2007 Jeep Wrangler SUV

What’s New?
Jeep’s venerable Wrangler enters its next generation for 2007 with not only an all-new 2-door model, but also a new 4-door version that offers the same Jeep off-road capability.

Overview
The Jeep was created for American soldiers to use in World War II, and after the war brought its rugged capabilities and its ability to negotiate rocky trails for civilian use. The newest generation of Jeep, launched with the 2007 model year, is some 5.5 inches wider, offers even more innovative roof systems, and even power windows as part of its much more amenable passenger compartment. But the big news is the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited version, with an even roomier passenger compartment and 4-door access. Not only are the 2007 Wranglers longer inside, but they ride on a longer wheelbase, and that means a smoother and more comfortable ride at highway speeds on pavement.

The 2007 Jeep Wranglers are powered by a new, 3.8-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 205 hp that flows through a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The manual is unique, and the Wrangler can be started in low range without depressing the clutch, thus providing enhanced rock-crawling capabilities. The new powertrain also provides for an increased towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The Wrangler X comes with a soft (convertible) top, electronic stability control, 4-wheel disc brakes, a folding rear seat, metallic half doors that can be removed, 16-inch wheels, and skid plates to protect the transfer case and fuel tank. The Wrangler Sahara adds premium cloth seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, a center console, cruise control, full metal and removable doors with roll-up windows, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, side steps, a 6-disc CD player and Infinity speakers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Wrangler Rubicon adds an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar to enhance off-road capability, a Rock-Trac transfer case, Dana 44 front and rear axles, locking front and rear differentials, aluminum wheels, 32-inch BFGoodrich tires, rock rails, and half doors. The Unlimited version also gets a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

The Competition
The Jeep Wrangler competes in the Compact Utility segment, which consists of five models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, reliability, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Jeep Libery (133,557 units sold), Jeep Wrangler (80,271), and Nissan Xterra (62,325). The Jeep Wrangler’s 80,271 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 1.6 percent compared to the previous year. Also offered in the Compact Utility segment is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Dodge Nitro.