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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  Williams Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By William Weaver - January 28 - 10:13 am

  I have been very satisfied overall with this vehicle. It is fun to drive, and having the 4WD available, though I have yet to use it, gives me piece of mind. I gave it a 9 for comfort due to the lack of a door arm rest, which really is not a problem as the center console is there. I gave it a 6 for fuel economy because its 15-19 mpg is reminiscent of the 80s era vehicles. It has had, as yet, no mechanical or body work though I do intend to add the tow bar, which I think should be standard given the lack of trunk space with passengers aboard. While I think I will never part with it, I am also pleased with the TMV and resale value.

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  130K miles still on orig clutch! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By RyanZ - January 27 - 10:20 pm

  This is THE car you want to drive in the mountains dealing with snow, or the top off near the beach. The parts are cheap and abundant. You can fix everything yourself with a manual. They perform well on and off road.

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  good 07 Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By 07 wrangler by Bob - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  Our previous Jeep was a 98 Wrangler SE with four-cylinder, 5 speed manual. The new critter is six-cylinder with a six-speed. Ironically, the highway mileage were getting is better by far at 70 mph than the four-banger got. This Jeep is also quieter with full doors with roll up windows. So far we have had no problems. Lots of plastic on the interior, but its washable so who cares. Plastic cladding over the bumpers is a bit un-Jeep, but everything else is pretty rugged. Sixteen inch wheels are also a plus. We found with the old Jeep that tall skinny tires work best in snow. That is also the experience with the 07 as well. Just go with factory wheels.

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  Just plain fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By robert - January 19 - 7:43 am

  First let me say that I am 58 years old and always wanted a jeep, but life got in the way. I am a pilot and marine captain. I own a beemer 5 series, an F150, and 2 Ford Focus. So if I want to haul, I take the f150, if I am going on road trip, its the beemer, if I want to conserve fuel, its one of the focuses. But if I want to have fun, its the jeep. Bought it used and I had to replace the starter, the battery, and a few bulbs, but its 6 years old. The ride is not as bad as I thought it would be. But, folks this thing is too much fun, you will find excuses to go somewhere. I can be heard saying, honey we need something from the store? Get one, the fun factor is worth it all.

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  I love my Jeep. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jrbarth - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep Wrangler. Its the best car you can have. Youve got the best of both worlds, its a SUV and a convertible. What more could you want?

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  08 HardTop Water Leaks - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By OIIIIO - January 15 - 8:20 am

  We own a 2008 Unlimited X 4-door. Since day 1 weve come across a mayor issue with water leaks coming from the hard top and deposits on the driver side floor causing a bad smell. Dealer did a test and the warranty part number 68004562-ac is on a "nationwide backorder" not available for anyone. Mean while our Jeep keeps getting deteriorated as a cause of the part not being available to any customers anywhere on the entire USA and Puerto Rico. No one can tell us when will the parts be available. Mean while, we might have to invest $1,600 on a soft top to avoid having continuous water leaks which can rotten and rust our floor panel. What a shame JEEP... not a good experience for us.

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  1997 Dream - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By CWalts - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Sport. I have owned it since day one, and as I am approaching 100k, I have really only had one problem...the exhaust maniford, which I understand is quite common in the V6. $700 later and I am good to go. I LOVE THIS CAR...hope I never have to sell it. I drive it 40 miles/day, and what would otherwise be a miserable commute is changed with a few moves to get the top down. BUY ONE!!!

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  Great car, period. - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jamurr - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 Wrangler Sport, and since my wife is now pregnant, it has to go. I absolutely love this car -- I had a 1989 Wrangler before this, and believe me, the improvements are too numerous to list. I had some worries about the build quality, especially after hearing everything about the Grand Cherokee, but have had nothing in almost a year and a half. The car is incredibly fun to drive, and the engine is more than capable. I havent done any off- roading, but I bet it would handle anything like a champ. I would highly recommend this to anyone (without young kids!!!).

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  Best one of the bunch - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By calucyk2 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Jeep; 1999, 2002 and now a 2004. This is by far the best one of the bunch! It rides much better and the sound deadening improvements are huge! I cant wait to test its off road capabilities.

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  Fun, dependable, strong, well built - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bandit1978 - January 4 - 6:26 am

  Ive driven off-road and it felt like driving on pavement. Smooth and strong. Im glad I found it and amazed at its ability to do anything on and off the road.