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2007 Jeep Wrangler Preview

Most Popular Off-Roader Just Got Better

Ready for Jeeps all-new Wrangler? Certainly its more refined, expected of any redesigned vehicle when compared to its predecessor, but while smoothing out some of the old models rough edges the iconic off-roader is still every bit as capable in 2007 JK form when pavement turns to rocks, sand and/or mud; or, as with its North American International Auto Show debut in Detroit, escaping from an onstage cage, driving through auto show aisles, breaking through one of Cobo Halls "plate glass" windows and then climbing down a flight of stairs before marching up Washington Avenue and then charging up the side of "Jeep Mountain" just outside of Detroits Pontchartrain Hotel.

"Jeep is the go anywhere, do anything brand, and the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler

The all-new Wrangler, making its debut at this years NAIAS in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

demonstrated that right out of the gate today," commented Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, Chrysler Group. "Simply put, it is the best Jeep Wrangler ever. No vehicle in the world offers more off-road capability. Our all-new Jeep Wrangler offers more on-road refinement, space, comfort, open-air options, power, torque, safety and convenience."

Im sure that the good folks I met during Jeep Jamboree last year, who teased me relentlessly as I took to the

The plate glass windows of Cobo Hall couldnt contain the Wrangler from its true destiny... (Photo: Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

mountain in an independently-front-sprung Liberty, will have collectively exhaled sighs of relief when news came that the neo-classic 4x4 will not only offer such long-anticipated upgrades in its renewed state, but that it will also once again be sold with solid axles at both ends. For those wanting the Jeep image tailored for the street, yes the lightweights that regularly complain that the Wranglers ride is too rough for daily use, go buy a Compass or Patriot and leave the "real" Jeeps to rough-and-ready,

....which is a makeshift mountain right outside of the Pontchartrain Hotel. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

hairy-chested men - and women.

Actually, I was surprised at the diversity of Jeeps fan base, or at least those attending the Jamboree. While more parts male than female, the women I met were at least as devoted, with CJs, YJs and TJs similarly optioned-out to the guys machines. I also witnessed a refreshing socio-economic mix at the event, with obvious variances in income level, even more obvious style and taste differences, plus dynamic cultural backgrounds. In other words, Jeep owners cover almost every demographic and are brought

New Wrangler should appeal to the Jamboree types quite nicely. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

together by one common element, their love for all things Jeep.
It makes sense then, that Jeep experiences a similar customer profile on the dealership showroom floor, pulling in new Wrangler buyers that range from urban trendsetters to burly adventurers, and all should be pleased with the 2007 models updates. Most noticeable is the redesigned grille and front fascia, still sporting twin circular headlamps up top and six vertical slats separating seven slots in between, the entire façade is now canted rearward at a "wind-cheating" angle while the turn signals have been pulled

All the details have stayed put; they include the round lamps, seven-slot grille and separate fenders. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

inward, off of the front fenders and onto to the grille panel, just as they were in days of yore. Those fenders are now more suited to roughing it, not only because most of the electrics are inboard to minimize repair costs (only a tiny side marker remains) if hit by a wayward tree, but also because their matte black finish is less expensive to fix or replace once torn off.

The front bumper is finished in matte black too, and more streamlined compared to the rudimentary chunk of steal and plastic that used to hang under the grille. The NAIAS show vehicle boasted a set of fog lamps integrated at center, a nice

You can still fold down the windshield and have your Wrangler with frameless zip-up doors, if you wish. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

touch stylistically as well as handy when off the beaten path.

Moving towards the back, purists will delight that the Wranglers new flush-mounted windshield can still be folded forward and strapped onto the hood; held up with little rubber stoppers to protect the glass when bushwhacking. Overall, the Wranglers profile looks much the same as its predecessor, other than the lack of a creased shoulder line that previously ran frontward through the door panel, larger exposed forged hinges, the aforementioned new fender flares (still trapezoid in shape mind you), full-length matte black rocker covers, redesigned "sport bar" roll cage, and new door pulls ahead

In good form, the Wrangler is built to be durable, and easily fixable. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

of Liberty-like hemispherical hand indents. OK, its changed quite a bit, but its updates are even more noticeable in the rear.

The tail lamps are still external units, true to Jeep tradition and easy to replace if smashed or knocked off (although easier to smash or knock off due to being external and protruding out from their rear corners), but now theyre vertical in design; tall rectangles instead of simple squares. Its amazing how such a minor change can appear so significant, but when combined with a new rear door handle that is nothing more than a side door pull and button placed vertically on the tailgate, boldly designed rear door hinges it looks totally revamped. And if capped off with a hardtop the Wrangler

Interior is nicer than ever, with many new features, and a more organized center stack. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

gets a much more rectangular overall shape, for an even more radical departure.

The modifications inside are even more obvious, starting with a completely revised dash and center stack. The old Wranglers user interface had already improved dramatically when compared to those in YJ and CJ interiors, but Jeep has stepped up style, functionality and quality for 2007. A sportier four-spoke steering wheel frames a more organically shaped instrument binnacle; the previous unit was rectangular. The only rectangular object in the new Wrangler is its new audio head unit, being that circular HVAC knobs and vents plus a rounded dash continue the shapely theme forward; that dash capped off with two equally round smart fortwo-like stereo speakers that

Standard, supportive seats are trimmed in an anti-microbial, soil-repellant material. So, yeah, go ahead and get dirty. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

protrude out from the dash-top like a set of scale model mountain-top observatories.

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