It’s been a long time since the Wrangler got a re-do, eight years and counting as a matter of fact. That’s more a testament to the staying power of what off-road aficionados consider the finest off-pavement driver available from a dealership, a vehicle that will virtually climb a wall and go through a mud bog the size of Rhode Island. So passionate is their love for the Wrangler, they will put up with list of shortcomings, things such as a cramped and noisy cabin, terrible on-pavement behavior, and a relatively weak engine.

For 2007, much of that changes, as the Jeep Wrangler has better ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, is about five inches bigger front to back and side to side, and is powered by an improved 3.8-liter V6 engine. That engine produces 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain sits inside a frame that is, according to Jeep, 100 percent stiffer.