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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  satified, for lack of a better word - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Seth Wangler - June 7 - 10:00 am

  theres nothing like driving a jeep, and this is the best, looking, rideing, feeling, offroad capable jeep ever made. hands down.

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  2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Very Dependable - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jonathan Harris - June 3 - 6:31 pm

  So first, I have to warn others first, BUY A SPORT MODEL. Dont buy a Sahara, or a Rubicon if you are wanting to modify it heavily. The Sahara has issues with electronics, and the Rubicon has constant issues with the motor in the Electronic sway-bar disconnect motor burning out, and electronics. The sport model, however, has almost no issues. Some things that me and other Jeep lovers have noticed about this Jeep that you may need to do/address: 1. JEEP WAVE! When you buy a jeep Wrangler, you will notice that a lot of other Jeep Wranglers will be waving to you. This is part of owning a jeep. You MUST return the wave. A head nod does not cut it. If you dont want to wave, dont buy a jeep! (Comes with the territory) 2. Remove the rear seat, its a cheap way to double your cargo room. Plus, for me at least, it caused my jeep 2 door to do a rocking motion when going over bumps at high speeds. Removing the back seat allowed the rear to be a little stiffer, and remove the rocking motion. 3. Get a cargo cover. I personally have a Tuffy Security enclosure in mine. 4. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING VISIBLE IN YOUR JEEP! Unless you want your top cut. (new cloth top costs almost $1000 dollars... even with a 2 door) 5. Dont expect this to be a quiet and easy ride. Its loud, noisy, whistles, and on the highway with a strong crosswind, its difficult to control. But hey, Its a jeep! Every one has had the same issues. (THIS IS NOT LUXURY! IF YOU ARE BUYING A JEEP FOR LUXURY, BUY A MERCEDES, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU) With all that, thats it! Welcome to Jeeping and loving a Jeep! Some people love it, some people hate it. [HTML removed]

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By OOJack - June 3 - 2:00 am

  There is seriously nothing like a jeep. I bought mine new in 1998 (Green Sahara Hard Top), and have put 75,000 miles on it. Other than basic service and minor warranty work, I have had no real problems. If your considering buying a Wrangler, make sure you comfortable with the expected wind noise, bumpiness, fuel mileage etc. Wranglers are just plain fun. You get looks all time, jeep drivers usually wave at each other, and this thing turns on a dime.

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  2002 Wrangler Sport 4.0 Liter Engine - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paiute - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Only one time in shop for warranty repair of defective multi-switch on steering column. My Wrangler has 5000 miles on it now. It is a 2002 TJ Sport.

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  American Classic - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By UncleMark - June 1 - 6:20 pm

  Im in Colorado. Guess what, the 3 speed auto on my 2002 Sahara does a better job than I can on our inclined "roads." Im very tall and though the comfort level is far better for me than I thought it would be, its no car. Gas mileage is actually good for hauling around that heavy transfer case all the time. Excellent seat comfort and support. Impressive fit, finish, build quality. Bad: lousy soft-top, but I run around in a safari or bikini and dont use it; hardtop when its on is DELUXE. Outstanding air/heat (no wonder Mercedes uses the same). There are years of off-road features and refinement in the design of this outstanding vehicle. You should buy one before the 4.0L is gone.

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  2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PrdAmrican - June 1 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned my Wrangler Sport since October of 2004. It is without exception the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. Probably the most modifiable vehicle in existence, it can be customized to meet the owners own personality. A go anywhere vehicle that looks good getting there.

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  great fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrainsa - May 30 - 1:56 pm

  fun to drive, a bit noisy w/ soft top..but who cares!! its fun!! AND I GET LOTS OF LOOKS FROM OTHER DRIVERS..ITS GREAT

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  One Bad Mud Machine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brandon - May 30 - 5:46 am

  Great stock but better with 4 inch suspension lift, 6 KC lights, and 33X12.50 mud terrains. We bought it used with 2,000 miles on it. Use it everyday and even in mud holes on the weekends. Once we get a "family" SUV were going to keep adding on. Its a Jeep thing, some people will never really understand.

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  Great Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By rdv - May 25 - 9:56 pm

  This 1995 Wrangler is one of the neatest vehicles Ive owned out of about 75 cars. Great on gas and the 4 cylinder has plenty of pep. Great in snow and also great summer vehicle.

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  My jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tom - May 24 - 5:46 am

  Have never enjoyed a vehicle so much as this. Expected some lack of convenience, but it is such a fun vehicle that it makes up for any shortcomings.