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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  Wranglers Wrock - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By QuinniStud83 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a fun car to get you from a to b or just looking for a car you can mess around with, the wrangler is the Jeep for you, There are many aftermarket parts to customize the wrangler to who you are.

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  Best All Around Vehicle I Have Ever Owne - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Washington Farm Boy - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned numerous Corvettes, Lincolns, Cadillacs, Fords, Chevys and pickups in my lifetime (58) and this is the most fun, reliable, utilitarian vehicle. It hauls alfalfa, feed, people and enjoyment, all with the same ease. I still have the original battery, brakes and cluth in it too. Could never sell it!

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  my first jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Allen Jensrud - October 23 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this 95 Jeep wrangler in nov, 2008 because since I was very Young I always said I would own a Jeep. I think the first words out of my moms mouth were "since you where three years old you wonted one" the Jeep I have is the bare bones model s. With the straight 4,2. 5l. No a/c. The only thing I dont like in this Jeep is it is very slow take off. But still get 20 mpg highway with it. ( no hot rodding like my celica!) this vehicle will take you any where. Its a very light Jeep. You will feel the wind move the Jeep in high wind conditions. Other then that all I can tell you is buy one for a second car. It also almost replaced my atv! It will fit almost any where!

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  Finally A Jeep for Me and The Family! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheMagicTiki - October 21 - 1:16 am

  I have longed for a Jeep for years, but always needed something that was also practical for the family. Now we have both! I have to say that I love my jeep. Fun and easy to drive, great seating position, enough niceties to take the "rough" edges off for the family. Its plenty roomy enough for vacation trips or trips to Lowes. Compared to older models, I also feel much safer with my kids in the back of the 4- door. The sunrider top is also great... rain in the forecast? You can pull pull the top off the cabin in minutes without taking the whole top off. Yes, its a Jeep thing... and I am good with it! Just try it for the ride before you buy!

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  Very Fun To Drive - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By atg3000gt - October 18 - 1:03 am

  I purchased my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport w/ 6 speed manual 10/10/2013. The Jeep is very comfortable and shifting is quite easy. There is very little road noise for the Sunrider top even at highway speeds. My only complaint is that most of the Sunrider top components should be metal whenever possible. I broke my bow lock on day one.

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  Fun in the summer.............. - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAKOTA - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This jepp was bought almost a year ago. Immediately got rid of the woosie tires...then the transmission fell apart.After 6 visits to the dealer they put a new drop in and it now works perfect. Gas mileage is poor, yeah thats a good word for it..Have had fun driving in the summer but the winter its a little scary in the snow.

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  From Mustang To Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - October 14 - 9:30 am

  Having driven various models of the Mustang over the past 10 years I was a little worried that I might be too use to a sports car and would regret buying the Wrangler...not at all. Obviously, the ride is a bit different, but the 2007 Wrangler rides a lot better than any other Jeep I have ever ridden in. The build quality is classic Jeep and I am getting 17.3 MPG on average (not bad for what this vehicle can do). It seems to me that the only complaints most people mention have to do with features that make the Wrangler a Wrangler and not a Lexus. Sure, the doors dont stay open, but that is because they were made to be removed, etc. Best 4WD vehicle out there...by far.

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  as expected - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By rayeldon - October 11 - 3:03 pm

  I feel that it has been exactly what was expected. Fun to bop around in. I do not drive it much. Prob. 300 miles per mo. The last two mileage checks showed 12, and 13 mpg. I knew it would be horrible. Did not think it would be quite this poor. My neighbor has a newer V6, and gets much better mileage. Family raised, did not like the looks of the 4 door unlimited. Oh well.

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  What is that car, a Hummer? - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By PopPop - October 2 - 11:53 pm

  We love our new Unlimited X 4 door. It rides nicely. We had a 2001 Wrangler Sport and it rode pretty well but was noisy. This Unlimited X far exceeds my expectations on ride quality and noise. It also has better gas mileage than the smaller Wrangler Sport. We are averaging around 20 mpg so far. It is a great looking vehicle. It has lots of room compared to the Sport. The engine is smooth but could use more power. The freedom top leaks a few drops but I think they fixed that. It is a great Jeep compared to its predecessors.

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  Jp(the Best ) - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By JpWranglerX - September 28 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for the perfect 4x4 the wrangler is it.There is a huge after market for jeeps if you dont like stock. Not that stock is bad. ive owend my jeep for about a year and have nothing bad to say. Great in snow,Mud,anything you point the round headlights to. For the single man i can say chicks dig Jeeps.