The one and only!
Driving a Jeep Wrangler on pavement is nonsense. It's like jigging while someone is playing the Stradivarius: you're taking the essence out of something by messing with its primary purpose. Yet, thousands and thousands of consumers have been doing it on a daily basis for many years. Even worse, they like it!
For a lot of folks, driving a Jeep Wrangler is kind of living a dream. In many ways, this go-anywhere vehicle represents an all-access pass to freedom -- even if they'll never venture out of the beaten paths!
Granted, the "classic" Jeep is first and foremost an icon. And by reinventing this icon for 2007, Chrysler made sure not to alter the things that made it famous in the first place. The overall shape is still instantly recognizable. Likewise, all the key features remain: the unmistakeable seven-slot grille, the fold-down windshield, the removable doors and the wide fender flares (never forget about those when you're driving the Wrangler!).
"Evolutionary"
Compared to the Jeep TJ it replaces, the new Wrangler can't be described as revolutionary. Rather, I'll use the term "evolutionary". Special attention was paid to the interior design to make drives more comfortable. By adding the Freedom Top modular hardtop with dual removable panels to the standard equipment list of the two higher-end models (the tested Sahara as well as the Rubicon), Jeep found the best way to make the interior quieter for all occupants. As for the base Wrangler X model, buyers only have to pay a premium of $850.
The automaker also simplified the powertrain selection. Gone are the wheezy 4-pot and the inline-six of the old TJ. In comes a 3.8L V6 engine from the previous Dodge Grand Caravan.
Wise decision, it seems, especially when comparing torque ratings. While this powerplant generates only 2 foot-pounds more than the old inline-six (237 vs 235), max torque is now available at 4,000 rpm compared to 3,200 rpm. As a result, enthusiasts will have to get used to a new, smoother engine sound.
Driving a Jeep Wrangler on pavement is nonsense. It's like jigging while someone is playing the Stradivarius: you're taking the essence out of something by messing with its primary purpose. Yet, thousands and thousands of consumers have been doing it on a daily basis for many years. Even worse, they like it!
 |
| Known for its off-road capabilities, this SUV also proves nimble in the city. |
For a lot of folks, driving a Jeep Wrangler is kind of living a dream. In many ways, this go-anywhere vehicle represents an all-access pass to freedom -- even if they'll never venture out of the beaten paths!
Granted, the "classic" Jeep is first and foremost an icon. And by reinventing this icon for 2007, Chrysler made sure not to alter the things that made it famous in the first place. The overall shape is still instantly recognizable. Likewise, all the key features remain: the unmistakeable seven-slot grille, the fold-down windshield, the removable doors and the wide fender flares (never forget about those when you're driving the Wrangler!).
"Evolutionary"
Compared to the Jeep TJ it replaces, the new Wrangler can't be described as revolutionary. Rather, I'll use the term "evolutionary". Special attention was paid to the interior design to make drives more comfortable. By adding the Freedom Top modular hardtop with dual removable panels to the standard equipment list of the two higher-end models (the tested Sahara as well as the Rubicon), Jeep found the best way to make the interior quieter for all occupants. As for the base Wrangler X model, buyers only have to pay a premium of $850.
The automaker also simplified the powertrain selection. Gone are the wheezy 4-pot and the inline-six of the old TJ. In comes a 3.8L V6 engine from the previous Dodge Grand Caravan.
Wise decision, it seems, especially when comparing torque ratings. While this powerplant generates only 2 foot-pounds more than the old inline-six (237 vs 235), max torque is now available at 4,000 rpm compared to 3,200 rpm. As a result, enthusiasts will have to get used to a new, smoother engine sound.
 |
| All Wranglers are powered by the same 3.8L V6. |