2008 Jeep Wrangler Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 54 Wrangler reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler line includes the four-door Unlimited, which is the largest Wrangler ever. Reviewers praise the fact that the redesign preserves the classic Wrangler elements. "[T]he exterior is dramatically new -- but there's no mistaking it's still a Wrangler," says Truck Trend. "As it has since its military debut 65 years ago, the body wears more exposed hardware than a Home Depot."
Since its creation as a low-cost, expendable troop transport vehicle for World War II, the Jeep Wrangler's appearance has remained largely unchanged. The redesign for 2007 included the first four-door Wrangler, but even the two-door model is larger than its predecessor. Regardless, designers have been "careful to keep classic Wrangler cues, such as a fold-down windshield, removable doors, and exposed hinges," explains the Detroit Free Press. Though most find that Unlimited models are still instantly recognizable, the Orlando Sentinel thinks they look "a bit odd, like a stretched-limousine version of a conventional model." Changes for the 2007 redesign also included plastic fenders, with the fog lamps recessed well into the bumper for protection. As the Boston Globe points out, "If you are going to do any serious, tight, off-roading, this new design feature will save you money someday."
Aside from its classic, boxy styling, the Wrangler's other unique feature is its convertible top. All Wranglers come standard with a folding soft top. A Sunrider Soft Top with sunroof is standard on Unlimited, Sahara and Rubicon models, and optional on the base X model. The top can be folded back partway to allow only partial sun exposure. A Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop is also optional on any model. It features independently removable panels above each front-seat passenger, allowing the driver to select differing levels of exposure. It includes a rear wiper/washer and defroster, full-framed doors and available deep-tinted glass.
While reviewers like the Freedom Top's versatility, the Detroit Free Press notes that it could have been planned more thoroughly: "We watched as a Jeep engineer unscrewed part of the top and then threw the massive screw into the front cup holder -- because there is no designated place to store it. There is no natural place to stash the roof panels, either, unless you spend the extra money to get a special Mopar holder."
Another exterior snafu is the rear liftgate, which U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman finds confusing "because the glass lifts up while the door swings open to the side, and you have to close the glass before the door to seal it tightly. I'm not always that coordinated." Another important buyer's note comes from the Chicago Tribune, which explains that "those of the shorter limbs may have a hard time climbing in without running boards."
For 2008, Jeep has added a new Sahara Appearance Group, which includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, bright steering-wheel spokes and front and rear bumper overlays.
