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2007 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited - A wolf in sheep’s clothes?

Posted October 18 2006 10:40 AM by rngprerunner
Filed under: Reviews, Jeep, Jason Gonderman

Is the new Jeep Wrangler really still ‘Trail Rated’?

Ever since Jeep announced that they were redoing the Wrangler for 2007 enthusiasts and skeptics alike have been passing judgment on the yet to be released Jeep. We heard the whole gamut of complaints, everything from the standard “Man that thing is ugly!” to “Four doors? Jeeps shouldn’t have any doors!” Well I finally had the opportunity to drive the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK over this past week, and let me tell you, this thing is still all the Jeep the TJ is, and then some.

You get over the looks quickly when you realize that the new goofy fenders are designed to be removable and to pop off in the event they snag a rock or in case of a roll over. Even if you damage your fenders so bad that they won’t go back to their original shape, they are cheaper to replace than a standard sheet metal fender. The extra length and weight of the four door Unlimited make driving on the highway a pleasant experience. Taking the kids (or your fat buddies) on the trail with you just became that much easier with the addition of the two rear doors. No more climbing over the front seat hitting your head on the roll bar! And say you wanted to have a conversation with your passengers, nearly impossible in a TJ the new JK hard, and even soft, top are extremely quiet!

With the Rubicon package the new JK Unlimited is one heck of a hill climber. The longer wheel base makes it feel really stable and the 4.0:1 transfer case paired with the front and rear lockers and electronic sway bar disconnect make for one very capable trail machine. Not to mention the stock BFG Mud Terrain tires.

It’s not all good with the new JK, like every new vehicle it does have its downfalls. The new 3.8 liter V-6 is not the torque monster that the old inline 4.0 was. With an automatic transition and the added weight of the Unlimited it can be a real dog on the highway. The 6-Speed version should be a bit better. Then there is the plastic grill. What were you thinking Jeep?

Overall the new four-door Jeep Wrangler gets two thumbs up from this lowly web editor. The public will come around and the new JK will take off like wildfire, once the enthusiasts get to drive them and put their preconceived notions to rest.

So what are your thoughts? I would love to here them! Post away!

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Reader Comments:

1. All things considered, I think Jeep did a good job on the JK. I think the chassis designation is unfortunate. I'm sure they get a lot of "Just Kidding" or "Joke" jabs.

However, I've got to question the choice of the 3.8 minivan engine for a vehicle this heavy. A larger-displacement multi-valve V-6 probably would have been a better choice (like the FJ Cruiser) or even a small V-8. I'm sure the engine issue will be resolved soon enough, with the new "Phoenix" corporate V-6s on the drawing board, and a whole slew of diesels coming from DCX in '08 or '09. I might wait until some more compelling engine options are available, but otherwise, definitely a sweet ride!

esanchez - Posted October 18 2006 10:44 AM

2. In 5 or 10 years when DC decides to make the wrangler 4 wheel independent suspension, you guys will really flip out.

InstaGator - Posted October 20 2006 03:50 PM

3. Don't worry Gator, if that ever happens I can guarantee you that we, along with our friends over at Jp Magazine will be the first people protesting over at DCX!

rngprerunner - Posted October 20 2006 04:12 PM

4. i dont know. I just cannot reconcile a 4 door jeep. i picture the old WWII Jeep and the legacy and then the name and I think what a bad decision this was to make this product. you seem to know the stuff about the engine and the performance characteristics but end of day it just doesnt say jeep to me - its says town and country:)

frankrizzo - Posted October 26 2006 08:45 PM

5. I have been in CJ 5's since 1983. My 83 had 400k miles, many offroad, and the last serial number produced. In 1999 I found a 1975 CJ 5 with 15k miles in all origional condition and found the drive train extraordinary off road. Decided to donate the 83 to the Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, MI. Have driven the 75 for 50k miles after complete rework was finished. I was never interested in the post 85 jeeps and never even looked at them. Was interested in the Toyota SJ (the doors did not come off). Then I saw a 4 door unlimited at my local dealer and became interested...read many reviews, including yours, and decided to go have a look. Found out that the doors and top came off and the dana 44's (4.10 ratio) were beefed up and lockered with 17 inch wheels and 32 inch offroad tires. I was sold, which I dreamed would never happen to an old CJ5'er. I ordered a jeep green Runicon Unlimited with soft top, tinted windows, and trailer group. It is due the end of November. When it is delivered my 75 CJ is go

