Overview

Jeep engineers set out with a clean sheet of paper to completely redesign the new JK Wrangler. Goals were to meet ever increasing government standards for safety and emissions, make the Jeep more accessible to the mainstream (meaning more economically viable), and improve the Jeeps off-road prowess. Some important government requirements coming soon that had to be addressed were side impact air bags, and traction control. To make the Jeep more accessible, a four door model was introduced for the first time ever, and the Jeep was made a little larger overall, and other nice options were added as well (power windows/door locks, premium audio, Navigation). Does the 2007 meet all of these lofty goals? It does, and then some.

First Impressions

Having owned a 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ, and put over 115K miles on it on and off-road all over the country, I am certainly very familiar with the “Jeep thing”. I feel the TJ is a great vehicle, but certainly not for everyone. Upon seeing my first JK, the first obvious thing I noticed was the size, it seems much larger. It is in fact only slightly taller overall, 1.5 inches longer, but a significant 4 inches wider. Though the JK maintains all of the major styling cues of the previous Wrangler, things are much cleaner and smoother in appearance. The front grill and windshield exhibit more rake, and the windshield is also slightly curved. A side benefit I’m sure is the slightly improved fuel economy, despite being larger and heavier. Overall fit and finish and paint quality are noticeably improved. Behind the wheel, the ride is noticeable more supple, but certainly not to the degree that you think you’re in a luxury sedan. The Jeep maintains its truck-like qualities. Acceleration and braking are adequate, and the Jeep’s cornering and tracking down the highway are an improvement over the TJ.

Trim

For 2007 there are three trim levels, the base X, the Sahara, and the Rubicon. All three trims are available in two or four door variants. The X offers most of the options available to it, so it is possible to put together a very impressive package. The Sahara offers many standard options, such as the premium audio, and the YES fabric. Unique features are the availability of 18” wheels, and standard painted fender flares. The Rubicon comes with many standard features as well, but offers the D44 front axle and the 4:1 ratio Rock-Trac transfer case. In addition, all Rubicons have fully locking front and rear axles, and a front sway bar disconnect. A rear locker and front sway bar disconnect are now available on X and Sahara models now as well. Some other options of note for all models are side air bags, power locks and windows, cruise control, Mygig (which features a 20GB HDD and a navigation unit), a six disc CD/DVD changer, a 7 speaker 368W premium audio system, and the Freedom Top hard top. My Jeep is a two door X, equipped with the Freedom Top, Infinity audio system, auto, D44 axle, and 17” wheels.

Drivetrain

The venerable 4.0L inline six from the TJ has been replaced by a serviceable 3.8L V6 (found previously in the Pacifica and Chrysler minivans). Thankfully the anemic 4 cylinder has been eliminated, so all JK’s receive the same 3.8L engine. While power and torque are up (202HP @ 5000rpm and 237 lb-ft @ 4000rpm) the gains are cancelled out by the increased size and weight, especially in the four door (Unlimited) version. The four speed automatic transmission offers positive and smooth shifts, and the linkage while shifting into gears is also very solid and immediate (a six speed manual is also available). The 4:10 gears that come with all autos are a nice addition to improve acceleration, and help with the larger tire sizes for 2007. The transfer case is the next generation NV241 Command-Trac (Rock-Trac in the Rubicon model). Front Axles are a strengthened version of the Dana 30, with the gutsy Dana 44 in the rear of most Jeeps (all Unlimiteds and Rubicons, Rubicons also get a D44 front). An underwhelming Dana 35 rear axle was offered in some two door JK’s, but is uncommon and hopefully being phased out of use. Overall the drivetrain provides adequate performance, and is much smoother and quieter than that of the previous TJ. Recent driving in the mountains of Colorado highlighted the need for another 15-20HP from the engine, but it was still adequate, and much better than my TJ in the same conditions.

Performance and Function

As mentioned earlier, the JK offers a much improved ride on pavement. Interior noise levels from the drivetrain are much reduced, and noise levels from the Freedom Top are also improved. I test drove a soft top model, and found it is almost as quiet as the hard top. The Jeep has been improved in torsional rigidity, and not a single squeak is heard from the interior. Early on fuel economy was in the 18mpg range, a slight improvement over my TJ, but my last few tanks of gas have yielded consistent 21mpg results. This is with an 80/20 mix of highway and city driving at or just above posted speeds. I do try and drive for conservation (moderate acceleration and braking, no excessive speeding, proper vehicle maintenance). The Freedom Top comes in three sections, making for more open air combinations, and easier to remove. The back section still requires two adults to lift off, but is still more manageable than the complete one-piece design of the previous TJ. The stereo is by far the best system ever heard in a Wrangler. The dash mounted tombstone tweeters give fairly clear highs, and the lower dash mounted and over head sound bar mounted 6.5” speakers offer good power and clarity. The 8” (removable) rear mounted subwoofer offers a lot of kick, and is the most impressive part of the system.

Off-road

I recently took the JK on a 3400 mile trip to Colorado. We ran Medano Pass, a moderate rated trail in Southern CO near the Great Sand Dunes. Though most of the trail is easy, there were some sections of deep sand, 13 creek crossings (12-18 inches deep), and a few steep and rocky sections in the switchbacks over the mountain. I aired down the stock Goodyears to about 17PSI to aid in traction, especially important in the deep sand. The Jeep performed flawlessly, and didn't have a single traction issue. I was pleasantly surprised in the stock tires, as I didn't have high expectations for them. The engine seemed well mated to the 4 low gearing, and crawled right over everything. Getting the Jeep into 4 low was a little clunky, but no worse then it ever was in my previous TJ. I liked the electronic fan compared to the belt driven model of the TJ, made things a little quieter overall. Overall, it exceeded my expectations. Living in a snow belt region, I look forward to the use of the traction control in slippery/icy conditions this winter.

Complaints

Thus far my JK has met or exceeded all of my expectations. There are two issues which I should note. Rear seat access in the two door has actually regressed compared to the TJ. The TJ seat tilted forward and then slid up to the dash, the JK seat only tilts forward, making it tough for an average adult to squeeze through. Apparently the addition of the air bag sensor in the passenger seat caused this limitation, hopefully it can be improved. The second issue of note is the sheet metal (especially the hood and doors) seems much thinner than it was on the TJ. I won’t speculate on the reasons, but I would prefer that it be a little sturdier on a vehicle that retains a utilitarian image. Driving in high wind conditions, or in the wake of a large truck when passing makes the hood really jump around, something I never really noticed on my TJ.

In Summary

Jeep has come through on all counts, delivering improvements in the JK Wrangler as a daily driver, yet also not compromising the strength and capability off-road. In addition, the new options offer a lot more variety for people to build the kind of Jeep they want, be it a base model with the off-road goodies to tear up the trail, or all the amenities to have a SUV that has more style and capability than the average mall crawler.

UPDATE 6-1-08

All is well with my JK. I am approaching 17K miles and have been averaging 20-21MPG consistently since the weather warmed, was steadily in the 18.5 range over the winter. I added an Airaid intake which has helped throttle response somewhat, but otherwise not a major improvement. I have had no issues with performance or repairs, it just keeps on rolling. I still stand by my review that the JK is a fine new addition to the Jeep heritage.
Amount Paid (US$): 22,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2007
Model and Options: X, auto, Hard top, D44, 17" Wheels, 368W stereo