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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  dont buy it - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Starla - September 29 - 11:43 am

  Absolutely hate this vehicle. It has only 14000 km on it and already has two recalls, one for sudden egine failure which lasts about 5 seconds then starts back up, the second with the electronic brake control causing a delay in braking, which I did not even receive a recall notice for but found out from my dealership when I phoned about a third proble. Sudden acceleration up to 125 km for unknown reason. i have returned it to the dealer and am waiting to see what they are going to do. This is not a safe vehicle to drive!!!

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  All Smiles - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Five0retired - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  This is a Fun Vehicle. Not one to cut down your fuel costs . This is the vehicle that brings a smile to my face first thing in the morning as I drive to work, with the top down weather permitting and the radio cranked up. It also returns that smile at the end of the work day as I drive home. It never fails to Not get polite and admiring remarks from passersby. From young and Old they all say what a Sweet ride she is. So to the reviewer on Edmunds , I would say "Get a Life, Get a Jeep"

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  Happy but sad - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By HUTTA - September 23 - 2:30 am

  I love this Jeep, its my first one and Im totaly satisfied with the ride and reliability. I only have two problems, one is that the roof leaks (I have the 3 piece hard top) and the other is that the front bumper gets damaged to easily. regarding the first problem with the leak, I brought it in and the dealer changed the rubber seal,(that didnt work), I called the dealer back and he told me that this has been a problem with the freedom top and to bring it back in and maybe I could get a one piece top that doesnt leak. The problem with that is the weight, you would need 3 people to take off the roof(boo).Im just gonna wait and see what else jeep can come up with to fix this problem.

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  Nothing quite like a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sparky - September 22 - 4:13 am

  OK, to start off let me say Im a foreign car guy. Ever since my first experience with taking my 1995 Dodge to the shop on a weekly basis its been nothing but imports. That being said, this is the best product Jeep has put out in quite some time (but dont forget those beautiful little words–Lifetime Powertrain Warranty). I have 2500 miles on my 2 Dr Sahara so far and it is rock solid. No squeaks, rattles, in fact the ride is nothing short of spectacular for a vehicle with its suspension type and the short wheelbase. Sure, its not Lexus quiet, but thats not what youre buying. There is high speed wind noise and you aren’t going to win any road races, but that shouldnt be expected here.

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  A Homerun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeep - September 19 - 5:00 pm

  The new Jeep Unlimited is a hit. I bought the Commander last year and lamented the only short coming was that roof doesnt come off. I got the first one in town and have been enthralled since day 1. Its a Jeep for the family. Myself and wife and kids all fit comfortably (and securely) and we have room for all our stuff in the back. Cant wait for the warm weather to return to truly enjoy it. (i.e. get the soft top back on).

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  jeep review - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr Stone - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy the vehicle, has hard and softtop

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  2006 wrangler unlimited, excellent ride - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Boston Jeep - September 18 - 12:56 pm

  Picked up my second wrangler recently, a 2006 with 8k miles. The car had all of the option packages that were being dolled out with the end of production. For my car this included the painted flares, two tone seats, 6disc cd, with satellite radio, compass rear view, cruise, dual tops, 6 speed manual. So far this vehicle has been tremendously fun. I formerly had an 03 Sahara, and the unlimited corrects a ton of little issues I always had with that car. The extra wheelbase makes for a better highway ride, and the additional space is very nice. This will be our fun car for trips, and summer touring, as well as my commuter car. very happy with the purchase so far.

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  No power - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By David Fekete - September 17 - 10:00 am

  For a vehicle that theyve been making for a long, long time, this thing is lacking in so many areas. My biggest complaint is that its horribly under powered. Most V6s are pushing 250 to 300 horses, this thing rates at around 202. Mines a 6 speed manual..forget about passing. The lack of a hood latch is almost dangerous. On a windy day or when a truck passes the hood slams up and down. Those big rubber bands holding down the hood just dont cut it. The soft top is not an easy off and on, they could and should have done better. In a nutshell, never again! What once was an American icon is now pretty much junk.

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  Awesome!!! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By mickeytom - September 15 - 1:15 am

  My husband & I have had Jeep Wranglers in the past but, have had to trade them in for bigger vehicles when our kids couldnt fit anymore :) Well, they are grown & gone now & we decided to buy the 2012 Jeep Wrangerl WOW!! We both love it! The interior is beautiful! The ride is very quite & really comfortable! We will be keeping this one for a long, long time!

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  jasons wrangler - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By primo - September 11 - 10:00 am

  the vehicle runs great. I have taken it off roading several times with great fun and no problems. the transfer case has been replaced. Ive added larger tires and recently replaced the front brakes. the front right fender was bent when I purchased the vehicle and started to rust, I removed the rust and touched up the paint. the top and doors come off easy and in just a few minutes. It is great for drivingin he summer and has a good sound system. rides smoother and quieter than the older jeeps.