Overview & Reviews

Perhaps the quintessential niche vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler has held the crown of ultimate affordable off-roader ever since it was first offered to the general public. This SUV's lineage goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. Since then, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and tough-guy image have never wavered, but nor has it been the most civilized vehicle on the planet.

Jeep has attempted to make the latest-generation Wrangler more livable, and indeed it boasts an available four-door body style, a more contemporary interior, strong V6 power and added safety and convenience features. But die-hard Jeep enthusiasts shouldn't be too worried. The latest Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of providing rugged off-road capability and distinctive style, with creature comforts a distant third. Love it or hate it, the Wrangler just keeps on marching to its own beat.

Current Jeep Wrangler
The current Wrangler is available in two body styles: a short-wheelbase two-door or the long-wheelbase four-door Unlimited. Both come in bare-bones Sport, midlevel Sahara or hard-core Rubicon trim. Despite the Wrangler's rough-and-tumble image, there are a number of luxury and convenience items available like heated leather seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, navigation and an Infinity sound system.

All Jeep Wranglers come with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is also standard and includes high- and low-range gearing. A six-speed manual transmission with hill-start assist is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional. This engine is quite the revelation, endowing the traditionally ponderous Wrangler with both quick acceleration and decent fuel economy.

In reviews, we've noted that the Wrangler remains the go-to choice among serious off-roaders thanks to its compact dimensions (provided you choose the two-door version), high ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and no-nonsense four-wheel-drive system with an aggressive low-range function. Even the most basic Wrangler can venture places that most mass-market vehicles could never dream of. The Rubicon furthers those capabilities with extra features such as a special transfer case, knobbier tires and electronic locking differentials.

Make no mistake, though; buying a Wrangler is a commitment. The ride can be jarring, interior noise on the highway can be deafening and handling is poor. With its removable doors, zip-up plastic windows and hose-out interior, the Wrangler may be too rough for many consumers. But the trade-off is worth it for true fans, as nothing else can match the Wrangler's capabilities and iconic image.

Used Jeep Wrangler Models
The current, third-generation Jeep Wrangler debuted for the 2007 model year. It's larger and more refined than the previous generation. Key changes include a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter (though still raucous) ride; the introduction of a four-door variant (known as the Wrangler Unlimited); and added power under the hood, with the big bump coming in 2012. Styling is familiar, but although the standard Wrangler retains roughly the same short length as before, its increased width helps to improve passenger comfort.

Until 2012, the only engine available was a 3.8-liter V6 that produced a rather anemic 202 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque. The arrival of the "Pentastar" 3.6-liter V6 put unprecedented pep in the Wrangler's step, and it brought a new five-speed automatic that replaced the four-speed unit offered with the 3.8-liter engine. A rear-drive version of the Unlimited was also available until 2012. Prior to 2011, the Wrangler's cabin featured lower-quality materials and a less visually appealing design. There were fewer luxury and convenience items available, while stability control was not standard.

Another notable change is that the standard vinyl soft top was harder to remove prior to a design tweak implemented for 2010. The Unlimited's roof was improved further for 2013, along with the seats in all Wranglers.

The previous, second generation of the Wrangler bowed in 1997 after a one-year hiatus, and marked a return to the classic Jeep face with its round headlights. It was sold through the 2006 model year. A new dash modestly modernized the cabin upon its debut, while a coil-spring suspension improved on-road comfort. Dual front airbags and the option of antilock brakes made the Wrangler safer, too. Of course, all the ingredients (such as generous ground clearance, skid plates and a crawl gear for the transfer case) that made the original CJ so capable off-road remained.

Base SE (2.5-liter, 120-hp inline-4), Sport (4.0-liter, 190-hp inline-6, fancy wheels and graphics) and Sahara (4.0-liter six, air-conditioning, upgraded upholstery, CD player) trims were offered initially. By 2003, the Wrangler "X" (slotted above the SE and featuring the inline-6) and "Rubicon" (featuring hardcore off-road equipment such as a super-low range in the transfer case, 31-inch tires and locking Dana axles front and rear) trims debuted. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and three-speed automatic, the latter upgraded to a four-speed unit for 2003.

In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited model; it still had only two doors, but a 10-inch wheelbase stretch provided a significant increase in rear legroom and cargo capacity. A Rubicon version of the Unlimited arrived the following year, and a six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed.

In reviews, we praised the second-generation Jeep Wrangler for its off-road agility and personality, but scorned the plastic side windows, fussy soft top and poor fuel economy. We deemed it fair at best for commuter duty, considering the vehicle's loud and busy ride at freeway speeds. After logging some miles in a Rubicon version, we decided its immense off-road capacity was beyond compare, but braking distances (even with ABS) were long, gas mileage was mediocre, and as a daily driver it was simply too harsh and bouncy on the blacktop. The standard, non-Rubicon version of the Wrangler Unlimited had slightly better road manners, thanks to its longer wheelbase and revised suspension tuning.

Consumer feedback on this Wrangler is generally favorable, with most folks enjoying the fun factor despite echoing our sentiments about the annoying soft top and fuel mileage. Reliability is a mixed bag, with a few respondents citing many troubles where others had none.

