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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  The keeper - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJwheeling - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 14th jeep. CJs, TJs, Cheerokees have all been in my stable at one time or another. Jeep has finally made the perfect vehicle for me. Quieter, relatively spacious and with the same potential as short wheelbase TJs. I currently own a built 1985 CJ7, and after test driving the Unlimited on a whim, I bought one two weeks later. Upsides: Storage, potential, comfort (except for the seats) Downsides: Seats still suck, soft top is a pain to put up and down by yourself.

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  Wrangler Rubicon: Built for Offroad Use - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By GIJOEP - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle has performed in an outstanding fashion. The Rubicon is really designed for off-road use. It performs extremely well over difficult terrain. It has excellent ground clearance and does not require a lift for most off-road uses. It comes standardard with Goodyear MT tires that afford excellent traction. The 4:1 low range gearing permits this vehicle to attack a 60 degree incline without wheel slippage. The locking front and rear differentials permit travel in the most difficult terrains.

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  New jk sold to me with known Problems - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By wtbuck - January 20 - 2:37 am

  I purchased this JK on May 5,2011 and noticed battery light was on. Then it was alt, then battery cable, then oil change etc... Just the start of the delivery from Hell. Cant possibly get all the lies and bs on here. To make long story short todays date is June 14, 2011. I still have no air and according to corporate no date when they can get parts to fix problem. All I ever get is I cant tell you that Im not authorized. I thought I bought a new vehicle. I feel like they used this Jeep for a parts vehicle of course they say no. But they can!

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  Fun car but - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By strman - January 13 - 5:40 pm

  I bought the 2012 Wrangler Sahara. So far Im happy with the vehicle but it does have its quirks. I have the soft top and this rag is a very poor fitting nightmare. You will bust up your hands just to get the back window in place and Im cursing the designer of this top every time I put it back up. It already has small holes tearing in the top and it is only a month old. The transmission and engine feel great though. Ive spent the past 6 years driving a Subaru OutbackXT. The Subaru is a lot smoother and quicker and actually does better on the beach than this new Wrangler. Driving 2000 miles now mileage is around 20 highway and 16.4 around town. There are no skid plates around engine

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  Reliable and tons of fun! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - January 7 - 11:13 pm

  Our Wrangler has 95,000 miles on it, has been driven both on- and off-road in fair and foul weather and is still our favorite of three vehicles to drive. Ive used it for several years to shuttle medical personnel to local hospitals during weather emergencies and never had a problem (add a few bags of concrete or other weight). The exhaust has rusted through twice but other than that, not much negative to mention. Not the best vehicle for a long drive on the highway, but just pure fun on two or three-hour drives or for trips to the beach with the top down.

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  Always wanted one - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Devaughn - January 5 - 5:36 am

  I have owned cars and trucks from across the pond for the greater part of 10 years and loved them, that is until I drove a jeep. I did not set out to buy one, I actually was at a Landrover dealer and decided to schedule a test drive in a jeep for a comparison. Needless to say I didnt go back to Landrover. The look, the rugged feel and the down to earth attitude jeep owners have has solidified me in the category of lifetime jeep owner. Its funny I bought my son an 08 Dodge Charger for his 16th and he has asked on more than one occasion when he can trade it in for a jeep.

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  Great Choice - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By AZPops - January 3 - 1:30 pm

  This is my first Jeep, within a few days of taking delivery I took it on a 500 mile drive and I can say that it was a pleasure to drive. The 6 speed manual trans was very smooth. The soft top buffered quite a bit doing 70 to 75 mph when the cross winds were strong and with my window open (but, would like to add that I did not purchase this vehicle for the highway). Even with some strong desert cross winds the Jeep was very stable and sure footed. The AC worked extremely well in the 100 plus degree weather, on the highway and in the city. I did add the 17 inch aluminum wheels to the deal, which gave the Jeep a little more ground clearance and gave it a better look.

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  what a joke - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By What a joke - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle ive ever driven. I have 6 cylinder, wish i had 4 because they put 3.07 gears in mine which makes it suck. I have not used 5th gear yet. cant climb hills in 4th. Gas mileage is about 14 (probably cause i cant use the high gears). Water comes in through floor when i go through puddles or it rains (about an inch, easy). Brakes warped when i got it, warped again at 12000 miles, again at 20,000 miles. Shakes like hell at 60+ mph. They said nothing was wrong. Ive had two CJs, 3 YJs, and this TJ. Worst wrangler I ever bought. Never buy one again, unless its an old CJ or a YJ. Plus it cost me almost twice as much as those ever did.

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  1 Fine Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vinson - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My Rubicon was not purchased to be my primary form of transportation. But, it soon became my primary vehicle. The gas milage is crapy, but it was not made to be used for the highway. This is my third jeep.

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  Awesome - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - December 30 - 4:50 am

  This is my 5th Wrangler. 1997, 2000, 2004 and a 2006 were all new. I also had a 1995 used. You can no way beat a Wrangler in the snow or off road. The gas mileage has a bit to be desired but its worth it for the fun you have. The 95, 97, 00, all had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinders. great 4 cylinders. The 04 had a 2.4 liter, and I had to downshift on every little slope. The 2.4 lacks a lot compared to the 2.5. My 06, which I bought a week ago. is a 4.0 liter and just screams. It wants to go. The 6 speed tranny is great also. No downshifting anymore. Id recommend a Wrangler to everyone.