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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  Wrangler Sport - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 4x4wrangler - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had a tremendous amount of fun with my Wrangler. Its fun to drive and has had almost no mechanical problems in over 100K. Not the best for long road trips or noisy freeways, but for weekend fun or trips to the beach it is unbeatable.

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matthew J - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler X gives you the chance to purchase a 6 cyl soft top for about 2 grand less than its sibling, Sport. You can specifically choose the extras that are important to you without being forced to take delivery on a vehicle with extras you dont want or need. Wrangler is no doubt a fun vehicle to drive. You can get anywhere and highway driving isnt too bad. If youve always wanted a Jeep...take the plunge...its worth it!

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  Dont Buy Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Run while you can - July 22 - 3:10 pm

  Problems from day 1, water leaks in like a river (hard top), cant be fixed and caused rust in only a few months. Underpowered, driven 4cly cars that have more power. Had a cracked radiator. Many electric problems, odometer not working, windows not working, doors locking on their own, and more. The seats will kill your back, very uncomfortable. Headlights are VERY poor, worthless if you do a lot of night driving. Bought brand new and this all happened in the first 4 months of having it. The only good thing to say about it is that it preforms well off road.

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  Mine rusts too - before 4K miles - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jarhead - July 21 - 6:16 am

  Really, really like the Jeep idea - the wife hates it, however. This is my 3rd (I think). The 4dr is surprisingly comfortable (vs. earlier Jeeps). Similar to other posts, I have had annoying RUST on various (hopefully) insignificant parts of the Jeep. I feel just like I bought a 1970 something CJ. Worse - the dealers want to "take photos" for evaluation at HQ. Wimps. I also had the clutch replaced earlier this year (4K miles). Yikes. The only thing that is worse is that Im honestly thinking of selling my silver 07 (with 5K miles) and buying a black 08. Why? So the rust does not show as fast! Ill probably always have a Jeep - no matter how poorly they are made! Sick, isnt it?

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  Family Adventure Platform - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By odsjk13fap - July 19 - 12:23 pm

  First off it is a Jeep so the priority of being able to head off the beaten path, plow through snow, and over things have to be something at the top of your list o/w get yourself a Honda Pilot or Minivan! I have 3 x Kids (9, 7, 3) under the age of 10 and the most awesome facet of the Unlimited is the ability to host 3x Kids seats! They love it! I went on a ski trip and was able to pack for a family of five w/out putting on a cargo carrier or nothing! The Sahara Model - provides a nice balance of jeep ruggedness with creature comforts.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By JDB - July 19 - 10:00 am

  A day is not complete without a ride in my Jeep. This Wrangler was well worth the 25 year wait (took me that long to get over the "practical" sydrome). I have fun every moment Im driving or just riding. Its noisy. So what. Its rough. So what. Its fun. Thats what!!!

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  Its AWESOME - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mxer4life57 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its well worth the extra money.

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  Golden Eagle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rains - July 15 - 7:50 am

  I just recently purchased a 2006 Golden Eagle. The Jeep has much less road noise than older Jeeps I have driven. It handles well on the highway and having both hard and soft tops is a plus. I get approximately 16.5 MPG. I have not had the chance to take the Jeep off road but have a trip planned in the middle of this month.

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  Best Jeep yet - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By raiderdave - July 10 - 6:23 am

  I had a 83 CJ7 that was bulletproof, and was great to drive. My 03 Jeep, is just as reliable and great to drive, with more comforts of my 83. The fuel economy isnt great, but if I wanted that, I wouldve bought a Toyota.

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  My first Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jason - July 8 - 4:06 pm

  When I was a kid in the 70s my dad had a couple of Jeeps and I have always been a fan. I finally had the opportunity to purchase a new Jeep in 2003. I have had absolutely no buyers remorse. It is my primary vehicle but when ever I have the chance, I take it off road. The first time I took it off road I knew I was getting exactly what I wanted. The first snow fall was the second time I knew I had made the correct purchase. The only problem I have with my Jeep is I have no excuse for missing work during our Pennsylvania winters.