2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler "JK": the ultimate affordable SUV with minivan power
2011-2017 Jeep Wrangler • 1997-2006 Wrangler
With its original-Army-Jeep look, the Jeep Wrangler was an icon, and the company treated it carefully. For 2007-10, it gained in user-friendliness and capability, but lost the AMC 4.0 liter engine loved by many owners.
The 2007 Wrangler (coded "JK" as were the 2011-17 models) was still a major improvement: It had better ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, enhanced axles, updated Command-Trac® and Rock-Trac™ transfer cases, electric axle lockers, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar that increasesd wheel travel.
On-road performance gained, thanks to a 100% stiffer (in bending) frame, a two inch longer wheelbase, 3 and a half inch wider track, lower spring rates, advanced shock tuning, and increased jounce and rebound travel.
The interior was larger, with 4.6 inches more hip room and 5.1 inches more shoulder room, with greater legroom and cargo space. There were more roof options, with dozens of different door, top, and windshield combinations, including a new three-piece modular hardtop.
Safety was increased with electronic stability control and roll mitigation, dual-stage air bags, and seat-mounted side air bags, while convenience rose with optional power windows and door locks, navigation, and a 368-watt Alpine® stereo.
Despite all these changes, the price of the Wrangler fell to $18,765 for the base model, including destination charge. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited started at $20,410 (two-wheel drive; add $2,000 for four wheel drive) including destination.
From 2007 to 2010, the company sold 392,464 Jeep Wranglers within the US, along with 62,580 outside North America, 35,412 in Canada, and 8,529 in Mexico.
Steve Kasher, who was present at the NAIAS introduction, wrote:
The Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara used an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon's front and rear axles were both newly upgraded Dana 44s; they were optional on the lesser models. Skid plates protected the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission oil pan.
For the first time, the Jeep Wrangler offered an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar - Active Sway Bar System (ASBS). Its normal Ramp Travel Index (RTI) was 652; it went up to 832 with the front stabilizer bar disconnected.
Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara used the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. A Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provided extra torque and grip during low-traction situations.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model used the Rock-Trac™ NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires.
More On-road Refinement
On-road comfort was aided by a 100% stiffer frame, 50% stiffer body, revised five-link coil suspension and shock tuning, a two inch longer wheelbase, and 3.5-inch wider track. The Wrangler gained new steering and suspension geometry, along with better sound-deadening for 20% less noise.
Lower suspension spring rates made the ride more comfortable. Standard stability control had three modes - "full on," "full off" and "partial on."
Low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers were tuned to provide better balance between jounce and rebound motions. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon had standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler's new recirculating-ball steering configuration used a cross-car steering linkage system for a stiffer steering linkage.
More Interior Space and Comfort
Front and rear seating areas were both wider than in the past; fold-and-tumble rear seats provided more storage. Two more inches of space behind the rear seat nearly doubled the cargo capacity and provided room for a lockable underfloor storage area.
A three-piece modular hard top system had left- and right-front passenger panels and a rear panel, all removable by one unusually deft and tall person.
The new Sunrider™ soft top included a "sun roof" - by folding the soft top back completely over the driver and front passenger, creating a 52x30-inch opening.
New, More Powerful Engine
The 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine, used on minivans in the past, replaced the beloved 4.0-liter AMC in-line six engine. With 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wrangler had a six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.
The 3.8-liter was lighter than the 4.0 and maintained higher torque at speeds above 3400 rpm, though falling short at low engine speeds. The increase in power allowed for a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an optional tow package, which included a hitch, Dana 44 axles, and a 4.10:1 ratio.
More Stopping Power
New 16-inch four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes were standard; they included off-road anti-lock-braking tuning, with sustained wheel lockup for better performance on loose dirt, gravel, sand, and mud. Wheels and tires were expanded across the board, with 16 inchers on the Wrangler X model and 17-inch wheels on the others; 18-inch wheels were optional on Wrangler Sahara.
Worldwide Availability
The Jeep Wrangler was available with a 2.8 liter VM Motori diesel engine, as well as left- and right-hand-drive models; the engine was upgraded for 2011 models. Wranglers were built at the Stickney Avenue Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio.
See our 2007 Jeep Wrangler review (from 2007)
The Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition
After a hiatus of over 20 years, the Jeep Wrangler Islander re-appeared for 2010, as a limited production edition available for a $995 (MSRP) surcharge over the usual Wrangler Sport or Wrangler Unlimited Sport price.
