2007 Jeep Wrangler First Drive

It’s possible that the top you choose for your new Jeep Wrangler is right up there next to off-road capability when it comes to priorities – or maybe even more important, given the fact that the Wrangler is now offered as a two-wheel-drive vehicle. For 2007, Jeep makes it easier – and harder – to choose by offering two quality tops, both of which look good and are easier to take off and put on than before.

That’s easier. Not necessarily easy, as in press-a-button-and-watch-the-show or flip-the-clamp-and-let-it-fly. The Wrangler will never reach that level of laziness, so this is possibly as good as it gets. The standard “Sunrider” soft top offers multiple configurations from up to down to sunroof. For Unlimited models, the top can be configured to open up the sky for front seat occupants and cover rear passengers – an important feature if children are riding in back.

The hard top, which is optional, is otherwise known as Jeep’s “Freedom Top,” and is mostly excellent in its design. A three-piece modular unit, the hard top provides flexibility and coverage so that individual front passengers can enjoy the sunshine while back seat passengers – namely kids or belongings – are shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. Built in three basic sections, most people will enjoy riding with the front two sections off and the back section on, as this configuration also improves the security of your valuables with the windows up while offering additional protection. Removing the hard top panels is easy, though stowing it isn’t, and herein lies the dilemma: It’s easy enough to take off a panel – just remove two screws and four clamps – that you may want to be able to take it with you. You know – top on in the morning, off in the afternoon, back on when rain clouds move in. Problem is, the only location to put the two front panels is in the cargo hold. Once there, they will barely fit, and may slide around. Put them in the wrong way and risk scratching the roof of your Wrangler. Perhaps there’s an aftermarket company out there that will soon be selling a carrying bag for the hard top compartments.