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:

• 

  Great Money Pit! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Coleman - May 15 - 11:20 am

  I love my Wrangler TJ. I have traveled all over the country. It has performed flawlessly. Ah, there are flaw though. Gas mileage is not that great. It has more torque than hp for speed. Plastic windows will scratch and fog over in time. The accessories will drive your bank account way down. Fun it is. Reliable - totally. Practical - not. Always in the build stage with all the aftermarket parts and accessories on the shelf.

• 

  Three words ... FUN, FUN, FUN! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By DougC - May 13 - 3:53 pm

  I had a CJ5 back in the 80s and have always missed that Jeep. Fast forward to 2005 and I have a new Rubicon, 6 months now. The Rubicon is light years ahead of my 76 CJ but still has the same level of fun. I have a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. This baby can climb! I live in the desert in Southern California and we are always taking this Rubi on the mountain and desert trails. Trails I wouldnt hike up on foot, no problem for the Rubicon. The top is off 90% of the time here in the desert, its great! Around town we have a blast as the Rubi always gets the looks. I love the rough ride and feeling the road. Cushy cars you drive with one finger are not for me.

• 

  My Toy - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By Becky - May 12 - 6:33 pm

  I am a 29 year old female and I Purchased my YJ about 6 mos ago with 125,000 mi. when I got it, it needed new axle seals,rear brakes, new fluid, and new u-joints. since Ive done a lot more. Its my favorite Toy ever. Its so easy to work on from changing fluids to changing the timing chain. Everything Ive done to my Jeep I did myself. The only thing I dislike is the internal slave cylinder. I will eventually change to an external(with a new bellhousing). My Jeep is my pride and joy and I love when I get looks from everyone, especially when they find out that I do all the work myself. I better since I took 4 years in auto tech in High school.

• 

  The Rubicon That Replaced the Minivan - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rex Johnson - May 5 - 3:20 am

  We are a family of five and most people with a penchant for traveling and camping would have opted for a Caravan or SUV offering a little more space. We were being pushed towards a Durango, but insisted that we go with the Jeep. We had a Jeep Cherokee in the past and missed her greatly and with the new four-door option, it was a no brainer. We grabbed the 08 Unlimited Rubicon and we are not sorry. After logging over 23,000 km on our Jeep green machine, we are definitely considering it to be a "Ruby". We travel between Ontario and B.C. through all types of weather and this vehicle has saved our skins countless times. With its ESP and 4x4 overkill. It is the ultimate family ride!

• 

  Married to my Jeep (O|||||O)! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By TurboJeep - May 4 - 10:00 am

  You already know what Im going to say about this work of art; it is just awesome! I ordered it from the factory, waited 3 long months to get it. Fire enjine red with black hard top (have soft one too), 6cyl 4.0 automatic. Would have gotten str8 drive, but I lived in DC at the time and the stop-&- go traffic was bad. My next one will be a stick, but Ill never, and I mean NEVER let this one go. Restoring a late 60s model also. Please, dont refer to your Jeep as a "she". No "she" could be as rugged as my truck.

• 

  95 Wrangler - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jon67cj5 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep and will never part with it. Ranger (my Jeeps name; no girly names for this butch machine) has always served me well. I had an A/C hose leak while under warranty and they made me pay part of the repair, but I negotiated that. Replaced the belt and a headlight, but thats it! It still looks great inside and out. With my chrome package, it gets the stares and people say they cant believe its 7 years old; looks like new! Joncj5(at) yahoo dot com.

• 

  Love my jeep..... - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep guy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This jeep is perfect for all occassions. I highly recommend the 6 cylinder.... I have no problems driving to the mountains to go skiing. During a recent snow storm (2 1/2 feet in two days) I took the jeep out to play and could NOT get stuck! Off roading is a blast as is highway driving. Ive done three roadtrips of 1400 miles... no problems. The only things I dont like.... everyone likes to break in (soft top) even when theres nothing to take. That and the road noise takes some time getting used to (doesnt bother me anymore).

• 

  Get one! Youll thank yourself ~ - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slo Ryd - May 1 - 5:26 pm

  Had a CJ-7 3-speed in D.C., Colorado, and on the Autobahn. Loved it all (simplistic freedom in its rawest form), except couldnt hear the radio on the Autobahn in the ragtop... Jump forward to very comfortable heated seats inside a hushed interior with really great sounding tunes plus a new engine that finally has some spunk and you have a world class Land Rover Rescue Vehicle. A tad costly like a Harley, but resale value is up there too. Bought this like new condition used & saved some $. Live your independence, have fun, and dont give your life any "wish I had" cause you only get to do this once - BUY A JEEP! update: Forgot to say if you live in hill country, tow, or get into mean outbacks DO NOT get the 3.21 gears. Get the 3.73 gears. Youll thank yourself without even knowing.

• 

  Its madd hott - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Giuseppe A - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The cars awesome its fun to drive the gas mileage isnt badd and its more or less common sense to take apart, everything is just straight out there no questions. with out a doubt that is a madd fun car to chill in and i recieve compliments left and right. im pickin up girls here and there. its a standard pimp mobile.

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By devilinblue - April 29 - 1:03 am

  I got this car because I wanted to go off roading, and found that it runs great on the road as well. I have stopped using my primary vehicle (05 Trailblazer) for long trips in winter weather.