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2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4X4 Road & Trail Test

I’m driving around the city in a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara anddrawing lots of looks from just about everyone. I’m sure it could be due to the fact that it’s an all-new model for 2007, and for the first time ever it is available in a four-door configuration. A light smattering of mud from some earlier off road adventures (more on that later) offers a sharp contrast to the shiny Red Rock Crystal Pearl paint, adding to the allure. It makes me feel like a rugged, individualist globetrotter. Where’s my Tilly vest and hat? But that classic image of an off-road personality was before automakers co-opted that guise to sell top heavy, ill handling, under-braked SUVs to soccer dads and mall moms whose idea of off-roading is parking on the median at the mall during Christmas. But say the name Jeep and the iconic Wrangler is the model most people think of. It has always been the 4x4 for people who put off-road performance first and on-road performance second. This has changed somewhat for 2007, mind

The SUV for real 4X4 enthusiasts. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

you, with road performance now getting almost equal billing.

Under the hood is a 3.8-liter SMPI V6 with 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque,backed by a 6-speed manual gearbox that is easy to shift and helps to keep the revs down at highway speeds. A 4-speed automatic is optional. As soon as I hit the highway I couldn’t believe I was in a Jeep. Wind noise is kept to a minimum, impressive enough that you can actually listen to the radio and have a conversation at the same time. Lane changes are performed without drama and everything feels more stable thanks to a wider track and much stiffer chassis; 100% stiffer in bending and 50% in torsion over the '06 model. The ride is firm but excellent for what it is,

The inline-six is gone, but the new 3.8-liter V6 is just as friendly, with similar torque richness. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

especially considering that solid axles still reside front and rear, just the way it should be. Also standard for 2007 is an Electronic Stabilization Program and Electronic Roll Mitigation to keep things under control during emergency maneuvers. ABS equipped 4-wheel discs are standard equipment, but the pedal is a bit soft for my liking and needs extra pressure when performing a panic stop, but once you get used to it the Jeep pulls to standstill relatively well. I even commuted during my time with the Jeep, and although a bit thirsty it is a vast improvement over previous models in every way. It only needs regular fuel too, which is a bonus for sure. My tester also had the trailer towing package that includes a 4.10:1 rear gear ratio instead of the standard 3.21:1, which would have improved fuel economy a

Jeep redesigned the interior; it packs more features than ever, and is roomier in all the places that matter most. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

bit.

The interior is an improvement as well, but some of the trim pieces arenicer than others. Everything looks easy to clean, which in any vehicle that ventures off-road frequently (or should) is appreciated. You can even pull the drain plugs and easily remove the carpeting to wash the floor out with a garden hose (although if you do this you'll probably short out the electrical and void the warranty - Ed.). The front seats were comfortable and supportive with side airbags optional. My rear seat passengers commented on how much room there was and how easy getting in and out was. Standard on the Sahara and Rubicon are Chrysler’s YES essentials seat fabric which is stain and odor resistant as well as anti static. But for me the major benefit is pointing out to the dealer that the overpriced spray-on fabric protector that they’re trying to push on me isn’t compatible with YES essentials, so thanks but no thanks.

Go on, explore that scenery... (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

The interior is very roomy and the rear seats utilize Jeep’s Fold-and-Tumble system to drop down for more cargo space than the FJ Cruiser, Hummer H3 and Nissan Xterra. There is even a secure storage bin beneath the rear cargo area. Complaints of no interior storage in previous models have certainly been addressed. The Sahara also includes a standard 7-speaker 368-watt Infinity MP3-capable audio system. All models are available with the MyGIG multimedia and navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio. Minor interior complaints include the lack of a dead pedal, center mounted power window switches that aren’t lit very well and an inside rear view mirror that is too small. Standard on the Sahara and the Rubicon is the Freedom Top hard top, which allows you to remove two front panels, kind of like a sunroof. That way you can let in the sun without removing the whole hardtop. A similar system is available on the optional Sunrider soft top that folds back like a convertible top would. Although it was warm for January, it was not warm enough to test either top out as my Jeep was equipped

YES Essentials fabrics are great to have, especially if you're going to be out, mudding about. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

with the dual top group.

Off-road is where the Wrangler, or any Jeep for that matter (let’s ignore theCompass which isn’t really a true Jeep anyway) shines. And luckily for me it’s just past New Year’s and it’s actually warm enough to 4x4, and since it's warm the trails aren’t packed with snowmobiles as they normally would be at this time of year. So as good as it is on the road, by far the highlight of my time with the Wrangler Unlimited was when I was able to take it out onto some trails in near my home. The Wrangler handled anything I could throw at it. It had rained recently and there was quite a bit of mud so things were slippery and therefore fun. When my wife and I first entered the forest a white-tailed deer bounded in front of us, it was a marketer’s dream. Unfortunately the deer didn’t stick around so Icouldn't take any photos of it next to the Jeep. We pushed on, and when deep into the forest the going got rougher as we went though deep rutted tracks filled with water and then up a very steep narrow slope. The Jeep crawled through everything with ease, never threatening to get stuck. My Unlimited had the optional limited slip

At the end of the day, the Wrangler Unlimited is a mighty fine Jeep. One that doesn't require too much compromise. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

differential, a locking rear differential is optional as is a front sway bar disconnect, and both are controlled from inside; no getting out of the vehicle on the trail. I can only imagine how good the Rubicon is, as it has locking front and rear differentials and the front sway bar disconnect. Skid plates are standard on all models as are new larger axle shafts and a larger transfer case. Jeep’s engineers also stiffened the entire chassis a great deal.

I actually hadn’t realized how much I missed off-roading, as I used to goquite often when I owned a 4WD truck. Hmmm... maybe I need a Jeep? I would opt for the Rubicon, though. I didn’t spend nearly as much time with the Wrangler as I would have liked, but managed to go off-pavement twice, not bad since I only had it for 3 days or so.

The best news about all 2007 model Wranglers is that Jeep has reduced prices across the board, while adding more content. A standard 2 door Wrangler X model begins at $18,485, while the Wrangler X Unlimited begins at $20,230. Even a fully loaded Rubicon Unlimited will barely reach $30K. Very reasonable for what you get.

Truly, the Wrangler is an off-road legend, and now that the new four-door Unlimited model all that 4x4 competence no longer translates into on-road compromise.

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