The Islander was available for Sport models, on both Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited; it was available by special order only, requires the body to be Surf Blue (PQD). Islanders were made in February 2010, with production reportedly in the hundreds rather than thousands.
In addition to standard Sport equipment, the Islander added the 32 inch wheel and tire group, with 17 inch aluminum painted black wheels and LT 225/75R17 mud-terrain T/A tires; tubular side steps; a unique decal; dark gray seats with surf blue inserts and blue logos stitched in; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue accent stitching; and rubber slush mats.
Chrysler also brought back the Mountain Edition - again, mainly an appearance package. Chrysler representatives promised numerous changes for 2011 or 2012 which would please off-road enthusiasts.
2009 Jeep Wrangler changes
2009 Jeep Wrangler. Aside from color changes, the main alterations for 2009 were switching right-hand-drive postal-unit models from two doors to four doors; making hill-start assist standard on all models, with all transmissions; and including trailer sway control with the Trailer Tow Group. Welcome interior features were a larger sun visor, another bin for the full center console, new storage nets, and a center dome lamp with switched directional lighting. Small changes were made to the available option packages, including making the power group standard on Sahara and making Sunrider the standard on soft tops.
2010 Jeep Wrangler
Tow hooks, fog lamps, full-length center console, front floor mats, and premium cloth trim were standard on all models. Front seatback map pockets were included with the standard cloth seats. Sahara and Rubicon could be ordered with leather-faced trim. Metallic green, orange pearl, detonator yellow were replaced by surf blue pearl, dark charcoal pearl, and natural green pearl. The Sunrider® soft top was made easier to remove; fuel saver indicator was standard; new 18 inch silver aluminum wheels were standard on Sahara; new "carbon" 17-inch aluminum wheels were standard on Rubicon. Bluetooth™ phone connection was included with navigation. Compass and outside temperature were standard on all models. The sun visors were larger and slide; the front dome lamp (with on/off switch) was new; two-tone leather was available on Sahara and Rubicon.
Our predictions were accurate!
We had written:
2007 JEEP WRANGLER SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions were in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
2011-2017 Jeep Wrangler • 1997-2006 Wrangler
With its original-Army-Jeep look, the Jeep Wrangler was an icon, and the company treated it carefully. For 2007-10, it gained in user-friendliness and capability, but lost the AMC 4.0 liter engine loved by many owners.
The 2007 Wrangler (coded "JK" as were the 2011-17 models) was still a major improvement: It had better ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, enhanced axles, updated Command-Trac® and Rock-Trac™ transfer cases, electric axle lockers, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar that increasesd wheel travel.
On-road performance gained, thanks to a 100% stiffer (in bending) frame, a two inch longer wheelbase, 3 and a half inch wider track, lower spring rates, advanced shock tuning, and increased jounce and rebound travel.
Criterion | Hummer H3 | Toyota 4Runner | Wrangler Rubicon | Liberty Limited |
---|---|---|---|---|
Run. ground clearance | 10" | 9" | 10" | 9.4" |
Approach angle (°) | 42 | 31 | 44.3 | 37 |
Departure angle (°) | 37 | 24 | 40.4 | 31.5 |
Breakover angle (°) | 25 | 28 | 25.5 | 22 |
Gas mileage (4WD) | 16/20 | 17/21 | 17/19 | 18/22 |
The interior was larger, with 4.6 inches more hip room and 5.1 inches more shoulder room, with greater legroom and cargo space. There were more roof options, with dozens of different door, top, and windshield combinations, including a new three-piece modular hardtop.
Safety was increased with electronic stability control and roll mitigation, dual-stage air bags, and seat-mounted side air bags, while convenience rose with optional power windows and door locks, navigation, and a 368-watt Alpine® stereo.
Despite all these changes, the price of the Wrangler fell to $18,765 for the base model, including destination charge. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited started at $20,410 (two-wheel drive; add $2,000 for four wheel drive) including destination.
From 2007 to 2010, the company sold 392,464 Jeep Wranglers within the US, along with 62,580 outside North America, 35,412 in Canada, and 8,529 in Mexico.
Steve Kasher, who was present at the NAIAS introduction, wrote:
Jeep made two different frame lengths again - one for two door and one for four door Wranglers. The models were Wrangler X, Sahara, and Rubicon; all kept solid Dana axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield, and removable and convertible tops.
The Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara used an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon's front and rear axles were both newly upgraded Dana 44s; they were optional on the lesser models. Skid plates protected the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission oil pan.
For the first time, the Jeep Wrangler offered an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar - Active Sway Bar System (ASBS). Its normal Ramp Travel Index (RTI) was 652; it went up to 832 with the front stabilizer bar disconnected.
Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara used the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. A Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provided extra torque and grip during low-traction situations.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model used the Rock-Trac™ NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires.
More On-road Refinement
Lower suspension spring rates made the ride more comfortable. Standard stability control had three modes - "full on," "full off" and "partial on."
Low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers were tuned to provide better balance between jounce and rebound motions. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon had standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler's new recirculating-ball steering configuration used a cross-car steering linkage system for a stiffer steering linkage.
More Interior Space and Comfort
Front and rear seating areas were both wider than in the past; fold-and-tumble rear seats provided more storage. Two more inches of space behind the rear seat nearly doubled the cargo capacity and provided room for a lockable underfloor storage area.
A three-piece modular hard top system had left- and right-front passenger panels and a rear panel, all removable by one unusually deft and tall person.
The new Sunrider™ soft top included a "sun roof" - by folding the soft top back completely over the driver and front passenger, creating a 52x30-inch opening.
New, More Powerful Engine
The 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine, used on minivans in the past, replaced the beloved 4.0-liter AMC in-line six engine. With 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wrangler had a six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.
The 3.8-liter was lighter than the 4.0 and maintained higher torque at speeds above 3400 rpm, though falling short at low engine speeds. The increase in power allowed for a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an optional tow package, which included a hitch, Dana 44 axles, and a 4.10:1 ratio.
Horsepower | Torque | |
---|---|---|
3.8 "Imperial/minivan" | 205 | 240 |
4.0 AMC/Jeep | 190 | 221 |
New 16-inch four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes were standard; they included off-road anti-lock-braking tuning, with sustained wheel lockup for better performance on loose dirt, gravel, sand, and mud. Wheels and tires were expanded across the board, with 16 inchers on the Wrangler X model and 17-inch wheels on the others; 18-inch wheels were optional on Wrangler Sahara.
Worldwide Availability
The Jeep Wrangler was available with a 2.8 liter VM Motori diesel engine, as well as left- and right-hand-drive models; the engine was upgraded for 2011 models. Wranglers were built at the Stickney Avenue Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio.
See our 2007 Jeep Wrangler review (from 2007)
The Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition
After a hiatus of over 20 years, the Jeep Wrangler Islander re-appeared for 2010, as a limited production edition available for a $995 (MSRP) surcharge over the usual Wrangler Sport or Wrangler Unlimited Sport price.
The Islander was available for Sport models, on both Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited; it was available by special order only, requires the body to be Surf Blue (PQD). Islanders were made in February 2010, with production reportedly in the hundreds rather than thousands.
In addition to standard Sport equipment, the Islander added the 32 inch wheel and tire group, with 17 inch aluminum painted black wheels and LT 225/75R17 mud-terrain T/A tires; tubular side steps; a unique decal; dark gray seats with surf blue inserts and blue logos stitched in; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue accent stitching; and rubber slush mats.
Chrysler also brought back the Mountain Edition - again, mainly an appearance package. Chrysler representatives promised numerous changes for 2011 or 2012 which would please off-road enthusiasts.
2009 Jeep Wrangler changes
2009 Jeep Wrangler. Aside from color changes, the main alterations for 2009 were switching right-hand-drive postal-unit models from two doors to four doors; making hill-start assist standard on all models, with all transmissions; and including trailer sway control with the Trailer Tow Group. Welcome interior features were a larger sun visor, another bin for the full center console, new storage nets, and a center dome lamp with switched directional lighting. Small changes were made to the available option packages, including making the power group standard on Sahara and making Sunrider the standard on soft tops.
2010 Jeep Wrangler
Tow hooks, fog lamps, full-length center console, front floor mats, and premium cloth trim were standard on all models. Front seatback map pockets were included with the standard cloth seats. Sahara and Rubicon could be ordered with leather-faced trim. Metallic green, orange pearl, detonator yellow were replaced by surf blue pearl, dark charcoal pearl, and natural green pearl. The Sunrider® soft top was made easier to remove; fuel saver indicator was standard; new 18 inch silver aluminum wheels were standard on Sahara; new "carbon" 17-inch aluminum wheels were standard on Rubicon. Bluetooth™ phone connection was included with navigation. Compass and outside temperature were standard on all models. The sun visors were larger and slide; the front dome lamp (with on/off switch) was new; two-tone leather was available on Sahara and Rubicon.
Our predictions were accurate!
We had written:
Specifications
2007 JEEP WRANGLER SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions were in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
3.8 liter engine (see the 3.8 V6 page) |