2006 vs 2007 Jeep Rubicon…
Deciding between the 2006 Jeep Rubicon and the newly redesigned 2007 has been difficult.
The Superficial Stuff
Color: Black, flame red, and impact orange are completely out of the running; not interested. The green and midnight blue models look nice, but not enough to go for one of those. The light khaki wasn’t light enough online, although close to acceptable in person. I just don’t care for the khaki with the ugly “different shade of khaki” tops, and the black hard top just wasn’t contrasty enough. That potentially leaves stone white, bright silver, and solar yellow. Fairly iffy about the yellow, white is a bit too “Daisy Duke”, and silver is a bit too “Lara Croft”. Still leaning heavily towards the white at this point.
Interior: While I normally prefer a lighter color interior, I like the look of the dark slate gray as opposed to the khaki, even though the khaki might be better at disguising dirt and grime. They just don’t seem to get “khaki” right for my tastes. A khaki interior is available only with the stone white, not the bright silver — although dark slate is an option with either color. Leaning towards dark slate; maybe it’s because the car I’ve driven for the past ten years has a beige interior. Granted, it’s also a white car, and for some reason I’m still considering a white Rubicon.
Power: 6-speed manual transmission. Automatic isn’t even an option to consider. It might be a bit hard to get used to the position of the 6th gear as it’s scarily close to reverse.
Options: I definitely want a set of metal half doors, probably in addition to the standard full doors. Still confused about various tops and how they work or don’t work with the different door options.
The 2006 TJ or the 2007 JK?
The 2006 TJ Rubicon comes standard with an AMC 190HP, 4.0L, Power Tech inline-six, considered one of the best off-road engines ever made. Also standard are 31-inch tall LT245/75R16 tires on 16-inch aluminum wheels. Music should sound pretty good coming from a 7-speaker system that includes a full center console-mounted subwoofer, 2 midrange speakers in the instrument panel, and 2 full-range speakers mounted in the overhead speaker pods. Cool!
On the other hand, the 2007 JK Rubicon has a standard Chrysler 3.8L, 12-valve, 205HP, V6 engine. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels sporting LT225/75R17 mud terrain tires are also standard. The six-speaker stereo system has an MP3 input audio jack, ideal for my iPod. Rock rails are standard, unlike on the 2006. This next-generation Jeep is 5.5 inches longer and 1.4 inches taller than the existing model, with a 2.1-inch-longer wheelbase and 2.4-inch-wider track, but with a tenth of an inch less ground clearance. Despite it being taller, there’s a fraction less headroom in front and back in the JK, although shoulder room has increased in both areas. Where the 2007 exceeds over the 2006 is storage behind the back seats: over 17 cubic feet vs slightly less than 12 cubic feet on the 2006 TJ. Not sure I care for the single-hinge windshield vs two hinges. Both model years have dual Dana 44 axles, a heavy-duty transfer case with an ultra-low 4:1 ratio, and 4-wheel disc brakes. The optional security package for the 2006 comes standard on the 2007. Turning diameter is the same. Everything else is little details.
The Jeep forums are abuzz about which engine to covet. The die-hards are asking “why fix what works?” and the modernists are answering “better gas mileage, more power, newer technology!” The 4.0L of the TJ was introduced in 1987 with a Renault engine control system. In 1991, after Chrysler acquired the brand, the control computer was redesigned and the intake ports were raised. Chrysler also enlarged the throttle body and redesigned the intake and exhaust manifolds for more efficiency, and the fuel injectors were replaced with higher flowing units. Small changes were made to the cylinder head and engine block every couple of years until 1998, after which it has remained mostly the same. The 3.8L of the new JK was introduced in 1991 into Chrysler’s Fifth Avenue, Imperial, and minivans (yuck!) and it, too, has had some changes; the intake was redesigned in 1994 and the compression ratio was increased in 1998. The real claim to fame of the 3.8L is the addition of a variable intake system in 2001, increasing horsepower and foot-pounds of torque, but according to the forums the jury is still out as to whether it will have a negative effect on low, rock-climbing RPMs.
