First Drive Review
Pity Jeep, which every once in a while finds it necessary to update its iconic Wrangler, the descendant of what many consider to be the first mass-production SUV, the 1941 Willys MB. It's one of those vehicles whose purpose-and design-seem to stand still, while the automotive world advances around it, bringing all those other utes all kinds of comfort, safety and technological features that the Wrangler must do without. And its most loyal and vociferous owners-hard-core off-road enthusiasts-wouldn't have it any other way.
However, the feds would. Like every car and truck out there, the Wrangler is subjected to ever-stricter standards for safety, emissions and economy. That means bigger bumpers, more air bags, different engine designs and packaging challenges that could alter-even ruin-the look of what Jeep considers "the foundation of the brand." So what to do? Well, it seems, keep finding ways to rehash the same basic design over and over again, sneaking in everything the feds want without really telling anyone that they did it.
Changing everything without changing anything
The basic paradoxical message from focus groups conducted with Jeep loyalists was that while they wanted more comfort, more off-road prowess, more safety and all that, they wanted nothing to change. Now that, of course, is easier said than done. The Rubicon Trail was a natural setting-literally-for the all-new 2007 Wrangler and first-ever four-door Wrangler Unlimited, and we are happy to report that the Wrangler's bouncy, jouncy character is perfectly in tact, thank you. However, the trucklet is also very much a vehicle for today.
Case in point: that famous mug, with bright round headlights (that are now illuminated with 20-percent brighter halogen bulbs) now is underscored by a "blow-molded" bumper with integrated fog lights. There's even an air dam (!) underneath for aerodynamics. That's right, aerodynamics.
Other exterior changes include a windshield with some actual curvature to it. Not much, but some. Yes you can still fold it forward and strap it to the hood if you have some tools and some time, but it ain't flat anymore. The body is a whopping 5.5-inches wider-quite apparent from the back, with a subtle bow effect to the body sides-giving it way more room inside: 5.1 inches more shoulder room to the standard Wrangler's front seat and enough for a full three-across rear seat on Unlimited models.
