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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  Jeep Wrangler--A must have - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Busted2084 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Jeep Wrangler. When I sat in one for the first time, I just knew it was going to be a great ride. Some think that they rollover for pretty much no reason at all--not true. Wranglers have an excellent turning radius, and sensitive steering. Rollovers mostlikely occur from over correction and high speeds, not just from turning. I recommend everyone go out and test drive one if they havent already.

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  By Far the Most Fun Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By hsteff - March 18 - 10:51 am

  Im a first time Jeep owner & I bought a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon because Ive always wanted a convertible and also wanted a vehicle that could handle almost any off road trail and occasional deep snow. This past summer, I removed my hardtop and 4 doors and had my Wrangler in “topless mode” for 12 weeks—it was the best summer I’ve had in years. This fall, I participated in the 25th Ouray CO Jeep Jamboree where I learned how to properly drive my Jeep on mountain trails & was utterly amazed on how well engineered & tough Jeeps are to handle the wilderness to include traversing over fields of small boulders.

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  Woohoo - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tyler - March 17 - 3:26 pm

  This is my second Wrangler as I had one back in 99; a Sahara. There have been vast improvements in the sound system and I dont think the newer one has a distributor cap like the 99 did which seemed kind of archaic. Its a lot of fun, though not very comfortable on long trips. The under 30 set would love it though and there is nothing quite like the top down on a nice day, or being able to go through snow like it does.

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  jeeps rule - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By brandt - March 17 - 2:00 am

  the newest jeep wrangler is jeep no matter which way you look at it. the only difference is the coil suspension system, and the upgraded interior. in my own oppinion the upgraded interior has to go. i have a 1976 cj7 and a 1981 cj8 scrambler and they have no interior whatsoever. its just to pretty inside and way to much plastic. a jeep is supposed to be a rugged offroad machine not a pretty city driven vehicle so keep it true to its heritage and take the plastic out of the interior

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  this Jeep is worth any price - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By luvshisjeep99 - March 13 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this jeep as my second car. I had a Mazda but it was about to die and I didnt like it all that much. I bought this Jeep and i love it. Its a go anywhere do anything vehicle with so many options it will leave your head spinning. All of my friends and family love it and its reliable. Plus the insurance is the exact same as it was on my last car. Overall I love it to death.

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  GOOD OFF AND ON ROAD VEHICLE - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JULIUS - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I ALWAYS WANTED TO BUY A SUV THAT CAN HANDLE OFF-ROAD AND ON-ROAD. I HAD A INFINITY QX4 WHICH WAS VERY GOOD FOR ON- ROAD, BUT NOT GOOD IN A OFF-ROAD. AFTER THAT I DECIDED TO BUY SOMETHING FOR BOTH WAY. AND I HAD TWO CHOICES ONE IS HUMMER AND OTHER ONE IS JEEP WRANGLER. BUT THE PRICE WAYS JEEP WAS MUCH CHEAPER TO GET, AND IT HANDLES THE OFF- ROAD LIKE IT WAS BUILD FOR IT. IF YOU DARE TO TAKE IT TO THE OFF-ROAD, YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE SAME KIND OF FUN IN ON-R0AD. THE ONLY PROBLEM IT HAS IS, IF YOU HAVE SOFT TOP, IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING. BUT, IF YOU TAKE THE TOP OFF, THERE ARE LOTS OF FUN TOO. MOST OF ALL IM VERY VERY HAPPY WITH IT.

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  Favorite Car Ever - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joshua Ash - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Put a set of 31x10.5x15 with chorme rims and this SUV looks excellent. Plenty of torque and low range 4x4 performance for the hardest rockcrawling or mudding. Great in the snow, mud, or rocks. Plus looks great on a sunny day with the top off.

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  1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande - Great - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By fooyatz - March 7 - 6:36 am

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande Edition back in 1995 on time for the 1996 Blizzard. Until today, I still own the same Jeep and with 325,000 miles on it, it was definitely reliable. Original parts since day except for the shocks and brakes. I cant tell you how much fun this Jeep is.

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  Jeep Owner X3 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gary - March 2 - 5:56 am

  This is the 2nd Jeep Wrangler I have owned. The 1st was a 97 Wrangler Sahara which I gave to my son. I purchased the 04 Rubicon because it had a 5 speed. Other than a little rougher ride than the Sahara, I am totally blown away by the Rubicon. The thing people need to know about a Jeep is that it is a real SUV. If youre looking for the smooth quiet ride, its not for you. If you want a real 4x4 capable of going anywhere, built in the USA, that holds resale value, and is a blast to drive; this is it. The wife drives an 03 Liberty Ltd, so when we need 4 doors and have a passenger or two we use it. Like they say; "Its a Jeep thing...."

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x, 4dr, V6 - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By M7 - March 1 - 11:43 am

  Hands down best 4x4 i have ever driven. i work in the mountains east of San Diego and i drive it over some really tough terrain (its my work vehicle). it climbs like crazy and i can go places that the other trucks cannot. we beat em up and drive em hard out here, but this thing is solid. even rides smooth on the highway; it feels more solid and stable than the smaller jeeps. i love this truck.