Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Jeep Wrangler 4X4 Unlimited X 4-Door. Bravo. This is great. I’ve always liked the Wrangler but this just adds to it’s capability without sacrificing the look and feel of the original. The first time I closed the door in this newest of Wranglers and buckled up I was reminded that I was in a Jeep – and very special piece of history. Then I reached for the power windows and as I cranked the manual windows I knew I was home. I thought these things went the way of Buggy Whips, but at the same time it occurred to me that hand crank roll up windows are more reliable and don’t need power to operate them in the back country, in an emergency situation for example. So I wasn’t surprised when I was also able to tune the radio with a “Knob” thank you. Some things are best left alone and simple.
One of the great things you get with owning a Jeep is the spirit and camaraderie of other owners and their love of Off Road performance. That extended family feeling is evident by the great numbers who join together each year at some of the 26 venues around the country for Jeep Jamboree’s. Great fun. Jeep has promised me another adventure this coming year after a memorable 3 days that I spent with 120 Jeep owners on the Mohawk Trail in Northwest Massachusetts. That was about 10 years ago and I’m ready for another location Scott.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 79%.
Assembly – Toledo, Ohio, USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler.
This Unlimited X is powered by a V6 202 hp engine but some will say it is underpowered. However, this is an adventure vehicle and although you need hp for speed it is unnecessary for crawling over boulders on the Rubicon Trail in Tahoe, CA… or other off road trips. In any case, on the highway, once you get it rolling it is just fine.
Styling:
For the Jeep devotee this 4-door is a welcomed addition to the Jeep lineup. It expands the capability of the vehicle while keeping true to the Jeep tradition of simplicity.
Fit and Finish:
Jeep Wrangler is known for being rough and tumble and basic, but today’s Wrangler is just a little bit upgraded for more comfort.
Cost:
Not bad relative to the competition especially when you consider Wrangler is all alone really and its uniqueness stands out from the field listed.
Conveniences and comfort:
More comfort than older models, while maintaining the basic feel it also provides some of the more modern conveniences.
Consumer Recommendation:
If your lifestyle takes you outside and outback, and you love off road adventures without all the fluff common to the other competitors in this segment this is the one and only – it’s a Jeep. You can upscale a bit to the Hummer series but in class this is the best for your lifestyle.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X $$19-29,000, Suzuki XL7 $23-32,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $21-25,000, Saturn Vue $21-29,000, Kia Sorento $20-26,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000, Chevrolet Equinox $22-29,000, Honda CR-V $21-28,000, Toyota RAV4 $21-27,000.
Good News:
It’s built in the US and it is a unique bit of history for the outdoors enthusiast.
Bad News:
A bit underpowered and poor fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter V6 202 hp engine, 4-speed auto trans, front air bags, power steering, ESP electronic stability program, hydraulic brake assist, traction control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, heavy duty rear axle 3.21 axle ratio, shift on the fly 4-WD system, 600 Amp maintenance free battery, transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, theft deterrent system, front stabilizer bar, air conditioning, glove box reclining front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, stereo with in dash CD player, tilt steering column, roll bar with padding, rear compartment covered storage area, removable soft top, swing away mirrors, 16” steel wheels.
Optional Equipment: tint windows, cruise control, leather wrapped wheel, temp and compass gauges, aluminum wheel upgrade, fog lights, front tow hooks and 1 rear hook. ($2,515)
$3.06/ Gal avg. October 21, ‘07
for more information.
16 City and 19 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $22,530, $25,705 with options.
