Aside from some notable on-road manners, Jeep's no-frills halo model brings the truly unique Unlimited model onboard for 2007, the first four-door Wrangler and the only four-door convertible on the market.
The five-seater uses a frame stretched 523 mm (20.6 in.) over the two-door model, adding rear passenger room and nearly tripling the cargo space. With the 60/40 rear seat folded, Jeep says there's more volume outback than an FJ Cruiser, H3 or Xterra.
Copious wind tunnel testing and a softer suspension setup give the Unlimited a much more refined ride when not tackling the trails. Thankfully, off-pavement, it's still a no-frills bruiser, thanks to that new fully boxed frame (100 percent stiffer than last year), and for the first time, an electronically disconnected front stabilizer bar, allowing better wheel articulation.
The Unlimited's interior is still utilitarian, though materials and fits are improved and for the first time power windows, locks and keyless entry are offered. There's a small under-floor storage bin in the cargo area and DVD navigation is a now optional.
The Wrangler's most significant change is the new 205-hp 3.8-litre overhead valve V6, which replaced the prehistoric AMC straight six. Lighter and shorter, it's a new North-South iteration of engine from DaimlerChrysler's minivan family, beefed up for Jeep's durability requirements.
An off-road ready four-door convertible
Soft-top difficult to fold solo