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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  review - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jakestertsu19 - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Im very happy with my Jeep . I cant wait for it to get warm outside and iI can take the top off. Ive always wanted to do that and now I can. Overall Im very happy with the Jeep .

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  You cant go wrong with a jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By JOHNNY - June 27 - 7:30 am

  This is my second Jeep wrangler I had a 2001 sport and I loved it. Just when I thought Jeep couldnt get any better I bought the Jeep Ive always wanted (well since 03) the Rubicon and Im very impressed with its performance and capability.

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  Great Year for a Wrangler! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Krakenbound - June 27 - 6:56 am

  If you are looking for a used Wrangler to use as both a daily driver and a weekend trail runner, the 2003 year is a very good choice. This year saw the intro of the new 4 speed automatic transmission, making freeway driving easier. It had already seen a engine upgrade in 2001, and also now has the option for rear disk brakes (faster stopping, better feel and much easier to repair). Aside from the later Unlimited body extension option and the Rubicon off road package that became available in 2004 (and together in 2005), there is no better Wrangler to consider than a 2003 (Unless you want a fat/wide 2007+, which cant get though some desert canyons I wheel in!)

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Anthony - June 26 - 1:06 am

  This is a great vehicle and it rides better than the short wheel base version. I have already driven it from the east coast out to Kansas City. It works great in the mountains or on the coast. I did have a leaking door seal that took a while for the dealership to figure what was leaking and from where, but once they found it they fixed it very quickly.

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  Lifes a beach, so get a jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By texas coast - June 22 - 10:20 pm

  I bought it to use it, been off roading too many times to count! Have not had any major problems yet! about a week ago i got it stuck up to headlights in mud and the thing kept running, true offload vehicle! Always have the top down and doors off.

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  4x4 sahara automatic - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By dom12 - June 22 - 11:02 am

  very happy with the jeep wrangler , the power is ok , very strong feel , bumpy at time .very well done for the cost of the vehicle i do recomend this vehicle if your budget is in the low 30k with all the options

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  some of everything - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By giantsin06 - June 19 - 2:43 pm

  Jeeps have it all.To get it all we have to compromise a bit .What other car lets you remove the top in summer , drive over and around sand dunes and then in winter is virtually unstoppable when the white crap piles up ? Back seat accessibility is awful...unless the top is off...then you climb over .

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  Its a Jeep Thing- You Wouldnt Understand - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By BamaTazz - June 17 - 2:43 pm

  What a GREAT vehicle..Its not a car, its not a truck its a JEEP. Top, no top..doors, no doors..no other vehicle like FUN to drive..very reliable GO GET ONE!

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  Jeep Wrangler owner - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By sjmaderia - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is 2nd wrangler that I ahve owned. I never should have sold my old 92 wrangler. This is a great car with could ride and handling characteristics. provided you are not expecting sports car handling or luxury car ride. It is bumpy and loud. You get good mileage if you stay around 72 mph. Faster and gas gauge drops much faster. There is no possibility of using a cellular phone at any speed above 20mph with top down. Top up increases that speed to about 40.

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  Not everyone gets it - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jerry S - June 9 - 5:13 pm

  I enjoy my Jeep. It has been in the family from the very beginning. My father bought it in 97 and I took it when he bought a Cherokee this year. There has been no major break down of any kind and it holds its own on the highway. The straight 6 provides enough power to pass and the raw design allows for a lot of fun!!!