2007 Jeep Wrangler -- Still King of the (Off )Road
The all-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a perfect example of how you must drive a vehicle in its proper atmosphere to gain a true understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. That's why even an extensive test drive can still fall woefully short of telling a potential buyer about a vehicle. If you're test driving a Lotus Exige, you really need to drive it on a track. If you're test driving a Honda Odyssey, you really need to load it with people (preferably small people) and their associated gear. And if you're driving the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, you need to take it off road.
For two days I used the Wrangler as a commuter vehicle on my 100 mile daily grind. It was pretty loud at highway speeds between the knobby tires and the canvas top, and the steering was slow and somewhat sloppy. Seat comfort was actually pretty good, as was the quality of the audio system's sound field (gotta love Sirius satellite radio). But after two days of using it like a regular car I was starting to grow bored, and even a tad annoyed.
Then I took it off roading this weekend with both kiddies joining me. We trundled up to the Hungry Valley off-road park near Frazier Park, and by the time we'd made the 90-minute run the young-uns were also showing signs of impatience. Then we paid our five bucks at the gate, dropped the Jeep into four-low, and bounded off into points unknown (well, they were a little known from my previous trips to Hungry Valley, but it had been a few years). Within minutes the kids were squealing with delight, and once or twice I swear I even heard the Wrangler shout a "Ya-hoo!" as it scampered up and down the various off-road trails. A group of Jeep Wranglers (none of them '07s) had gathered near the park's entrance and they all swung their heads in unison as I drove past. At the end of the day I spoke to one of them and it turned out he was a Jeep dealer. "I haven't even see one of those yet. How's it perform up here?"
"Kicks ass" was my short answer, but I proceeded to elaborate on how effective the "sway bar disconnect" feature is at smoothing out the ruts, and how the wider track makes it feel supremely stable, even when leaned way over. As my confidence grew I went from the green circle to the black diamond runs, and it was almost laughable how easily the Wrangler disposed of everything I threw at it. Appropriately, you really do need the Rubicon Trail, or some similar venue, to truly utilize all of this vehicle's capabilities. At the end of the day the Jeep was muddy, the kids were giddy and I was done second guessing the vehicle's on-road demeanor. Anything this capable at scaling the wilderness has no right being as civilized as it is when barreling down the freeway at 80 mph.
If you're looking for an on-road commuter you should look elsewhere, but if you really are going to go off road on a regular basis, and still want something relatively civilized on road, this is an excellent choice.
You are ON THE MONEY about Jeep Wranglers being so capable of the crazy things they will do off road and still being something you can comfortably drive on the highway. From that standpoint, they are absolutely incredible and are UNMATCHED.
I have no experience with the 07's, but what I said is certainly true of my 01, and it's great to hear that the same is true of the new generation of Wrangler.
Tom
I purchased a 07 4 door wrangler. Traded in my nice 04 unlimited. I wish I didn't do that. The thing leaks like a pasta strainer. Daimler believes some RTV and hacking up the door gaskets is a true manufacturers fix. Then I get it back with all the interior moldings still off and the wires laying all over the floor. Unfortunately after finally getting them to buy back the vehicle, to them I still owe 4700 in negative equity form my 04. Even when they are going to profit off of it. Go figure. I have talked to many others with the same water leak problems. A lady down the street has a hard top, after returning to have it fixed five times, the dealer told her there is nothing else they can do. Great customer service Daimler. I believe the jeep died at the end of 2006.
Hey Oregonjk, can you drop me a line in reference to Chrysler buying your vehicle back. I'm having the same problem... Thanks.
Hi Oregonjk and haak931,
I have the same problem with my 07 2 door wranger. Would be grateful for any info you have to help me sort out the problem one way or another.
Thanks
I have an '06 Rubicon that drives me crazy with a loud vibration in Neutral. The dealer replaced the original transmission with a re-manufactured version. The vibration continues. The local dealer has been very cooperative but the "Regional Rep" advises that this vibration is normal. I have been driving numerous "06 Rubicons with similiar mileage, none of them have this vibration. Any one having similiar problem, please respond. Crazy