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 Unlimited is great - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By reelynole - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Jeep Wrangler. I previously had Jeep Cherokees. Here in the Tampa Bay area we have been besieged by HURRICANES giving me the opportuntiy to tow about ten idiots out of flooded streets including a Honda CRV suv. I felt great about that. I easily tow my 2500 Lb. boat. I put the sunrider top down for a summer day. I love this vehicle. The car is quiet, comfortable and rock solid. I know the engine is reliable. I put 200,000 miles on two cherokees and the Wrangler has the same in line 6 cylinder engine. You cannot go wrong with this rig.

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  Jeep unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - March 29 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days, but have been very pleased with its performance. It is by no means peppy, but seems to tackle California hills with ease. It guzzles gas! But that is to be expected, I knew that when I bought it so I guess that is not a valid complaint.

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  yep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for most all conditions. Summer,top off. Camping,hunting,fishing,exploring the hills of the northwest.

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  yep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By sean - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for most all conditions. Summer,top off. Camping,hunting,fishing,exploring the hills of the northwest.

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  Had to experience the Fun side of Jeeps - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By jan carlo - March 24 - 12:00 pm

  I was one of those day dreamers thinking that some distant day I was going to buy a Jeep Wrangler. Every day while driving to work or going to the mall I saw tons of Wranglers passing by my side and I always, I mean ALWAYS turned my head over to take a look at them. Guess what.. Now I own my Jeep and I still keep turning my head over to see the different Wranglers passing by. But now I noticed that my Wrangler is looked at by every single driver and that makes me smile. Now I know what it feels to OWN a Jeep Wrangler and its really fun. I started to enjoy more my driving time.

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  I LOVE IT - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By BOSSOX9 - March 24 - 12:10 am

  I have wanted a jeep from the time I started to drive. Now at age 37 I finally have one. I love it (and so do my 9 and 5 year old sons). I knew going in to it that the ride will be ruff and bumpy. Hey it is a Jeep and you have to expect it, if you expect a nice smooth ride do not get a Jeep. I have the Rio Grande, it is all stock. The MPG is good for the inline four. It is a great all around Jeep. I use it as a daily driver and always in the desert on the weekends (live in Phoenix). I wish I had a Jeep years ago. I plan to keep it for many more years.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep 16 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful, fun vehicle. I absolutely fell in love with my Jeep. It is a 1999 soft top. The exterior color is dark metallic amethyst. Its gorgeous. This vehicle is great for someone who loves the outdoors and does not have children, because there is really not enough room for them. However, I wouldnt trade it for the world. My "baby" has been everywhere from Miami to Canada. I hope to have many more enjoyable years.

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  Wrangler X - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Its a Jeep thing!!! - March 18 - 7:40 pm

  This is one type of car/truck/SUV that everyone wants. We have owned sports cars, trucks and minivans but I have always wanted a Wrangler. This is the most fun you can have in anything out there. We live in NE Ohio about 60 miles south of Lake Erie. Just last week it was 72 degrees on a Friday and 10 inches of snow on Sunday morning. Our Wrangler has handled everything our weather has thrown at us. From winter snows to the top down fun in the summer; you just cant find that in any other SUV.

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  My Jeep Rocks! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jimmy guns - March 16 - 12:20 am

  My Wrangler is just the best! Ive gone out hunting in places where you see Chevys and Ford trucks park and their owners walk! In November, a couple of my buddies and me went to our version of "the Dunes", and the Jeep never let me down once!

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  All American Quality + Value - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dennis - March 13 - 10:20 pm

  Edmunds review is too harsh for the Wrangler Unlimited (4 door). Ride is more sure-footed than the 2002 Liberty it replaced. Styling is simple, and superb. Gets many compliments. Gas mileage runs about 16.5 local driving; not much highway experience yet to comment. Two option musts: side air bags (<$500) and hard top. Fabulous deals to be had (Im in Northeast); 0% financing over 4 years. Buy American. This vehicle is styling, fun and fabulous value for your dollar. If you have to buy now (like me) think about this one.