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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  1st Jeep...Sweet. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By crispy - December 3 - 6:16 am

  Have had it for a month and turns heads where ever I go. Great handling, great color (Rescue Green), quiet ride, top removal is easy. Fold down seats are awesome to be able travel with larger objects. Great for families now too. Only way could get one was if was family capable for car seat and stroller space. Qualifies as practical and fun. Cant wait for spring.

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  Best vehicle I ever bought - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean - November 30 - 8:03 am

  I bought my Wrangler brand new in 1994 (1995 model) I drove it for 13 years then gave it to my son when he turned 16. He put a lift kit on it and went off roading. He beat the crap out of it. I got it back beat. My Dad is rebuilding the engine for me. it was running on 3 of of the 4 cylinders and still running. Cannot kill it! I cant wait to get it back and drive it again.

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  Love my jeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Deb - November 30 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Jeep new. I had it lifted and added lots of extras; it is so much fun to drive and it looks great. It always gets lots of looks wherever we go. I can go anywhere I want all year round snow, no road NO PROBLEM - it is a JEEP THING and if you dont own one YOU WOULDNT UNDERSTAND!

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  great - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Read nichols - November 29 - 10:00 am

  i just bought a rubicon and i took it off road in south carolina and climbed some hills that only a unimog army vehicle could climb out ofus guys and the rubicon went right up it no problem. in the mud its great to it throws alot of mud (good). the lockers are a great thing to have stock. its a great jeep the best stock 4x4 ever.

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  Wheres the beef? - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bentjeep67 - November 28 - 5:30 am

  Just bought a new 08 x Wrangler, I have owned over twenty jeeps, cjs, yjs, tjs. I wish I could meet the engineer that decided to put the minivan engine in this Jeep! What was he thinking? The Jeep is perfect in every way except fuel economy and power! I can deal with the fuel economy, but I like to write off my poor gas mileage to power! Not doggy lagging at stop lights. The 4.0 was the best ever made, and Im sure thats why they replaced it, they last too long. My Jeep is amazing other than the power. My advice to Jeep is dont fix whats not broke!

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  Room for 5... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - November 25 - 4:23 am

  The little lady always wanted a Wrangler, but it just wasnt practical with the old design. With the 4 doors and 3 seats across the back it now works for a family of 5 (small kids 12 and under). The middle seat has a shoulder harness as well. I was amazed at the cargo area in the rear... almost as much as a minivan.

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  Gas - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By jerryschutz - November 24 - 10:56 pm

  The Wrangler is a great improvement over the old design. It is quieter and more powerful. The ride is unbelievable for a true Sport Utility. Its off road capability is unrivaled to any 4x4. Hard Top leaked first day. Check engine came on at just under 3000 miles. Misfire. Clutch bearing or transmission just started making squealing sound. Now we find out how good the service is!

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  TJ-8 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By eatjeep - November 23 - 6:06 pm

  Room for a weekend trip without a top rack, cant wait for the aftermarket to catch up. Removable rear seat is a snap. I wish the hard top was easier to take off (heavy). Im hooked, and Im keeping this baby.

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  Once a Jeep Owner- Always a Jeep Owner - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjd - November 23 - 10:53 am

  My first Jeep was a liberty 06. I just recently purchased an 09 2 Door Wrangler. First let me say Im a college student so I dont mind a little bit of ruggedness. I drive up to Phoenix from Tucson (160 mile drive) three times a month and I have to say I dont mind driving on the high way at all. I have a hard top. Ive dricing with no top but I find best is to drive with only the two front panels on. MPG are best at around 65mp: Ive seen around 23, 24 mpg. But I usually do about 80mph so I avg like 18mpg. Around town Ive seen 13 (I know). I havent taken it off roading yet but it is such a fun car to drive and ride around in especially if you live in a nice place like Arizona!

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  Wrangler---It IS What It Is - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carboy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  After looking at Jeeps for years...I finally purchased a 2002 X six cyl with auto transmission. It is a fun car to drive and rides very well. I have 27,000 on the car without a problem. Two areas to be aware of: 1. The part time four wheel drive can not be used on dry or wet pavement. It is not an all wheel drive vehicle. Goiod for off road or in snow only. 2. Wranglers depreciate more quickly than anything I have owned. Paid about $21K and Edmunds says it is now worth about $12K. Ugh!!