The “new” 3.8L engine just doesn’t seem so new to get all that worked up about since its genesis was only a few years after the 4.0L. So, do I get the last year of a proven classic, or do I wait for the as-yet-unpublished price for a newly designed Wrangler that will probably take a full model year to get the kinks out? And why is it that some aftermarket products don’t seem to be available for the 2006’s? I need some advice from a Jeep owner or two…
UPDATE: Yes, I bought the ‘06. And I absolutely love it!
Interestng reading, but I didn’t read anything about some really important features of the 07 Ruby. I drive an 03 and I love it. Experience does bring wisdom however, and I believe this is what Jeep has drawn on to improve upon the new Rubicon. The very first thing I noticed was the lack of the “shovel” skid plate which has been hanging beneath every Rubicon from 03 thru 06 (all TJs for that matter). Next we have a shorter body, but more interior room, with a longer wheel base, but no loss of turning radius. There was also no mention of the 100% stronger frame with 50% more torsional ridigidty. The same is true of the standard electronically disconnecticing sway bar, NO MENTION! The Dana 44 axles have been beefed up, front and rear. The lockers are now electronically activated rather that air activated to increase reliabilty. Ground clearance has been increased, and fuel economy is better. If you want to upgrade to bigger tires it only takes a 3″ lift to get 35s under the new JK. This is way easier than on the TJ. On top of all this, the new Ruby drives like a dream. I do like the “seat of the pants” torque of the old 4.0 but the new engine is perfectly fine if you remember to keep the revs up highr than you would on the old engine. I could go on and talk about the improvements in saftey with the standard ESP system, but I wanted to keep my comments to just JEEP stuff.
I bought my 06 Jeep Rubicon, 0% interest life of loan, no payments for 6 months, $100 over factory invoice, think you’ll find that deal on an 07 ? My philosophy is…NEVER buy anything until it has been proven, especially a 4wd vehicle, I guarantee Jeep is going to find bugs in the 07, Have fun hanging around the Jeep Dealer when the rest of us are getting muddy ! oh yea..Electric windows..one more thing to fix..come on guys/girls..don’t be a sucker to the “marketing experts”. you’re gonna see those New 07 Jeep 4 doors with those 20″ pimp rims & low profile tires..rolling around town with the loud base stereo…get real ! go buy an H3, at least those don’t have a “MINIVAN” engine. I can go on & on ..Modular Top ? can you roll those up on the go ? NOT … P.S. if you need more room..hang your arm out the window.. ; )
Re: Comment #32
Just not sure where to start!!!!
Electric windows??? Never! That’s why I’m special ordering mine! Don’t need all that extra stuff that is coming on all the “regular” Rubicons at the dealers!
4doors? Yes (but not for me!)? I know of several individuals who make Jeeping a family affair! Last time I attempted to get in or out of the back seatt in a pre-07 model, I though I’d have to be a contorionist. Since it’s just me/myself/I, I will stay with the 2-door; otherwise I probably would have bought an Unlimited!
An H3???? Never (at least for me)? Apparently you have not seen how wide the trails are here in eastern WA/northern ID. I’ve seen some where Rubicons did get treee scratches, so a Hummer would NEVER make it!
As for the modular top!!! Yes (but again not for me - I save around 1K by just getting the soft top). And yes, you can, sort of, roll them open — the part over the driver and passenger do come off!
As for a deal — I can get invoice at the local dealer! And, from the information I’ve been given, a dealer in Kellogg Idaho will sell them at below invoice! Yes, I know, some will say there’s no such thing! Well, you need to contact that dealer and verify it! (the quick answer is the ‘dealer holdback’ which amounts to 2% to 3% on Wranglers!).
I could also probably go on and on, but see comment #31 - he’s pointed a lot of the improvements (I know this individual personnaly) and he’s got his facts right!!!!
