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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  Shake, Rattle & Roll - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rick Williams - December 29 - 12:36 pm

  The Brake Pads were shot @ 2000 Miles. I had to pay for a new set out of my own pocket. The cheapest brake pads I have ever seen. At 40 mph the front end will shake you out of the drivers seat. This folks is a brand new jeep. I cant seem to get any dealer to fix the shimmy. So I am selling it never to buy another jeep.

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  jeep review - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By hotrodd - December 29 - 10:00 am

  These jeeps rule if your looking for a fun drive anywhere truck. It lacks some room but makes up for it in the fun factor department. I went with a h/t because of mid-west winters. Ive always wanted one and would consider getting another one anyday. Jeep - Theres no substitute!

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  Ive got my dream - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cortland Marix - December 24 - 11:03 pm

  All my life Ive dreamed of owning a Jeep Wrangler. Now that I have one Ill never let it go. Its go-anywhere capability is an understatement. I installed a MileMarker winch on it and was actually able to pull out a 12,000 lb. dump truck with a full load! The gas mileage is a small sacrifice for the fun and freedom of this vehicle.

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  JEEPS - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By a.m.rowland - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep & Ive never had a problem with it!

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  Love my Jeep and will never sell it ! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Darren - December 20 - 11:23 pm

  I have had this Jeep for 3 years now. I bought it and have not looked back. It has been super reliable. Other than routine maintenance it has not failed us . It is soooooo fun to drive and the 4 cyl gets great mileage. I do not keep vehicles for long but this baby will be with me forever ! It is the RIO GRANDE model.

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  2000 Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob - December 17 - 5:30 am

  I bought the Jeep used from a dealer to replace my old beater. Driven all over the east coast, summer and winter. Highway speeds here in Florida can get into the 80s around Palm Beach and that is a little tough to maintain with the top down. Driven all over the Ocala National Forest, stuck mostly to the marked roads. We made one trip on a Sunday after it rained for two days, I was amazed at all the others that were out driving around in the mud, a few roads were washed out and under water, but not impassible even with the stock tires, a little nervous a few times but didnt stick it. Been to the Keys a few times, dont think Ill drive that again in the summer with the top down.

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  Garbage - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve - December 14 - 10:00 pm

  This vehicle is for the off road consumer. It rides poorly on the road and feels like it jumps around when you take a turn and hit a bump. I purchased it brand new and the dash squeaks (dealership said that is how they are from the factory). You can see the spot welds on the rear quarter panels. (again ok to Jeeps standards). Weld marks on the doors not ground down, just painted over. (again ok with Jeep).

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  A Jeep Thing I Dont Understand - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Graham - December 14 - 9:13 pm

  It must be a "Jeep thing" that I just dont understand - this little thing is so overrated. I would suggest it to someone who goes off-roading every weekend, but for a daily driver, its atrocious. 4 cylinder = horrid performance and gas mileage as well. The highway ride is unbearable with the soft top, but its another $1600 to get another one with hard upper doors. The reliability hasnt been great - I took it to the shop three times in two months. Minor stuff, but it adds up. If you want something to play with for the weekends or summer, sure, this can be fun, but I highly recommend something else. Im buying a Toyota.

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  Interior Lacking - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Yooper - December 13 - 5:23 pm

  Overall, pretty satisfied. Didnt buy it for the ride, although the 4 door rides better than the 2 door. Seats better than expected. Stereo system is OK. Gas mileage not great, but OK.

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  great 2nd car - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike Garry - December 10 - 11:26 pm

  use it to tow behind a Motorhome works great not a hiway vehicle. great for two people and a little gear. Wish it had more towing like the 4 door