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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  Four years and counting - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper Jim - April 8 - 11:46 am

  I love my TJ Rubi. Shes a gas to drive and be seen driving. You cant just cant beat top-down-doors-off Jeepn fun. Took her on the Rubicon Trail stock and she bottomed out a few times. A 4 inch lift kit and 33" MTRs and shell go anywhere. Gas mileage stinks but so what. Its a Jeep!

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  Unlimited X-Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott Ashmore - April 7 - 8:20 pm

  I bought the Unlimited X-4door 4 wheel drive in February 2007. Have 1000 miles on it. Took it over the mountains and it snowed. The vehicle handled great. Only put it in 4 wheel drive once, smooth transition. Have an automatic, and at times it doesnt want to lock in gear when shifting. One problem I did have, I was driving 25mph when the light came on showing wheels slipping and the Jeep lost all its power, shut down. Love owning a 4 door. My first Jeep!

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  Dont Do It!!! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By PoorMe - April 6 - 2:00 am

  2nd transmission in 2 years

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  Boy Toy - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By KB - April 4 - 4:10 pm

  We traded in our Tahoe for the 4 dr Jeep and Ive had some trouble getting used to the loss of luxury. I know we bought it as a fun car, but in this day and age, every vehicle should come standard with power mirrors and power seats. And what about the small things like mirrors on the visor? Plus there are no pockets on the back seats so pretty much everything you put in the car flies out if you dont have the hard top on. Which is what makes the vehicle fun...no hard top. We purchased this car for our children and dogs and thought it would be a good practical car. I just think they could have made this a little more kid friendly and a little less man friendly.

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  A Fantastic Blend of Capabilities - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jansah1 - April 1 - 5:17 pm

  I just got my first Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, manual, premium soft top with saddle brown leather interior. I live in CT. There are no official off road trails here but Wranglers are still very popular. I love the ride more than I thought I would and its pluses outweigh any minuses. Before buying it, I read reviews where people complained about various things. To those people Id say...drive an updated one. Theyve changed a lot in the last 3 years. Road noise is no more than my previous car especially with the radio on. I dont have the hard top but the premium soft top keeps out the cold as the heaters crank even at 10 degrees outside. I love having the only Moab edition in my area.

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  tomd used jeep purchase review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By trtrudey16 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  These cars are a "gas" to drive. You want to throw on aflannel shirt and your hiking boots and head for a field. The other people who drive them wave to you so you feel as if you are part of some "club". Im not certain if its a vehicle or a "lifestyle". I love it so far.

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  First Jeep Purchase - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By claudia ridge - April 1 - 10:00 am

  A very pleasant experience. All sales reps had jeeps and were very knowledgable of the product. Very satified with the ride-even up to 60 miles per hour. Price ended up at $21,800. I love my jeep!

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  Its a Jeep Thing!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By sandlizzard - March 27 - 2:03 am

  In 1979 I purchased a 78 CJ5. I also purchased a 1944 willy that same year. I wish I still had both. My latest is a n 03 sport 4wd. I am still a jeepie at heart. I wish more of the jeepies knew about the "jeep wave". Happy Jeeping!!

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  Its a jeep thing!!! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By B. Churchey - March 21 - 10:00 am

  There is no other SUV, Car or truck that I would ever want to buy other than a jeep wrangler! When its hot out take the top off...when its cold put the top on...when its snowing put it in four wheel drive. What other car or truck can do the same? Its an all around awesome vehicle!

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  I love my Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEPSr4GIRLz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Excellent reliability..can go anywhere...do anything. The soft top is easy to take on and off by myself in approx 7 minutes. I bought with a soft windowed door....next time I will buy with roll up window only due to the fact that when it rains, water will not come in from having to fold the window in when at a drive thru, etc.