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:

• 

  Hinges rust - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - April 23 - 2:26 pm

  My hinges and black bolts/washers have rusted after 4500 miles. My Jeep is 100% garage kept. My local dealership cannot figure out how to fix and is not willing to. I am very disappointed and frustrated. This should not happen on any new vehicle. I have contacted my local dealer 9 times now without any luck. I have just filed a complaint with Chrysler which I hope will bring results. The workmanship is poor as well as their service apparently.

• 

  Cant be Fixed! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By pwayne1 - April 20 - 10:53 am

  In 2010 I purchased a beautiful 98 Wrangler Sport,from an elderly lady that had only 51k miles.It had a 4.0 with air and auto transmission.Within a week,the jeep would for no apparent reason,begin to stall and miss.This episode would last anywhere from 45 to 60 seconds,and by stomping on the gas,it would backfire,and then smooth out.In the last 10k miles,I have spent approx. 2500.00$ trying to resolve this problem,including 1300.00$ and 18 weeks at the Dealership.After 4 and 1/2 months,I brought it home today,same problem.After owning four Jeeps, this is my last.

• 

  awsome - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By reene - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is Awesome! I always wanted a jeep but I didnt have the room for the family. Now I can regain my youth and still provide for my family!

• 

  ITS A SHOCK THE MILITARY DESIGNED IT!!! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By robert p judge jr - April 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS MUST BE THE ONLY THING THE MILITARY CREATED THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY RELY ON ALWAYS WORKING.IVE BOUGHT MY JEEP WHILE IN THE MILITARY AND I HAVE TAKEN IT ALL OVER THE EASTERN SEABOARD; THROUGH WOODS,STREAMS ,SURF,OVER MOUNTAINS,ECT. THIS WAS WITH NO MODIFACATIONS TO IT AT ALL EXCEPT TIRES.ONLY TWO PROBLEMS WERE 1)HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER. 2)WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT.ONLY THING BAD IS YOU CANT HAUL STUFF UNLESS YOU HAVE A TRAILER.FORGOT ONE OTHER PROBLEM, CRANK SENSOR WENT BAD AS SOON AS I GOT IT AT 32000.THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY GO EVERY 30000 OR SO; THAT WAS 65000+ MILES AGO. GUESS WHAT, GOT THE SAME ONE HE PUT IN AND STILL ROLLIN.

• 

  1999 Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By rhicksmtb - April 16 - 4:13 am

  What a great ride. My wife and kids always look forward to family time in the jeep. I and my buddies always look forward to pushing its limits off road. I purchased the Mile Marker 8000 winch (has worked flawlessly many times) but do not need it very often. I usually have to pull out someone else out. This is by far the best 4X4 I have ever owned.

• 

  Love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By snopro - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My nuddy had a 92 wrangler back in the day and we had a ball in that jeep. I always remembered the good times we ahd in it. I finally bought my jeep used from a dealer. It had 39k on it and it looked like it was taken care of. I have never driven anything that is so much fun. I will have this jeep for a super long time. If I had to get something different it going to be a new jeep without a doubt.

• 

  Too much fun! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Austindude - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The Unlimited is smooth and suprisingly quiet on the highway, The soft top is super quiet and provides a whole lot more options for taking the top off. Ive been getting about 18.5 MPG average. I have read reviews that suggest this Jeep isnt for long trips, but I beg to differ. Other than gas mileage, this Jeep is as smooth as most any other SUV on the market. (with the soft top on and windows up)

• 

  bad ass jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By yjwrangler95 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my jeep. Its a 95 with 5.5" of lift, 33-10.50-15 swamper radials, full 6ponit cage and all the trimmings. It is my daily driver, I bought it in June of 98 with 50,000 miles it now has about 127000, still runs strong. All my buddies have them. Dont let the 4 squirrels under the hood scare you.

• 

  My first car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jon Lance - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car myself in 97. I did a lot of it comparitive shopping and I found this to be a perfect fit for me. Great quality for the money, inside and out. Rugged and very good off road perfect for hard core drivers, even the whole carpet snaps out and plugs can be pulled to drain out water(in case you get stuck in the rain). The updated interior was new to this model in 97 and I liked it then and it is fine now. My biggest piece of advice is dont skimp on the AC youll regret it. Overall a great reliable everyday use or offroad vehicle.

• 

  Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By RS Villa - April 8 - 8:53 am

  My overall experience to date has been excellent. This is a well built vehicle that performs both on & off road.