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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  The original offroader, still the best. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By p bloom - September 13 - 5:06 pm

  A little under powered with a 4 cyl. But it still pulls a trailer without much effort. Fun to drive. It was never built as a heavy road truck for the family covered with off road clothing.It was built for what it delivers.

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  Unlimited Rubicon - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Izrac - September 12 - 7:03 am

  I special ordered the Unlimited Rubicon with the hardtop and a 6-speed manual transmission after driving a Wrangler Sport with a soft top and automatic in Hawaii. It has a tremendous amount of power and gets me where I want to go. It handles very well for a Jeep. It had a few minor paint problems. But other than that it is an excellent vehicle.

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  first Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - September 11 - 4:23 pm

  After purchasing my first Jeep, but not my first 4WD, I am quite pleased. My 6 ft 2 inch son fits nicely in front or back seat. Incredible off road ability right out of the box. Interstate travel is not quite as adequate, but Jeeps love rocks and hills. The 3 piece hard top removes quite easily. The front reminds me of an old t-top vehicle. My 14 year old son and I can remove the rear hard top in about 10 minutes. What a great convertible it makes. I bought it to run in the woods with my sons, and I think we will spend a lot of time there.

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  Jeep Rocks! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By DPV - September 11 - 3:36 pm

  This is an excellent offroad vehicle that transitions onto the road very nicely. If it is you and one other person the two door is perfect and has plenty of room for gear. Offroad capabilites are outstanding. The freedom top is great and have had no problems with any leakage since buying it and I remove the top all of the time and wash with a power washer. There is lots of power as long as you know how to drive a stick. Gas mileage is better than expected with 19.5 average city driving and Ive gotten up to 23 mpg on the highway. 4-low is a beast! No hill is to steep, no trail to rough, and it is still as quiet as when I first bought it almost six months ago.

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  Be able to go where you shouldnt - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By 03RUBI - September 10 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 2000 Wrangler I thought I knew what a Jeep could do. Boy was I wrong My Rubi preformed better straight off the lot than my modified 2000 ever could. If you have a go anywhere, stop at nothing attitiude this is the vehicle for you. Now, good luck finding one.

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  Gotta love a Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By mpyusko - September 9 - 7:10 pm

  The ride comfort will make your teeth chatter, but lets face it ... if you are looking to buy one of these, you are more likely concerned about being able to go anywhere than be comfortable. The 4 cylinder I have does about 21mpg highway and 17 city. Ive had it for a year and a half and all Ive replaced are the tires (when I bought it). It currently has 125,000 miles on it and runs like a top.

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  4X4 FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By SJD - August 31 - 3:33 am

  I have owned 4 jeeps over 26 years and have enjoyed four wheeling the deserts of Arizona over that entire time.

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  Happy New Wrangler owner - 2Door Sahara - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jay D - August 28 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned 4 Jeeps in the past.This is my first Wrangler. So far this one has been the most fun to drive. Considering it is a Jeep with serious off road capibilities the ride is much smoother than expected. The interior room is also welcome change on this model. Plenty of room for my young child in the back with a safty seat.Getting into the rear seat is a little cumbersome for a full size adult though.

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  18 months later, not one complaint - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By greysmoke - August 28 - 3:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep Wrangler. The first was a 95; great fun. Then an 00; even better. The 09 4-door is a Jeep for grownups. The longer wheelbase makes for a much more comfortable ride. Theyve made the new ones much wider, too. Im not completely sold on the 3.8 V6, but so far, so good. Most important points: (1) Its a Jeep. (2) Nothing has gone wrong. Ive not had any work done on this Jeep except for fluid changes. For experienced Jeep owners, this model is much more civilized than what youre used to. For those new to a Jeep, be warned: its still a real Jeep, and that means its not going to suit everybody.

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  Faults IGNORED by company - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By docjaime - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall I love driving my Jeep. The idea of it is exactly what I want, the execution is lacking.