Quadratec tests the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited... the Quadratec way!

This weekend, I took a test drive in a new '07 4dr Wrangler. I gawked & scrutinized the JKL for 1/2hr & test drove the JKL (it was an automatic ) for 15 minutes.

First the good: it's a vastly improved Jeep Wrangler in almost every way, if you're not strictly "old school" and U don't mind lots of plastic. The hardtop is trick, the interior & dash are much better (though I still prefer a CJ's metal dash ), the wheel wells are huge (wonder what MAX rubber we could fit there, 33"+ !?) and the space & size & style all around are definite improvements. The stereo & Infinity speakers are XLNT!

AND it costs less than the 06's for a lot more JEEP.

My gripe (confrimed, now) remains the powertrain. I disagree with Quadratec on this: the engine bay seems shorter and narrower than a TJ or YJ --noticeably--so I don't see room for a V8 without a major mod, and definitely not a 4.0L I-6. I hope I'm wrong. The 3.8L-V6 was smooth & quiet (but who cares about quiet?) and not buzzy at all, but I'd describe it as "barely adequate" not inspiring, and surely not "enough" low end torque. Certainly NOT better "oomph" than the 4.0L I6 in a YJ/TJ/XJ! Not even close. Maybe the manual is better, but I doubt much better.

The ride home in my 4.0-I6 XJ felt like a dash in a Lambo LM02 by comparison.

All in all, thumbs up to the new Wrangler, but the aftermarket better get ready to sell us stuff to squeeze every friggin' HP & ft-lbs out of that grocery-getter V6! We could use a cheap supercharger, but that probably ain't happenin'...

Hello guys,

I wanted to make myself available to anyone who has questions regarding the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4-door. I can field any questions that you may have pertaining to specifications, features, options or package groups. In addition, it's certainly great to hear such extensive feedback regarding the vehicle. We, at the Jeep Information Center are currently taking down comments and suggestions for these two new vehicles and making a note of what's popular within the forum community. I hope to speak to you soon.

Regards,

Miguel M.

Hi Miguel, I have a question or 2 on the 2007 4dr. How hard is it to remove the doors? I noticed a cable running behind the pannel on the door. How hard is it to remove the rear roll cage/bar? If I use my Jeep as a pick up truck, I will need the clearance. What is Dealer Invoice cost on a 2007 Sahara. Not the MSRP. How will the general public know if the 4dr Wrangler has been updated with "Fixes to any Bugs or Recall type upgrades" Some people say to wait for a year or so to buy the vehicle after the Bugs are Fixed. Can you comment on that? Thanks Jay JDJ

Hi Miguel,

I currently own a 2000 XJ and drove the four-door TK today. This was all pavement driving, so can't speak for its off-road capabilities. Overall I was fairly impressed, but there are a few points I'd like to raise.

1) It (much like the rest of the range) needs a diesel that can be sold in all 50 states. The 3.8-litre V6 is OK at best, but is no match for the 4.0 it replaces in terms of low-end torque - and doesn't improve on fuel economy, either.

2) Junk the 4-speed automatic in favour of a 5-speed. Also, *ALL* gears should be directly-selectable. None of this 1-2 position nonsense like we had on the AW4: my memory may be slightly off on this, but I seem to recall that the new gearbox in the TK does the same thing. Being able to directly select second gear is important. An Autostick-style arrangement could work, but please, no paddle shifts if this happens.

3) Steering's *way* over-assisted on-road. Sneeze and you're in the next lane.

Other than that, I came away happier with it than I had expected to be. The wheelbase sure is long, though. At this point I'm holding out for the 2-door versions to hit the dealers' lots before making a decision, but as someone looking for a possible future replacement for his XJ and not finding much else in the Jeep range that's currently suitable in that regard, it'd be nice if the TK could offer the same level of versatility and ability that my XJ currently does.