The first Jeep Wrangler (1986-'95) had square headlights and, on some trims, monochromatic fender flares and rocker panel extensions, the latter an odd "of the times" styling touch on such a retro vehicle. Initially, a choice of a 2.5-liter four or a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine was offered, and buyers could get a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. One of the biggest improvements during this generation came for 1991, when a new, 4.0-liter inline-6 with 180 hp replaced the ancient 4.2-liter unit that had just 112 hp. Trim levels during this time ranged from base S through Islander, Sahara and top-of-the-line Laredo and, after 1990, Renegade.

User Reviews:

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  Fun, but NOT as a primary car - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Buddy - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep new four years ago and have had a lot of time to think about it. Its basically a good car; its fun taking the top off, its been reliable, it looks good and girls like it. BUT: its noisy, the ride is punishing, it uses gas like a Winnebego yet its so underpowered you can plant flowers on the side of the road as you steam away from a stop light and it is, for all intents and purposes, a two- seater with very little luggage space. As an auxilliary, around-town car you cant beat it, but its NOT made for driving every day, or for routinely driving trips longer than 25 miles or so.

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  Dont buy it - because youll love it - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hawk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep and if I hadnt had so many major repairs at 54,000 miles, I wouldnt be trading it for a Toyota 4Runner. Note: Manifold, Differential, Seat Belt, and Drive Shaft replacement!!! No favors at the dealer with the warranty or the trade value for a new one.

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  Rubicrap - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mwgiese - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Although the Rubicon looks great and boasts hard-core options such as the 4:1 transfer case, Dana 44s, lockers, etc., I have found the quality of the vehicle to be too poor to justify buying this vehicle (in retrospect). In the three months I have owned the Jeep it has been in the shop five times for transfer-case and rear differential work, including two complete transfer case replacements! Save yourself the headache and buy an old Jeep (before Chrysler got a hold of them), buy quality aftermarket options, and install them yourself.

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  Wrangler Right Hand Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By 08WranglerRHD - August 22 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep new in September of 2007 to replace my 98 right hand drive Cherokee. I owned the Jeep less than two months when the first problem occurred. The removable roof panel on the right side developed a leak. The warranty covered the repair. The next problem wasnt until February of 09 at 38k miles,out of my warranty period, the horn stopped working. I had the repair made in September of 2009 at 52k miles when the airbag light came on. I called Chrysler and filed a complaint once I found it to be a faulty clockspring inside the steering column, they covered my repair due to safety concerns. The last problem occurred in December of 09 at 60k when the water pump went out.

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  Big fat lemon - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tremeregirl - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream vehicle, emphasis on WAS. Ive had 3 new transmissions, 2 new throw out bearings, a new starter, new clutch, and a new rear differential in under 3 years. I have babied the hell out of this vehicle and have still had all of these issues. Ive put in formal complaints with the dealship as well as with Chrystler to no avail. I cant wait to get rid of this thing! It has spent more time in the shop than on or off the road. NEVER AGAIN.

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  Shouldve kept my Tahoe - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kmurray - August 2 - 5:20 am

  Well after bugging my husband to get our 71 Scouts done he finally caved and let me get the Jeep. I wish he had held his ground. I didnt really test drive it all that much, because if I had I would have never bought it. Rough ride more of a man truck and not a family vehicle. Need to trade it in for one with better fuel economy. Only bought it because I wanted a smaller car payment. Like the forums say "Your either a Jeep lover or not" I would be one of the nots. My husband on the other hand likes it. Looks cool, but just not for me.

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  Nail in the coffin of American cars - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By BajaMan - July 25 - 8:16 am

  One of the worst vehicles I have ever owned. Gas mileage was terrible, 15 mpg. Acceleration was terrible. Wind and road noise terrible. Build quality terrible. Reliability terrible. Top took forever to install (like 15 minutes). Had lots of problems with exhaust system. Owned it nine years. Developed an intermittent starting problem. So I finally decided to unload it.

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  local car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By pds - July 11 - 2:00 am

  research what you need before buying this jeep. Not a highway or commuter car. Not good on wet roads. (other than deep snow)

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  Takes Getting Used To - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By VTer - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Havent owned a Wrangler for several years so pleasantly surprised with improvements in drivability but a bit disappointed with the harsh ride, noise, and poor mileage. But then again - its a Wrangler! Best advice is to take an extra long test ride before you decide to buy. When we first took our Wrangler home my wife my wife got sick from the bopuncy ride. Now she can fall asleep on the highway - just takes getting used to it.

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  jeep review - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Garrett Lynn - May 26 - 12:36 am

  The jeep wrangler is a fun to drive trail capable vehicle. It is enjoyable yet lacks in creativity and is kind of stone age in its fuel injection system along with its less than arrowdinamic look. With a little more work it has the potencial of excellence in many fields yet the biggest step needs to be in millage and not just a bigger tank either. We also need to go back to lock out hubs and the paint job was weak with many thin spots where the under coat sees through. It also needs LIMITED SLIP