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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  I loooove my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kat - January 11 - 7:56 pm

  What can I say? I love Jeeps. I discovered them about 4 years ago, and I will NEVER own another type of vehicle. The performance is amazing. Ive owned Jeeps in both Hawaii and on the east coast, and theres nothing better for beach driving OR for snow driving.

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  awsome rio grande - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepdude - January 11 - 2:00 am

  weve had my 95 rio grande in the family for about 5 years now. it has been an excelant vehicle. no major mechanica problems, replaced entire exhaust system and the starter. the thing still runs great, and i plan to keep this jeep forever. whenever it comes the time that i need a new vehicle, i will never trade this in... i will just buy a second one. ive put a new stereo in my jeep, and a light bar on the windshield frame, rims, ect. for being 8 years old, it looks, runs and preforms great. the transmission and clutch are still smooth, and the paint is still glossy. i would recomend a jeep to anyone who is thinkng about one.

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  A Jeep Owner and Lover - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By wfj - January 7 - 4:10 pm

  The first thing I did with this vehicle is install a fresh air intake, a cat back dual exhaust system and a jet chip. This vehicle needs to come stock with at least a 260hp engine in it. I have boosted this engine up to around 235hp but it still drags in sixth gear on an up hill run. Also only offering two rear end ratios is a crime. Mine has the 3.21 in it and that is to high and it still only gets about 19mpg. A mid range of around 3.51 would help. I have already decided to get my next one with the automatic transmission and the trailer towing package. A small diesel would also be nice, something with a good torque rating. All in all this is the best jeep I have ever driven or owned.

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  i love it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dpiero - January 5 - 2:00 am

  this jeep was fun to drive I was hit head on in this jeep and walked away with littel injurys the jeep was unfixable and i purchased another one you cant beat that its fun to drive

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  My Third Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nuevo Leon - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Wrangler. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a real four wheel drive that can go anywhere and maneuver in the worst traffic immaginable. I work in Mexico and drive regularly on and off of some of the worlds most terrible roads. I have great faith in my Jeep to get me in and more importantly out, of of the places I need to go. Buy this vehicle if you want a reliable four wheel drive that gives you comfort when it is dark, raining and you are in ten inches of mud in the middle of nowhere. Dont buy it if your version of comfort is leather and a quiet ride.

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  Its a jeep nuff said - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ricky - January 2 - 2:53 pm

  Have had many jeeps in fact traded a 2002 gc limited to buy the wrangler so far only minor problems that the dealer has always fixed in day I most problems are dealer related (either dont now how or dont want to fix problems, guess Im lucky.

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  2007 Sahara 4WD 4dr. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Don - January 1 - 5:20 am

  I love my 4dr Sahara. Red Rock Pearl, Khaki Freedom Top which is awesome, Khaki interior which is also awesome. I love the room, the sound system. 7 speakers. Great ride, great time, 18in wheels, tow pkg. Only drawback was I ordered a Rubicon and after 4 months, was told I would have to wait another 3 months, so I built a Sahara as close to a Rubi as I could get. It has so much room and is actually bigger then my Cherokee Sport. I love the looks I get and the comments from folks. If the gas mileage was better it would be perfect. Im still very, very happy.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alex - December 29 - 1:43 am

  Ive owned Jeeps for the last 16 years, and this is my first new Jeep. I love it, it does everything Ive asked of it so far. Ive towed a trailer, and had fille the large amount of storage space numerous times without any problems.

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  Amazing - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jordanl010 - December 27 - 7:23 am

  I just got this jeep yesterday. Commando green, maunal, hard top. I absolutely love it. Rides so smoth. Its like a SUV. The interior is nicer than most cars and its a jeep.

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  "You Have to drive one" - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By SmokeyJeep - December 26 - 1:40 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep- For one they keep the same style so the residual value remains high - and for two they are the BEST looking vehicles on the road-Only people with style can adapt to the flawless unchanged styling of the Jeep-I owned mine now for approx:3 months I have about 5000 miles on it I use it for every day use approx 50 miles per day and I love it-A good solid ride and a good sound system if you purchase the sound package-I took it off roading in NH and handled some obstacles with out any worries then I drove home 210 miles in comfort-What other vehicle can conquer cliffs in the deep woods then get on the road and drive in comfort and style-If you are thinking about buying buy!