrangler at the Jeep manufacturer web site.