Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[Variance]

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

If you're willing to trade refinement and power for agility on the trail and a convertible top, the Unlimited may be worth the dough. After nearly a full day behind the wheel we're convinced of two things: The Jeep Wrangler will remain a niche player, and we'll never rely on a photographer to make our travel plans ever again.

Read "Full Test: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara" @ Edmunds

[Satty]

My Jeep dealer is going to call me for a test drive when they get one in stock, should be later in the month.

[regfootball]

edmunds are morons. nobody looks at the wrangler for 'lexus refinement'. Wranglers are built to play on the rocks and dirt. Not shlep coffee from starbucks to home.

[pow]

They found this gutless but not the CR-V?

Anyway, I found the Unlimited very cool and a bargain almost (poor man's G-class or LR Defender) until Edmunds mentioned the FJ and Xterra. And then there's the H3. Damnit.

Giving the Wrangler 4-doors sounds logical, but it also brings up a lot of competition.

[regfootball]

the wrangler is still more hard core off road than an xterra etc. I would never take the wussy FJ through stuff you wouldn't blink an eye at with a wrangler.

[The O.C.]

They found this gutless but not the CR-V?

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Let's say they both go 0-60 in 9-10secs.....

A willing, freely-revving, lighter-weight Honda L4 will most likely always feel "more spirited" in the new CR-V than an anchor-weight, ancient, pushrod V6 in something like the Wrangler.

I've been in a few Chrysler 3.8L pushrod V6s (most recently a base Pacifica) and I've never been too impressed. It's never been as refined or punchy as the 3800 or even GM's latest 3.5L and 3.9L.

I can only guess they used this engine in the new Wrangler because of cost, simplicity (for Jeep guys to work on, etc.) and probably low-end-torque for off-roading and stuff....

???

[Polish_Kris]

They found this gutless but not the CR-V?

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It's an SUV!!! this and the CR-V have a totally different puropse!

[The O.C.]

After reading Edmund's positives and negatives on this vehicle.....it sounds like DCX NAILED the redesign of the new Wrangler.

In my mind, it should NEVER try to emmulate a "more-traditional" SUV....even if it DOES have 4 doors.

That being said, I would have liked more grunt.....

[The O.C.]

Actually most Jeep guys I know wanted the 3.7 from the Liberty to be in the new Wrangler. Why Jeep used the 3.8 is anyones guess.

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Maybe there was underhood clearance issues with the OHC 3.7L.....? (The pushrod motor should be more compact....)

[chevelle454]

Why would anyone want the 3.7, they need the 4.0 inline six back

[The O.C.]

Why would anyone want the 3.7, they need the 4.0 inline six back

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In all likelihood the 4.0L would not meet ever-changing emissions standards. It's is an ANCIENT engine you know.......

Plus, it's long inline-6 architecture would be too tough to fit within other platforms....and probably would be cost-prohibitive to keep it in production JUST for Wrangler. It wouldn't have the efficiency, NVH levels, or refinement to fit something like a sedan, coupe, or minivan.