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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  hmmmm-towed twice,here we go again - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By 10purrs - June 18 - 7:40 pm

  This beauty (orange sunburst) is my 3rd Wrangler and the only one Ive had trouble with. Towed twice with <500 miles and have an appointment for a check engine light at 2700 miles. Anyone had trouble with sensors/wiring?

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  Like no other. Period. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - June 18 - 12:13 pm

  My Jeep is a rugged, strong vehicle that is nearly bullet-proof. Mine has nearly 95,000 miles and the only problem Ive had was when my clutch died, but that clutch took 45000 miles of hard driving. It is extremely easy to fix up or add upgrades, even if your not experienced. Wranglers have extreme capabilities out of the box, and with a few upgrades, theres few places you cant go, and even though the top speed is around 80, that doesnt mean its lacking any power. Also, there is nothing else like driving around in the summer with the top down, and whenever you pass another Wrangler, there is the all-knowing "Jeep Wave" that tells you that there is someone else who understands your love.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By judge09 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This was the absolute best college vehichle ever. I had a blast driving it with the top down and doors off and it handled great in a foot of snow. I never had any problems and it takes abuse. I found this jeep not very practical for long trips cause you cant talk period. My roommate actually wore ear plugs (wuss). But a canvas top on a box you have to expect noise. Not unbearable either. An AWSOME jeep. I am going to buy an older one as a play car. The wrangler just wasnt a good everyday to work driver. If I bought the I-6 engine I would probably be keeping the jeep.

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  Bummed - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Are you Kidding - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I was totally disappointed with the Jeep Wrangler experience. I was expecting an SUV that was fun to drive and got just the opposite. Oh well, back to driving a truck.

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  Wobbly Tires - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By GAPeach - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for 4 months. We have had issue with the tires wobbling so bad that the front end shakes - took it back to dealership first time, the stabilizer was replaced. Started back up again after 1 month. They argued that nothing wrong - not giving up, they looked again and found that the bushing needed replacing. They said this is an issue with Dodge vehicles. Had the map sensor replaced also - only 36,000 miles. Hopefully this is the last of the issues Otherwise - LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT

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  Great, but expensive to drive. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dean - June 14 - 3:10 pm

  Everything is great on this vehicle. Drive it without dogging it, or beating the crap out of it everywhere you go, and it will last a long time without major repairs. The only downside is the HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE! 15mpg if youre lucky.

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  Loves new Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By big Phil - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Hasnt gotten stuck yet

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  1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport 6 cylinder - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By chemboy74 - June 10 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 1/2 years now. Ive taken it all over the place, from the rugged mountains and beaches of the Lake Superior northwoods at the height of winter, to the eastern Kansas foothills. Its a blast to drive and there isnt anyplace it wont go. I started driving it less when gas started to go up, and Ive only put 3000 miles on it since January 05. You wont own a Jeep if youre concerned about ride comfort, and this one begs to be driven hard. Wear and tear has been comparable with every other car Ive driven, So, whether youre looking for a nice ride about town, or trek across some difficult terrain and dont mind high gas prices, buy a Wrangler.

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  Disappointed so far - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By TmDe5 - June 9 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my Jeep for a couple months now. I love the whole Jeep experience but I am a little disappointed with the reliability. In New England weve already had some cold mornings... had trouble starting... then the electrical didnt work until the engine heated up. I bought it from a friend so i know it wasnt beaten on, just normal commutes. Two weeks ago the power steering gearbox failed and leaked every where. Havent fixed just yet. Also a vent line fell out of the pumpkin axle and I had to crawl under and put back in... Im not too happy right now. Puts a bad name on domestic products.

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  Still love it! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By indyCalifornia - June 9 - 9:33 am

  Ive had my 07 2dr Sahara for just under two years now (just over 36k miles) and I STILL love it. I havent had any problems so far. I have a hard top and havent had any leaks whatsoever. Ive experienced "death wobble" in my previous Jeeps, but Ive gone w/o on this one so far. On the 2dr, the entry to the back seat is pretty ridiculous compared to my older models- we call it the "jungle seat" b/c tarzan would probably get in just fine, but every1 else feels outrageous. Passengers complain about comfort, but this is the comfiest Jeep Ive had yet. I receive compliments wherever I go and Ive felt completely confident each time Ive been in a tough spot (lots of snow/mud/dirt!)