crwood1 - Posted November 9 2006 06:19 PM

6. I love the new 4 door Wrangler except for the pathetic 3.8L V6. What a huge disappointment, and where's the supposedly better mileage? Jeep finally has an advantage over the competition (fun & roomy) and they ruin it with the 3.8L. I am keeping my $35,000 check until they put the diesel or even the V8 in it. As soon as they put the 3.0L CRD in it I will buy it. I'll take mine in Rubi Red.

Josephus - Posted November 22 2006 09:27 PM

7. I wheeled this thing in Africa, it is worthy.

--Sean

seanpholman - Posted February 3 2007 03:15 PM

8. Willys, CJ and Wrangler fans, the JK IS A REAL JEEP!. :)
Just a little Jeep history for anyone who's interested. The JK is not a new concept. A 4 door CJ was made in South America in the 1960's, and a diesel Commander 750 version later was introduced in India. My guess it will fall somewhere in the middle of the flock though. It's all going to depend on if that caravan motor that's "board to special specs" can handle us. I have a stock JK X, and I'm happy with it so far. It has enough power and hasn't left me digging or bustin out the come along. Besides that, it looks tight, its quiet inside and it's a great all around. A comfortable travel vehicle, and has done well off road so far. I deff. see a lot of potential with a few modifications. Weather or not it can come close to the bullet proof beast I know my CJ5 to be is questionable. It all depends on the motor. Time will tell

JeepersCreapers - Posted July 23 2007 08:20 PM

9. Well I bought a Sahara Unlimited with the 4.1 dana 44. I had a CJ and a YJ before this and I can tell this car rocks! Didnt do any upgrade yet and I already tested it off road several times (bought it on november last year) it worked great! didnt fail any hill or mud i tried. I shared yall first impression before buy it: WHAT THE *** IS WAY TOO CUTE FOR A JEEP... but is as tough as my CJ and way more confortable and bigger. Ok I used to feel like barbie when another lifted Jeep parked near me...but after some off roads trips I can tell you the new breed is better than any older version just buy one and you will see.
PD: I have 3 kids and they love off road :)

huroni1 - Posted July 28 2007 01:51 PM

10. I TOOK MY STOCK JK OFFROADING SEVERAL TIMES AND IT DOES AWESOME. THE EXTRA LONG WHEEL BASE DOES AFFECT A LITTLE BIT, THE REAR WHEELS TAKE A LITTLE BIT LONGER TO CATCH UP. BUT IF YOUR A GOOD WHEELER THEN IT WON'T MATTER.

Vband - Posted September 26 2007 10:42 PM

11. I want the 4 door Rubicon! My issues with the Jeep is the low hanging oil pan and the low hanging gas tank! Jeep also has to improve the 60-0mph stopping times! Espesially when you want to put larger tires on this vehicle! A V-8 is also in order, how about the Hemmi? And the factory 8inches of wheel travel is pathetic! My 1993 4runner came with 12in stock for the rear axle!!! Come on Jeep! Although still the best you could buy for off road use.

Truckmen - Posted April 27 2008 03:18 AM

12. I have a '07 JK-X 6sp with 4:10, no lockers (yet). I took it(stock)on a Jeep Jamboree and kept up with all the other 'real Jeeps' no problems other than tearing off one rear fender which went back on with $24 worth of plastic clips. A couple of weeks ago my JK was the only one of three ('79 & '87) to make the worst obstacle w/o winching. I have raised it, added bumpers, winch, rock bars, and tires. This is my first Jeep, but I've had K5 & S10 Blazers, Suburban, & F-150's all 4WD, but I never considered going where this JK will. In reading the other comments, I must say I have not had any issues with lack of power with the 3.8 coupled with the 6 speed. I am getting 18+MPG on the road and loving the off road. It may not be a 'real Jeep' in somes eyes, but so far I'm keeping up with the other Jeeps on the trails.

dared - Posted July 17 2008 03:26 PM

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