Recently, at the IMPA Test Fest held in Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and take it for a short drive.
Like many other folk, I've always had a soft spot for the open top Jeep as it was one of the first vehicles that I owned in Canada. Of course, I was younger then and we parted company when I felt in need of something that was a tad more practical and offered a little more room.
Well, that's no longer an issue. The new Unlimited sits on an extended platform which allows comfortable seating for five adults along with ample room for their luggage. Together with the traditional traits like fun and capability, Jeep has now added true versatility to the mix. This should attract interest from a wider group of buyers as the Wrangler is no longer predominantly the domain of the young.
But what is it like to drive?
Well, it certainly feels like a more substantial vehicle than the traditional Wrangler. The driving position feels somewhat familiar, until you glance over your shoulder or look in the rear view mirror. You then realize just how much extra space has been added.
The ride is extremely smooth, especially at Hwy speeds where its shorter stable-mate tends to suffer, as most short wheel base vehicles do, from the bounce and bob effect.
Performance is exceptionally good as all 2007 Wranglers come with Jeep's new 3.8 L V6 which produces 205 hp. This is the most powerful engine ever fitted to the Wrangler. When coupled to their 6 speed manual transmission, it offers plenty of power and heaps of gear changing fun. The Unlimited is also offered with a 4 speed Auto box but I enjoyed the manual immensely, and found it not only smooth in operation, but very easy to become acclimatized to.
The vehicle feels stable and sure-footed on the road and the braking is handled by a four wheel disc system with ABS. The Wrangler Unlimited also comes nicely equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) as standard.
Tradition has played a large part in the Wrangler's life and the Unlimited follows and, perhaps, even adds to that. The four doors are removable, the windshield still folds down and it is available as a soft top or with a well designed hard top. Add to this, three model versions including their famed Rubicon edition which has had even more off-road capabilities added for this year, and I think that Jeep has a real winner on their hands.
Personally, I feel that this is one of the smartest ideas which the Jeep brand has ever come up with. In fact, I have to wonder to myself why they didn't introduce this vehicle years ago. If they had, I might still have one in my driveway.
 |
| (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan) |
Well, that's no longer an issue. The new Unlimited sits on an extended platform which allows comfortable seating for five adults along with ample room for their luggage. Together with the traditional traits like fun and capability, Jeep has now added true versatility to the mix. This should attract interest from a wider group of buyers as the Wrangler is no longer predominantly the domain of the young.
But what is it like to drive?
 |
| (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan) |
The ride is extremely smooth, especially at Hwy speeds where its shorter stable-mate tends to suffer, as most short wheel base vehicles do, from the bounce and bob effect.
Performance is exceptionally good as all 2007 Wranglers come with Jeep's new 3.8 L V6 which produces 205 hp. This is the most powerful engine ever fitted to the Wrangler. When coupled to their 6 speed manual transmission, it offers plenty of power and heaps of gear changing fun. The Unlimited is also offered with a 4 speed Auto box but I enjoyed the manual immensely, and found it not only smooth in operation, but very easy to become acclimatized to.
 |
| (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan) |
Tradition has played a large part in the Wrangler's life and the Unlimited follows and, perhaps, even adds to that. The four doors are removable, the windshield still folds down and it is available as a soft top or with a well designed hard top. Add to this, three model versions including their famed Rubicon edition which has had even more off-road capabilities added for this year, and I think that Jeep has a real winner on their hands.
Personally, I feel that this is one of the smartest ideas which the Jeep brand has ever come up with. In fact, I have to wonder to myself why they didn't introduce this vehicle years ago. If they had, I might still have one in my driveway.
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