2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

What has four doors and flies—out of showrooms? Happily for Jeep, the answer to that question is the Wrangler Unlimited. Since its debut earlier this year, the four-door version of the classic, small Jeep has been selling at a brisk clip. February 2007 sales of Wrangler were up 63 percent over a year ago, and the new model has been the difference maker. Currently, the take rate is two-thirds Wrangler Unlimited, one-third Wrangler. The new, stretch Wrangler is offered in two or four-wheel drive and three trim levels: Unlimited X, Sahara and Rubicon.

Styling

Does adding a pair of portals to the original off-road machine really make that much difference? Yes. In its original, two-door form, Wrangler has been most popular with two groups of buyers. First was the hardcore Jeep Nation. For them, for decades, Wrangler has been the Box That Tackles Rocks. Though short of wheelbase, it is long on heart, able to get through terrain that would send most other 4x4s back to the garage (if not the scrap heap). The good news for this group is that the Unlimited's added length has subtracted little from Wrangler's off-road chops. Front and rear overhangs are short, and minimum ground clearance is 10.2 inches.


All Unlimited 4x4 models are fitted with undercarriage skid plates to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan. Base, X, and Sahara versions have an optional Command-Trac part-time 4x4 system, with two-speed transfer case. Rubicon 4x4 models run Jeep's Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case, with a more aggressive low range gear ratio, electric front and rear axle lockers, a beefed up suspension and 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires. Standard, on-board electronics improve roll and directional stability. On road, all Unlimiteds have a more stable handling feel than their shorter track siblings. X and Sahara models sport more road-friendly shocks and tread than the rock-ready Rubicon; though, to be sure, there's a little rodeo in the ride of any Wrangler Unlimited.


Beyond the backwoodsmen, the other demographic long fond of Wrangler has been 20- and 30-somethings, attracted by the nice price, outdoorsy personality, and the convertible top. And, being younger buyers, they weren't put off by the Wrangler's bouncy ride, thinness of doors or shortage of back seat/storage space. Largely on the strength of those two segments, Wrangler has continued to sell well.

Interior

But, there's another market, far larger than the above, for (slightly) larger SUVs. Sustained, steep gas prices have chased legions of owners of REALLY BIG SUVs from their beloved behemoths. Coming to the end of their coupon books, they've sought to economize, by downsizing their rides. Lots of these folks landed in the compact SUV segment, with more arriving every week. By moving up in class, the new Wrangler suddenly finds itself in a market that seems almost, well, unlimited.