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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  second sahara - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By wth51 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We had a 99 Sahara and loved it but the gas mileage was lousy so we traded for a 2001 Honda CRV. Honda was ok but not as fun as the Wrangler so we traded the CRV for an Accord and bought a 02 Sahara. The Honda works and the Jeep plays. Should have kept the 99 but we saw the error of our ways and purchased another Wrangler. Expensive mistake.

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  wonderful - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Erikro - May 18 - 2:00 am

  there just a rocks hevy duty engines but to expensive toy. realy easy to work on, lots of space on the hood

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  Solid Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep00 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 6 cyl version has the 190hp (before this was 180hp) engine which has good acceleration and excellent torque. This yr. also allows you to turn off the pass. side airbag. Overall, good engine reliability. Ave. mileage is 18 mpg. Had it back to the dealership 3X for a water leak which dripped down in the driver side area near the pedals. Still not fixed...

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  My Red Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By elvjeep - May 17 - 10:00 am

  To me, It,s important to have a vehicle that will preform in all types of weather...My jeep does this. To have a body style thats old fashion but not old, practicle with strong features.I can hardly identify all the new cars on the road today...but you know a jeep when you see one. I will buy another unless they radically change.[I,m 62 yrs old and I love my jeep]

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  Great vehicle for all seasons and all reasons - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By brunobravo - May 17 - 7:55 am

  Bought it new and put 180K miles on it. Had it for 10 years. Had one repair on it. Hairline crack on exhaust manifold. Replaced it with a header for $140.00 + $60.00 to install. That was the only repair other than brakes, battery & tires. This Jeep never let me down and very dependable.

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  2007 Wrangler 2DR w/Freedom Top - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ros - May 15 - 7:13 pm

  Unable to use back seat due to poor design of Freedom Hard top and inability of passenger seat to fold forward far enough for easy access even for small dog. In my opinion, it would be almost impossible to get any passengers out in case of a crash.

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  Gutless - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By downtheroad - May 14 - 5:30 pm

  This 4 door unlimited with 4.10 and stock tires cant move itself down mostly flat roads and 20mph winds. The interior is extremely cheap. Tow rated for 3500, I couldnt pleasantly (by any means) tow my 350 lb motorcycle trailer with 1,000 lbs of motorcycle and gear on it. Guess Ill wait for the 2012 pentastar motor and then looked for a used 2 door later - hope they do something for the interior too. Nice to look at. Nice convertible options -- overall - I sold it 3 months after buying it!

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  Once you buy one, youll love it! - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By RUF RYDR - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep going on 4yrs now. If youve ever wanted to buy one...DO IT! The things are an absolute blast. Mines a daily driver which gets about 15,000 mi a yr and I also use it off- road offten. This vehicle cant be beat for fun and reliability!

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  I Love this vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimlet - May 14 - 6:33 am

  I have owned Jeeps my whole life and people ask me why I love them so much. They complain about the ride being too rough and it eating too much fuel. To me, however, a vehicle should be practical and fun to drive and that is what I love about the Jeep Wrangler; they are awesome off-road, sporty enough to drive around town, not to mention there are myriad configurations for the roof which is awesome since I live in Hawaii. But the thing I love the most is the fact that they havent changed all that much in the past, once again proving the old mantra "if it aint broke dont fix it."

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  Jeep J-J-Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ScottR - May 14 - 12:36 am

  As soon as Jeep came out with the Unlimited (4-door) Wranglers, I knew I wanted one. I only have 2000 miles on it so far and cant really comment on reliability (been great so far!). Otherwise I love it! Design gets all 10s from me -- from the outside in, its a Jeep! And the drivetrain seems to be as solid as they claim. Love the freedom tops. Sound system is much better than older Wranglers. Road noise with the hard top is not bad, which surprised me. Handles well on highway at 80+ MPH, which is also surprising (though it wanders a bit). Im a big guy, and interior is very comfortable for me. Fuel economy? I gave it a 10 because it meets my expectations. Its a Jeep, not a Toyota.