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 hate this vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jasmine - February 14 - 5:33 pm

  Its loud, blows all over the road, has bad gas mileage, its uncomfortable (forget long drives), and let me ask: WHY would an engineering flaw that causes the ever- so-common "death wobble" be tolerated by consumers?! I cannot believe Chrysler hasnt been sued over this! This is a dangerous vehicle and I will never buy American again. Its also a pain to take the top off and put it back on.

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  Back to basics.... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By davidb72 - February 12 - 12:30 pm

  I have found my Jeep to be a fun vehicle. My other vehicle is a Mazda Miata, so these two complement each other well. The Jeep is a suprisingly comfortable cruiser. One of the qualities I like most about my Jeep is the ease with which you can customize your Jeep. The aftermarket is full of options. All in all I can safely say that I am very pleased with my Jeep and that I would reccomend the Wrangler without hesitation.

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  My 200 TJ - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By AlaskanPolishman - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I picked this up at the local jeep dealer, it was used with only 28K on it when i got it , a Canadian model with the daytime running lights. Great fun to drive so far , I am getting the 30" tires on it soon and putting in a roll in bed liner for the pan, Runs like a champ, decent gas mileage once i put a Tornado in it and a K&N filter. I love the feeling i have when i drive it , i always wondered why jeep drivers always had a smile on their faces, now i know

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  most reliable & fun car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mario - February 8 - 8:50 am

  Bought my Jeep used about 7 years ago with 25.000 miles on it. Currently have about 110.000 miles on it and only spent about 300 usd in repairs which were minor ones. This is by far the most reliable and fun vehicle. Use it as a daily driver (about 37 miles round trip to work). Lifted it and put bigger tires on it. Obviously the noise level and comfort are not the best but hey it is a Jeep. Put Herculiner in (carpet out) and can clean the inside with a water hose. Enough space in the back for my big dog. Will keep this car forever and if necessary as a second car. Absolutely highly recommended.

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  Leaks everytime it rains - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimtar - February 5 - 4:31 pm

  I purchased the unlimted sahara in July 2011. This truck is fun to drive but when it rains, it rains inside also. I have the freedom top. I brought it at Bayside Jeep. I have taken it back at least ten times. The problem still has not been fixed. I contact chrysler and I am trying to get my money back or a differnt vehicle. They really need to work on this problem for $40,000.

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  Wrangler Sport review - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Daedalus - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. Its roomy (Im 64"), fast (but get the stick-shift), suprisingly warm in the winter even with only a soft top, and will go virtually anywhere. The gas milage is not great (avg. 15 mpg), but not as bad as my Durango!! Im pleased I bought the full-doors option with glass windows as the soft top is noisy at highway speeds.

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  I love this thing! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepDude - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my jeep a few weeks ago and already it has lived up to the "Jeep" name. I wouldnt want another vehicle. Very pleasent dealing with the great staff over at Hall Jeep, Va Beach. Thumbs up guys. Would buy another in a heartbeat. Just cant afford it now:)

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  Its Everything it Should Be - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Parker - February 3 - 2:50 pm

  The ride may have a few more bumps, the styling may be a bit more rugged, & your hair may get a little messed up. The Wrangler is everything you would expect it to be while giving the comfort and conveniences you may not. The controls, seats, and functionality have the same ease of use & comfort as the Commander or Cherokee. (Weve owned all three and love each of them) I was afraid I wouldnt take the hard top off enough but its so easy, Ive been known to take it off & put it back on multiple times in the same day. I do wish that it came standard with rubber floor mats instead of the wimpy carpet ones and the cup holders could use a redesign.

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  My 4th and favorite Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Superman68 - January 29 - 6:26 am

  Wow! After owning my 4-dr. Sahara now for several months, I still look forward to every time I want to drive somewhere. First of all, the hard tops do not leak if you put them on properly. The most important thing is putting the panels on in the right order and tightening from side to side until both anchors are tight...nuff said. This vehicle can maneuver, brake, corner, and is very smooth. What other vehicle on the market looks cool, has one of the highest resale values, is a great 4WD, its convertible, virtually waterproof, and is practical and fun to drive? I wouldve liked a lil more power, but there are upgrades to handle that...good job Jeep!

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  2007 Wrangler Unlimited X - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepranger - January 27 - 3:20 pm

  Overall a great Jeep so far. Seating for five, power windows, and door locks, but it still has the classic Jeep feel. The on road ride is much smoother due to the stiffer frame. The new 3.8 liter is much quieter and has more torque overall, but it seems like less is available at idle. I have not taken it offroad yet, so more to follow.