On the trail (with my 07 Rubi!
I bought a new 06 rubicon 3 weeks ago, I did not like the looks of the 07 at all, first thing in my mind was it looks like a mini hummer. The dealer had three 06 jeeps left, and promised a screamin deal, after several hours at the dealership I drove away at 6000 under msrp. I intended to buy a new FJ Cruiser, but them things are flyin off the lots so quick that none of the toyota dealerships would deal on them at all. The jeep dealership even gave me 3000 more for my trade than the best toyota dealership! This is my first jeep, I wanted something that would perform really well off road and am very happy with my choice.
Mark in Colorado
I agree with the JK looking like a mini-Hummer, that’s why I waited until it was available with half-framed doors before ordering mine.
Most of my driving will be on the road, with occasional ventures into the Everglades, so I didn’t see the need for the Rubicon package. I went with the “S” package on the Wrangler Unlimited X, with the 6-speed manual, 4×4, and trailer tow group (for the Dana 44 rear axle and 4.10 axle ratio). I definitely went with the soft top, mostly because summer rain showers here in South Florida seem to always pop up out of nowhere.
Even in 1996, I wasn’t impressed with the TJ (I had a YJ at the time), so maybe I am biased, but I really think the JK Unlimited (with the traditional Jeep half doors) is one of the best looking Wranglers ever.
I will let you know when mine finally shows up at the dealership.
Jake in Fort Myers
The 07 rubicons are sooo nice, maybe too nice to off road? The 07 really are a different breed from the 06, yes the break away sway bar, and the ESP are electronic and yes there is always a risk when on the trails. The sway bar can not be disconnected or reconnected unless on level ground. But I just bought the 07 Rubicon for over 30 grand! Ouch! But I have all the good stuff, and I chose manual windos, also the seats in the 07 raise and lower. But everything on the 07 is beefed up, and I am happy with my purchase. I plan on testing it on some tight switchbacks! H3 follow me if you can fit! Yes I suggest getting the 07 rubicon, but they are hard to find and cost over 30 grand! without lift kit, winch, CB, or the pirate flag! Good luck and you really save money if you were to get the sahara. Bottom line, the 07 is a fair price.
I am very frustrated on the unavailibilty of updates and ad-ons for the ‘06 Rubicon. Glad you like your’s. When you find a site for them let me know, as cor now the search goes on…..
What parts can’t you find.There are more aftermarket parts for late model jeeps then there ever was for early models
I have had my 07 for a week now,have driven an 05 damm glad didn’t have the money then because the 2007 is crazy really like it,still getting use to 3.8(have had cj7 with 4.2 and 98 with 4.0(and 53 m38) every thing I hated about older jeeps has been fixed(for my tastes anyways)3.8 with 6 speed is nuts,work really well together but still yet to go for a good crawl.interior great freedom top is great(I live in a condo so storing a hard top is a pain,this is the best of both worlds,takes about 2 minutes to remove front sections and throw in back)electronic diff locks so far work great.one thing I’m about 5′9 170 lbs and I love the interior but bigger people might have difficulty(headroom).this is the only thing that I would say the tj has over 2007,this thing is just sick(fully loaded $32,000CDN in calgary alberta)this thing is also turning heads,have had a lot of interest
Wow, I was thinking of trading in my 05 rubi for the 07 to get more room for camping/fishing trips. I looked in the engine compartment and all I can say is wow. I see alot of extra stuff making it a pain to work on in a pinch. The gf went with me, she said it looked cute. she seemed to like it, took the x for a test drive since they didn’t have a rubi on the lot. It rides alot nicer than my rubi and way nicer than my 79 cj but there were some things I just didn’t like. It feels more like my Ford Explorer I had, Jeep isn’t pressed into the tub like my tj and cj. Too much stuff in the engine compartment, and the engine didn’t impress me. I think I’ll wait to see if the diesel is put into this thing. Not a bad jeep, just don’t feel right for me right now.