Weekend Athlete: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

In my book, Jeep Wranglers are like tuxedos: You don't buy them for comfort, you don't buy them to use every day, but when you need one, there's no substitute. But does that mean the four-door, Unlimited version suits a Weekend Athlete?

Video: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Kelsey Mays had the arduous task of finding some offroad terrain in downtown Chicago for this video, and we have to say we’re impressed with his location scouting. Perhaps he has a future in Hollywood. He also gives a terrific overview of the recently redesigned Wrangler’s capabilities, and a few negatives about living with the Jeep day-to-day.

Nearly 300,000 Dodge, Jeep SUVs Recalled

Chrysler announced today that it’s recalling almost 300,000 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years due to potential brake problems. This includes more than 156,000 2006 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wranglers and almost 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

There have been 20 complaints about the SUVs’ brakes, which suffer from a delay in braking while going uphill. Chrysler will reprogram the computer that controls the antilock braking system.

The company is also recalling more than 72,000 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles due to faulty front door latches and locks. There were no reported incidents from that recall.

Notices will be mailed out in coming weeks, but owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.

Chrysler Recalls Nearly 300,000 SUVs to Fix Brake Problem (The Detroit News)

2007 Jeep Wranglers, Dodge Nitros Recalled

The redesigned 2007 Jeep Wrangler has been a significant sales success for Chrysler. Too bad it’s back in the news for a recall. Tuesday, Chrysler announced that 80,895 2007-model-year Jeep Wranglers and Dodge Nitros will be recalled to fix faulty power modules that could lead to engine stalls.

Wrangler owners had complained of engines stalling at highway speeds, which is a significant problem. In February, Chrysler recalled the same two models, along with many others in the Chrysler family, for faulty antilock brake software.

Owners should receive notification in the next week, and Chrysler will reprogram the power module at no cost.

For more information, owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403.

Chrysler to Recall Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro Over Engine Stalls (The Wall Street Journal)

Related
Two Chrysler Recalls: 50,000 New Cars, 86,000 Dodge Rams (KickingTires)
Most Recalled 2006 Models (KickingTires)

2007 Jeep Wranglers Under Investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching an investigation into 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models due to reported instances of engine stalling at highway speeds. The government agency has received 53 complaints of both two- and four-wheel-drive models losing electrical power and lighting.

The 2007 Wrangler has been a huge success for Jeep since its launch last year.

Report: NHTSA to Probe Jeep Wrangler Stalls (The Detroit News)

Related
2007 Jeep Wrangler Expert Review (Cars.com)
More Jeep News (KickingTires)

Reader Review of the Week

This week we discovered by far the best review submitted by any Cars.com user so far. Allan from Acton, Mass. delivers an eloquent “defense” of the all-new Jeep Wrangler he recently bought. We’re currently working on full reviews of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, but until then Jeep enthusiasts can sit back and relish in this submission or write their own.