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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  Why drive anything else? - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By DerekB - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 10th vehicle, but my first suv. The wrangler is very capable of doing anything that needs to be done....and with the vast amounts of aftermarket support, your options are near limitless. As far as gas mileage, it isnt the best, but look at other trucks/suvs and you will see that its by far not the worst. The interior is designed for ruggedness and comfort at the same time. Forget to put your top on during a rain storm? A normal occurence that would destroy most vehicles, is simply taken care of with a Wrangler. Just pull the plugs and empty the water, and go for a drive to let it dry out.

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  New Jeep Wrangler Sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By PoppaZ - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this as a second car; primarily for the snow, sun and fun. I expect my son will be driving this vehicle in the past so I also consider safety, roll-over and fun. The jeep itself is larger inside than I expected for the driver and front passenger. It is tight in the back and there is very limited trunk space, but it still works for me.

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  Most fun you can have with the top down - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepConvert - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, on or off road. Ive had several cars, this is the best thing I have ever paid money for. It is worth every penny.

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  Very Pleased - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By SigEp - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Jeep for two years with no problems. The 4WD is extremley easy to operate and very functional. The soft top is easy to operate after a little practice. The hard top is difficult to store and you need to make sure you have the required space. This is a great vehicle for a good price. I dont reccomend purchasing the Sahara unless you really want the upgraded body features. Overall, I will drive this Jeep until it dies and then buy another.

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  Built Like a Tank.. Runs forever - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jepper68 - August 26 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my Jeep from the original owner with 205,000. Mine is a sport 4.0 5-speed. It has a 4" dick cepek lift with 33s. Runs perfect i get between 13-16 mpg in town. Original engine, transmission, clutch, and differentials. Ive already put 10k on my wrangler and still keeps running like a tank. Taken it on some nasty trails, up in the high country, through the sand at the beach. Parts are cheap for jeeps and easy to install. Cant get a more reliable vehicle built today. The 4.0I6 is good for 3-450k serviced reguarly.

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  JK Rubicon - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris - August 25 - 8:13 pm

  This jeep is a lot of fun but the quality of the jeep is crap. I hope this is because its the first year.... Roof leaks hard and soft tops. Hinges corrode and rust on the doors, visible in the cracks of the hinges and eventually the paint on the hinges. Interior plastic scratches very easy with a fingernail...and I mean very easy!. The new motor is a bit underpowered for a 4dr but liveable. Hey its a 4x4 but youd think a V6 would get better fuel economy than 15- 19...v8s are getting better mileage than this 6. Its a blast to drive with the top off or on, its can climb a wall. I hope the new Chrysler takes note and fixes the issues with the 08 model.

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  3rd Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sergant - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Jeep I started with an 1979 CJ7. So far the new Jeep has lived up to its reputation. Its definitley more comfortable and it seems a tad bit smaller also. My 17 YOA daughter has fallen in love with it and now wants one of her own. So far its been great but the real test will be this coming November during deer season

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  It is what is is and thats not all bad. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bill B - August 24 - 1:43 pm

  Driving on the open road is terrific have yet to take it off road. Because of the low gearing of the transmission you must be ready to take off when the light turns green. This is were more power is needed without question. Love the seats which are curved like sport seats to hold you in place.

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  Not Much Disappointment - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By DrDan - August 19 - 12:13 pm

  My 6th Wrangler. 5th brand new one. a 97,2000, 04, 95 (used), 06 and new 08. 97, 00, and 95 had 2.5L 4 cyls. 04 had a 2.4L. Downshifted constantly. 06 had a 4.0L 6cyl. 08 has a 3.8L. The 08 gets a couple MPG better but the electronic accelerator lacks. Body style is awesome. Interior, driver sits against the door and the biggest problem is the trip set button. They stuck it right behind the window washer/wiper lever. Every time you reset the trip odometer you get a window wash too. Overall I like it. Disc brakes all the way around are an improvement too.

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  leahsJeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By DaytonConsumer - August 19 - 10:00 am

  LOVE my Jeep - cant believe I waited so long to get one. You get the same adventure as a motorcycle only safer!! I think Im a Jeep Wrangler lifer!