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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  Its a Jeep what did you expect - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Luna - March 21 - 10:40 pm

  first wrangler for me and I enjoy it every time I drive it, gave the Tourage to my son and daughter they done appreciate the Jeep anyway. With the Mini Cooper for long trips and fair weather in the garage next to it, it is the perfect combination of Yin and Yang for driving fun and transportation in life

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  Florida Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOOLMAN - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Brought it home and removed the top on New Years Day...still topless! Only way to go. Surprised on how nice the ride is compared to the older models.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Shaggy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive always had a soft spots for Jeeps and this Wrangler outclasses any other Wrangler Ive ever had!

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  Love our Jeep Wrangler SE - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve and Karen - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My hubby and I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler SE for several years. The van we had was totalled 7 months ago...so we thought..what the heck...best decision we ever made. Its true...when you drive down the road...other jeep owners wave..its so cool...we love it :)

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  Wrangler: Its all about the ride! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - March 16 - 12:26 pm

  This is my first Wrangler, an Islander. After trying different models, a Sahara and a Unlimited, I kept coming back to the Islander, with its Performance Suspension. It handles like a dream, even on curves and roundabouts. It has 3.73 rear axle ratio instead of 3.21 makes a difference when accelerating on the highway. I really enjoy driving it, as I have a feeling of connection with the road, but at the same time, its quiet inside the vehicle, no noticeable road noise. It does have a hard top, which helps. I have driven Jeeps before, and I must say, they have come a long way in terms of comfort and features, but have kept the integrity of style. You can always spot a Wrangler!

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  Jeep Wrangler- the most fun on 4 wheels! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott Mann - March 11 - 9:56 pm

  First Jeep. Love it. It can go anywhere and I can enjoy it topless or top up. Can carry, tow, whatever. Dont have to worry about it like i have had to do with my other convertibles and sports cars. Resale is predicted to be strong. Relative to other cars ive been buying the recent years, the fun-to-dollar ratio is very high! Im so glad that finally after many years of wanting one, I finally got one and have not been disappointed. Seating comfort is excellent (and i have had back surgery and have bone spurs now). Ride quality far exceeds my expectation. And ease of use is high. I love the in-line six which is why i opted for used over new.

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  A kid again - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Manny - March 10 - 3:30 pm

  I just purchased the 2008 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, and it a joy driving it; I wish the 4 doors had been out a few years earlier. This vehicle is well adapted for the off road environment, more like amazing. It’s able to maneuver the harshest terrain. I find it to be the most solid built vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned many SUVs in the past ten years. My average MPG is anywhere from 18.4 to 19.3, this is better than my King Ranch F150 (2WD). No buyer’s remorse here.

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  Unbelievable - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Trogdor - March 9 - 10:00 am

  With out a doubt the best Jeep DC has ever turned out. Its offroad capabilities are insane. On road fuel economy becomes a problem especially b/c of the gearing but one cannot deny the fun factor in this car. In the interior space is at a premium and this car was definetly designed for two people. There is very few things you cannot do in this vehicle.

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  Time To Say Goodbye - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By GoPhillies - March 7 - 1:06 pm

  The first car I ever bought. I didnt imagine it would last me 11 years. It was a great Jeep. Im trading it in this spring for a "civilians" car. Its been unbelievably reliable. For 10 yrs. I only had to replace the alternator. It has 140,000 mi. Things went south this summer. Major oil leak, brakes locked up, new radiator, new starter, new clutch cylinder, coolant leaks, etc. Very safe, not real comfortable or easy to use when trying to put childern and toddlers in back car seats. Great ride in the spring and fall with top down. I still love the plugs in floor to let water out when getting caught in rain. Bad mpg, but its a jeep. My dog loves it too. Good bye old friend. Youll be missed.

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  Jeep Unlimited: a step up in quality - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By jdf - March 3 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Wrangler Sport was great, but this 2005 Unlimited is a quantum leap forward in build quality and comfort. The long wheelbase makes ride comfort really good. Almost bought a 2004 but could not do the 4 speed automatic tranny. I like to shift a manual in a Wrangler. So when 6 speed manual came in 2005 I bought as soon as I found what I wanted. Impact Orange color rocks...new gray soft top combo looks good. This is a daily driver for my wife and she loves it...course she drove the old Wrangler daily and liked it as well. First tank of fuel avg. 15.2 mpg. Not bad for this size SUV. Buy the manual tranny its the way to go.