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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  I love my Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hannahbelle - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, Yes it is noisy expect that, but I am a sales rep so I dont have alot of passengers. If you are looking for the Jeep that is a smooth quiet ride the wrangler is not a good choice---I have had a Jeep Wrangler for the last 6 years and love it. This is a very fun car and very safe...I had an accident with a brand new lexus, $47,000 in damage to their car and I think $6,000 damage to my Jeep.

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  Best Jeep I ever drove - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Missynrichub - June 18 - 4:40 am

  My husband and I have owned ours now for three weeks and it is the best Jeep we ever owned. We have had Jeeps all our lives from the years of 1977, 1986, 1993, 1999, and 2002.This Jeep is a smooth ride, handles very well, almost like my Eagle Talon TSi all wheel drive I owned in my early 20s. Not as luxurious as my 2003 Suburban Z71, but I didnt order it with that expectation. It actually came darn close. Who wants leather and plush seats in a convertible that is expected to get wet. Cant do that with my Suburban. Simply put, we love it and it is a better ride than a 2001 Cherokee and larger than one. The new Jeep is so quiet you cannot even hear or feel the engine idle or shift up or down when driving. We got 23.5 mpg with three kids, a 55 lb dog, a cat, me, my hubby and our cage with clothes on back. Awesome what more can I say!

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  Its a Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matt - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  Love it, nothing like taking the top off for the evening commute, and just cruise. Smooth ride, good fuel mileage. Get 20-21 hwy, if you can keep your foot out of it. People complain that it is sluggish, it is made to get you wherever you want to go, not a 0-60 hot rod. Everyone that has taken a closer look and ride, wants one. I will be a Wrangler owner for life.

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  My adult Lego! - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By Famousff - June 14 - 4:36 am

  This is my second Yj wrangler, they are very fun to drive. Not bad on the freeway with a hard top and full doors. Very easy to take on and off. There are so much you can do to this ride to make it your own. Nothing can beat driving a wrangler with the doors off and top down on a nice sunny day!

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  Love It! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dawn - June 13 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely Love my Jeep. Its fun to drive and very versatile. I bought the soft top version and enjoy the topless summers. It is an all around great vehicle. Im big on camping and road trips and my Jeep truly takes me everywhere.

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  Owner - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By correacr - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Gas is an issue at moment...only complaint

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  LOVE MY JEEP - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Qhristion - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall is a great Jeep! I enjoy having the top and doors off during the summer. Its good on gas and has good power. The ride is very good for a jeep as many friends told me. It has great power and very good on gas. Great car for the outdoor type!

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  Mechanics special??? - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By MustangChris - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Off road it is superior to trucks twice its size and cost. However, my Jeep has been highly unrelaible, with constant repair being needed to the point where as much as I like being a Jeeper, if it cant get me to class or home reliably shell have to go. Much of my problems have to do with its frequent off road adventures, but its a jeep... isnt it supposed to be designed to do that?

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  Pathetic build quality. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By d120 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle had 8 separate mechanical problems (all under warranty, but each requiring a dealer workshop visit). Latest problem was clutch failure (pedal just flopped onto the floor, totally inoperable) just 2 weeks after its 10k service, which specifically included an inspection of the clutch system. This incident happened without any warning, and could have been fatal. This is by far the most unreliable and poorly built vehicle i have ever owned. Build quality and reliablity are truly pathetic, and I have requested a full refund from the dealer.

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  Great Multupurpose Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned other Jeeps but this was my first Wrangler. I promised my wife a convertible some day and she loves the Jeep. Great purchase. It is not the most comfortable ride for long highway drives but it is acceptable. It is hard to get the kids in their car seats. The fuel economy is not what it should be based upon existing technology. IT IS a fun vehicle, and a great short distance commuter. It handles the back roads and off-roads with equal ability. If youre afraid to get a scratch on it buy a Lexus and stay on the highway. IF you want a ride for bad weather, hunting conditions, and off-roading recreation...the Wrangler is a good fit.