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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  Bulletproof! Best purchase ive ever made - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeeperTJ97 - April 26 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this 97 TJ Sport 4.0 in August of 07 with 205k on the odometer. Its my daily driver and weekend getaway vehicle. I have a 4" lift on 33" tires and average 15.2 mpg not bad. It fires up every morning, has all the power you need. Most capable stock vehicle ever produced. Solid front axle, strong drivetrain. Built to last. I now have nearly 215k and its perfect. does not leak or burn oil, very strong engine, trans, and tcase. Have been on some harsh trails, deep mud and snow and have not even come close to being stuck. This is my 2nd wrangler

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  No more trucks - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By weemer99 - April 26 - 8:56 am

  I owned a 78 CJ 5 and loved it. Have had trucks every since. All have been 4 wheel drive. My new Jeep has been a joy. Mileage hasnt been an issue since I have driven 4 wheel drive pickups so the 22 I am getting is a plus. Not a speed demon by any means but I am not into raceing. The thing will turn on a dime and handles great. Serves the purpose it was purchased for. It really does turn heads. Stereo is nice addition. Love the 3 peace top. Have had no leaks and wont have top on much in the summer. Heater doesnt keep up with the low single digit but its a Jeep. Will go anywhere.

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  Good Off-Road - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By pgardner - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Good off-road performer. My 6 cyls gas mileage has been 15mpg off-road(4- Low), 17mpg city, and as high as 21mpg highway. For more ground clearance, Im running 33x10.5x15 BFG MT/KMs on the stock 15x7 wheels, had to do a 2" spring spacer lift to fit.

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  "Nice Jeep!" - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ramses - April 20 - 8:43 pm

  I knew this Jeep was on the way for a couple of years from reading the magazines. I was finally able to get the one I wanted on Dec. 15th, 2006. Great vehicle! Always wanted a Wrangler but they where only 2 doors and the ride was harsh. This one is perfect, except for gas mileage. Ive got the red rock pearl with soft top (Sunrider). It rode great in the snow and now I have sunburn from having the top down. Do a search on the net for aftermarket stuff and youll be blown away by everything that is available! If your riding around New York City and see a 4 door red rock X with the top down and a red faced man in it say hey!

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  Still the same - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By koolbreeze40 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  As long as you understand its capabailities on road its no problem. Dont turn corners at a high speed or the tires will let you know. But take it to the woods or training area and smile from ear to ear. I have to purchase a winch because the mud holes that M1A1 Tanks leave are deep.

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  Is this really legal? - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By georgiadog69 - April 19 - 4:10 am

  I just bought a 2012 Unlimited Rubicon. So far, I love it. Dont get hung up on the reviews. Its a Jeep. It should be no surprise that it doesnt ride or perform like a luxury sedan. One thing buyers should be cautioned about though is that Jeeps do not come with an owners manual. Is it just me, or is it absolutely absurd that a $40,000 vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter would not come with an owners manual. If you want one you have to buy one from the Jeep website for $50.00! How can that possibly be legal? At a minimum it is pathetically cheap. Jeep is cheap!

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  better than my wife - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By dlemmon1 - April 18 - 9:15 pm

  i love my jeep, it has been everywhere with me, from Colorado, Oklahoma, an Tennessee. love going offroad, put on all kinds of accessories, been very reliable. i fell into a ditch and flooded the engine, busted all kinds of things up, and its still goin strong. easy to work on and way fun to drive. not a family car in the winter but in the summers my sons love it.

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  My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob Austin - April 15 - 10:53 pm

  So far Im getting about 19 mpg. The ride is a little stiff but fun. My only dislike is that I decided to get the 4 cylinder for gas mileage. For performance, that was not the best idea. This vehicle is slow.

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  Jeeps are the only way to go - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By The General - April 15 - 6:03 pm

  This is my second wrangler I used to own a 97. This was such a vast upgrade even though it was still very similar. I love the 06 because its the last year they stayed true to the design of the jeep. I love driving the jeep at night during the summer or all the time during the spring it is just so fun to drive. The only problem that I really have is the top was harder to get on then my old jeep. I could put my old top on in 5 minutes or less by myself now I need a little help to pull the top over. But besides that I couldnt ask for much more.

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  Jeep rocks - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By scott wilson - April 15 - 1:13 pm

  Bought in 98; it has been a solid vehicle. I had 200,000 miles on the original engine.