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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  Leaking Lemon Freedom Top...One of many - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jasmen - March 17 - 7:05 am

  Owners of the 11 wrangler, I would pull out the seatbelt as far as it goes on rainy days. See if the belt is wet. Also reach your left hand up to the speaker area and feel around the cushion. Those are the less obvious areas other than dripping water from different areas of the top. When I went to the dealership in Ramsey, NJ (terrible customer service) to meet with the rep from jeep, they tried to figure out the leak by comparing my car to a same exact model on the lot. I felt around and alerted them that the backseat driver side mat was also wet as was the seatbelt. I wrote the VIN number IJ4-HA3H12BL-54565. Unfortunately, therere many others having the same problem. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/water-leak-1138623/

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  I have a lake in my Jeep?!? - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By bender64 - March 12 - 9:31 pm

  I have always wanted a Wrangler growing up and finally purchased one several months ago. It was the biggest mistake of my life. Its been to the dealer 4 times and for water leaks. The service manager told me there was 4 major leaks and several other from the factory. I have no idea what Chrysler was doing when they had this thing assembled but it had to be on a Friday or before a holiday. I am in the process of talking to Chrysler now but who knows what they will do for me. Plus there was mold forming on the inside of the hard top from the moisture.

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  All you need in a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Trent Ford - March 11 - 12:16 pm

  Bought the Wrangler brand new in 03 and have never, ever changed anything on it. Seriously, since driving it off the lot, it has not been back to the dealer. Even still has original brakes. I did change out the tires for 38" last year. Great reliability!

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  Why did I wait to buy such a great Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nothing better - March 11 - 9:30 am

  I had reservations on buying a Wrangler after reading the "expert reviews". But I always wanted a Wrangler- and after seeing the 2008 2 Dr Sahara- I had to buy one! I never even test drove one...now I have driven it nearly 5,000 miles- including a 1,500 mile trip over the Smokey Mountains w/ ave of 21 MPG and as high as 23. I know perfomance is not of my Hemi Ram, or Corvette...but better than my Tahoe or Saturn Ion. I expected comments on its great looking exterior- but nearly everyone remarks on how "nice" the interior is appointed... The ride is very smooth on interstates-seats are very firm and supportive...cannot wait for summer to take the "tops off"! Why did I wait to buy this Jeep!

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  incredible vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By juice1 - March 11 - 7:26 am

  I bought my jeep ten years ago the first day the 2001 models were at the dealership and it was the only smart thing I did in my twenties. In all this time i have only had to invest in oil changes, a new top, and a battery. The top and battery I just replaced last year! It doesnt handle like a sports car but its no supposed to. if anyone is interested in reliable vehicles buy an older jeep and dont let go. It handles great and is a much better ride than the newer ones which I just bought (thanks Chrysler). Its dependable, fun, goes through anything, and it girls love it. What else is there to say

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By KCJAILER - March 10 - 12:53 pm

  Went shopping and checked out H3- Alpha, GM Avalanche and many others. Then I took the Jeep Wrangler for a Test Drive. It handled, shifted and drove very nice. The ride is nice and smooth but it is no Cadillac lol. The acceleration is lackluster but its good enough. The turning radius is excellent. Visibility is also excellent. By the way this is the only 4x4 vehicle where you can remove the roof, and the doors! Now the fun really begins!! Driving is back! I use a stick shift. Better mileage and you become connected with the car and road… or off road! shunned the high dollar 4x4 as some of the extras were not really needed. $24.000 for a Jeep or $47,000+ for the others. Nuff said

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  Fun to drive, lacks performance - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By SciFiChick - March 9 - 8:40 am

  While I am new to the Jeep Wrangler World, I am a veteran of other Jeep models (which I LOVED). When I got into the Wrangler 4 door it was purely a question of lust. It looks GOOD. Alas, I live in Miami, its rare that I can take the top off (shocking yes) because you either bake, scorch or get soaked. Once that fact finally sunk in, I realized I had bought a box on wheels. If you want 0-60 in decent time, get in someone elses car. If you drive off a cliff, dont worry, the aerodynamics (HA!) are SO bad, youll stop mid-air. Its very good looking, easy to modify, but horrid to drive on a daily basis in the urban outdoors. Youre better off with an XTerra.

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  Great fun, 4cyl grossly underpowered - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pete - March 8 - 10:03 am

  The Wrangler SE is loads of fun to own and drive. However, the 4cyl motor is grossly underpowered. Lags very badly on the steep California hills with an empty cargo. Fuel mileage should be much better for a 4cyl. I average about 15.7 mpg with the top down and 17.9 with the top on.

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  At long last - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 6 - 1:33 pm

  Ive been searching for quite some time for a Jeep Wrangler. The newer ones are very simple, convertable roofs quieter, heat works well, and has plenty of power with the tried and true 4.0 six. The stick shift is great and gives you that sport car feel. I enjoy my four wheel drive sports car. Spring is just around the corner and the top will come down. I decided to go with the hard doors, for the ease of opening the windows in the winter months. The back seat either comes out or folds forward for the quick shopping experiences. The radio/CD player are more than enough with the sound bar. Over all I love the style the creature comforts, & its simple, & fun to drive year round. Its a Jeep Thing

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  Lots of fun, surprisingly practical. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By helilog - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Downshift the 4 cylinder early for power, 3rd gear is good for 75 mph, dont be afraid to spin the engine up. It is a twin cam after all. Used thusly, the engine is plenty peppy. Expect 20 mpg town, 24 hwy. Five speed tranny is notchy and vague, a real antique. The later 6-speed is better. Ive got aftermarket sliding glass side curtains on the stock low cut doors. Much quieter and more convenient than zipper plastic door windows. The low cut doors make for a good arm rest (since a Wrangler has none). Get a center console for the same reason. Seats could use more lumbar for 400 mile days.