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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  First Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By chopper - September 12 - 10:00 am

  It is reliable and fun. Think of this 4 wheeler as a Harley with more aftermarket accessories. Drawbacks, small cargo space, plastic dash, and you will have to downshift to 2nd gear to climb even the mildest of hill inclines at highway speeds. I have driven long distances twice (1200 miles and 1600 miles) and it is compariable as a standard cab small pickup. Mine is an 02 Sport but came with half doors, Khaki paint, and low gears not listed for 02. I think Jeep was experimenting with my 02 and a half Sport for the later Rubicon.

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  Shop around - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By purrfectlaura - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep. The Khaki is awsome! LOve the ride. HATE the gas eco. what are they thinking. MOST OF ALL shop around and be picky. South Point in AUSTIN is not the place to buy, they are very sneaky and try to ri[p you off at every angle. I have lots of car buying experience being an auto buying and they were a great challange for me. But the Jeep itsself is great. Go with hard top the soft tops rot pretty quick and are noisey. Besides the hard top you can take off and throw on a bikini top.

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  NOT STOCK! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By DK - September 12 - 1:13 am

  My jeep is highly modified i.e.-motor performance bolt-ons, bumpers, tires(37"tall), 4 lift, 5.13 gears, dual steering stabilizers, etc. I love off roading it and all the looks I get driving on the street. Big fun in a small package. However I have many other rigs to drive on a daily basis better suited to my needs depending on what I am doing. This jeep is for fun only! It is not the best only rig to have.

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  Best Jeep Ever !!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By biarritz84 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Went to dealership with my mother and we was going to purchase 2 of these new Unlimiteds, thought buying 2 of them we could get some kind of a deal...WRONG!! Salesman said the best I can do is sticker price so he lost 2 cash sales. I went to the Chevy dealer in the same auto mall and got a new Monte Carlo LS. My mother got her Unlimited and is very happy with it and Im happy for her. I loved it myself but not that much.

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  Love it so far - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By bburgin - September 5 - 6:14 am

  Ive always wanted a jeep. I lived in Southern California for 30 years and always had a motorcycle and convertible SL 500. I wished I would of bought the jeep back then and I would of killed to birds with one stone. I love how easy it is to take the top and doors off the way it drives on the freeway.....just a bit loud from the wind....but its a Jeep. I probably found the make and model of the car I will drive for the rest of my life.

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  Happy owner - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By JLC - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with vehicle.Wish it got better mileage w/4.0 liter /auto trans. Only problems in 30000 mile warranty period were; Black paint on exterior parts of alum-alloy (mirrors,door handles and rear tailgate window hinges all peeled.All replaced with no hassle by dealer!Also, with my size 14 shoes I frequently hit both gas and brake pedal when stopping! Very scary!

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  First year has major issues - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By b1pig - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  I am in love with the overall design of this vehicle. I considered myself lucky to find a Rubicon in dealer inventory so soon, and in my haste, I bought it. It is a very functional vehicle with lots of thought given to offroad enthusiasts. Within 2 days of purchase, I took it offroad and "broke it in" and I have been happy with it for the most part. While this Jeep rides very well with 32" tall mud tires and is pretty quiet, the power is seriously lacking. The hood lifts when rigs pass at highway speeds. The engine randomly stalls. I submitted my complaint to NHTSA. Hopefully they will pressure DCX to come up with a resolution and get us fixed.

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  Was a nice car - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Melissa - August 28 - 11:13 am

  Bought brand new at the end of 05, and drove it till my teen wrecked it 2010. They really are prone to flipping over belly up. Had it when it first had 200 miles on it till 49k miles. Only troubles we had was with the rotors. Had them replaced,or resurfaced every 6 months or so. It would shimmy as slowing down from high speed. Never had any other mechanical trouble with it stalling, not starting, it was very dependable. Was a gas guzzler, and for me the the windows and top were a pain to take off and remove. Id still be driving it now, and I miss it.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrortiz - August 27 - 7:36 pm

  This is my third Jeep and my first 4 cylinder Jeep. The TJs ride is a 500% improvement over the YJ and CJ. The interior is car-like and even has airbags. The 4-cyl is definately not for speeding although I manage to drive 70-80 mph everyday to work. Gas mileage is much better going slower (60-65). There are always discussions going on about whether it is worth getting a 4-cyl, having had 2 I-6 I can say it is much better on MPG and satisfactory on the highway (and costs thousands less).

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  After all, there is only one..... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jmiron1 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It seems to me that this vehicle is either loved or hated for the same reasons. So either you get it or you dont. All I can say is the only people I see waving to each other as they pass on the road are Jeep owners and Harley riders. Not bad company in my book. Just own one and youll understand.