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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  What was I waiting for?? - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By GVLVG - July 5 - 10:00 am

  After lusting after one for years I finally got myself a Wrangler. Its a convertible, an SUV a pick-up, an off roader, it does it all. If you want a perfect 2nd car and a week end fun machine, you could not ask for more.

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  SPORTY SENIOR - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By yellowranglr - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE BEEN SO PLEASED WITH THE COMPLETE VEHICLE THAT I JUST WENT OUT AND ORDERED A NEW 2004 EXACTLY LIKE MY 2000. I WENT IN TO ORDER A NEW VEHICLE WASNT SURE WHAT I WANTED, SALESMAN ASKED ME HOW I LIKED MY PRESENT VEHICLE, I TOLD HIM IT DID EVERYTHING I WANTED IN A LEASURE TYPE VEHICLE. HE ASKED ME IF THERE WAS ANYTHING I WOULD CHANGE. THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT I WOULD BE GIVING UP IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I MIGHT BUY LED ME TO ORDER A NEW WRANGLER JUST LIKE THE ONE I WAS TURNING IN. MY WIFE AND I ARE JUST APPROACHING RETIREMENT AGE BUT STILL LOOK FORWARD TO THE 900PLUS MILE TRIPS WE HAVE TAKEN AND WILL BE TAKING IN OUR JEEP.

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  2006 Jeep Wrangler X - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubiru2299 - July 4 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first wrangler. Always wanted one since my Barbies white and pink one! I LOVE the 06 because its the last year of the original JEEP style. It runs great and I can take it anywhere! The top is a little difficult to get back on and does require two people to put it together, but is def. worth taking off. Its def. a dog friendly vehicle! I have two labs and they love riding in the back with the seat out. They have plenty of room and its safer for them rather than standing on a seat. I always get compliments on it, both riding and looks wise. Honestly dont know what Ill do for my next vehicle. Hopefully theyll go back to the original style within the next few years or so!!!!!!!

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  JEEP IS MY LIFE - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ABUHAMAD - July 4 - 1:20 am

  This is my second jeep Wrangler in my life, Its noisy on long trips but even though i drive it every where and all the time. and no plan of having any other 4X4 except this. It looks more great when the hard top is off, gives u the feeling that ur the Hero and that nobody else enjoy the weather like u do. Its powerful and gives u everything that u need in off roads.

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  Fun but ... - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By MichaelT - July 2 - 1:06 am

  I have had my Jeep since 2000 & 130K miles. It is a blast to drive. The 4.0 is bulletproof. I have had to replace several parts, transmission, transfer case, exhaust manifold, rear axle (3 times), & radiator. If you push this thing much off road you will have to replace something. Gas mileage is horrible, w/ 33" tires I am getting about 10 mpg in town. Aerodynamics are not helping gas mileage. Turning radius is tight. Not for long trips. Cant wait to get rid of mine.

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  Now, its Jeep or nothing! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Red - June 28 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my 2007 Wrangler 2 dr and love it but, there are some problems. I have had to have a roof leaf repaired 3 times, and now I am experiencing "Death Wobble" I sure hope that it can be fixed. If there is one thing I want to stress, DCX, please look after us Jeepers.

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  Nothing like em! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By tsjay - June 25 - 10:46 am

  I have found what I have been looking for! After owning my Jeep for 15 months, I am totally satisfied with it. This Jeep is BY FAR the most fun vehicle that I have ever owned, and I have owned sports cars, pick-ups, SUVs, and regular passenger cars. I cannot see ever parting with this Jeep! She is a white Sport with a black hard top, five speed, air conditioning, and some other goodies. Her name is Thelma Jane. :) tom

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  i love my wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By joyal - June 23 - 2:00 am

  people that dont own wranglers are doubtful - doubtful that a convertible is warm enough in the winter - well, its been in the negative temps for two weeks straight and i can honestly tell you, my jeep starts every morning and takes less time than our other vehicles to warm up. people are doubtful they are safe - we live in the snow belt of upstate new york, it is very rare, in fact i have never seen a jeep wrangler in a ditch, usually it is the wrangler pulling another vehicle out. i am 40 years old and have owned two wranglers, i will never be happy without one.

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  I Love My Rubicon!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pumple - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I owned a loved my 90 Jeep Wrangler and just bought a 2004 Rubicon!! What a difference in the ride!!! I love my Rubicon and will always have one!!! Cant beat them!!!

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  Its a Jeep thing....NOW I understand :) - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By uber - June 19 - 5:31 pm

  70th Anniversary Unlimited Auto - Bronze Pearl. I had pretty much decided on a Dodge Journey based on reviews and my requirements. So....I hiked off to the dealerships...drove the Journey....it wasnt bad.....good in fact....but....there they were....all those Wranglers....looking cool and iconic....made the Journey look pathetic....then I found out about the rebates and I was sold....$11k off sticker incl tax!! Three weeks in and I cant stop smiling... a bit more power would be OK but, when you are in a Jeep you dont care if you go a bit slower. Its not a sports car...point it in the general direction you want and it will go there....over almost anything! So much more than I expected.