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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  fantastic ride - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By CallMeSassyGirl - May 6 - 12:43 am

  I had originally had my heart set on a yellow Wrangler. I was disappointed when they discontinued yellow for 2007. It was love at first sight when I saw the 4 door. I also own a Dodge Durango, and the Wrangler is not much smaller inside than my Durango. I am amazed at how smooth of a ride it is. People give us the THUMBS UP! everywhere we go. It has extremely comfortable seating, even on long rides. I purchased the premium sound system and I am NOT disappointed. It has very little road noise. I have both the hard and soft tops, but have not had a chance to try out the soft top. This is an extremely fun vehicle to drive. I am loving the gas mileage compared to my Durango.

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  I LOVE my Jeep!!! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By AllMyNeeds.com - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I could not be happier with my Jeep. Ive taken it offroad several times and it does awesome!!!

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  Good for short commutes..and that is all - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By sactownguy - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for short commutes around town. Ended up using as a workhorse. MPG is ~15 so that is brutal. Had numerous problems such as axle leaks, brake issues, transfer case replaced, and faulty electrical system for dashboard. Taken this puppy in to the shop at least 6-8 times and paid the piper. I only recommend this as a 2nd vehicle used for 4-wheeling or taking the top off and cruising around. All in all, not a very practical vehicle

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  Luv my Columbia Edition Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dcman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It is awesome. Great ride and fun vehicle!!

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  Do NOT buy a JEEP - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By herman - April 24 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport with 4wd and the inline straight six cylinder motor used with only 1400 miles on the odometer. It looked so great sitting at the dealership I had to have it.(Despite all the warnings about Chrysler products) This was the worst vehicle I ever bought. The fuel economy was terrible for such a small vehicle with hardly enough room for 4 people and no cargo space whatsoever. I suggest all families to stay far away from this vehicle because there is no room for anything. It was very loud to drive and the soft top was very noisy. Also if you plan to go over 60 mph be ready to hear the wind. I quickly traded it back in after 4 lousy months.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob - April 23 - 8:06 am

  Bought this used Jeep with only 13,000 miles. The ride is very soft and seems to sway from side to side more than other cars. Avg 21 mpg on and off road combo. AC works very well and the heater is unreal. In 20 degree weather, the heater was blowing hot air in less than half mile! Have not tested the Jeeps ability to get agressive offroad, but on moderate trails, it has no problems. On the fly to 4wd is a piece of cake, but you need to be stopped or at 2 mph for 4wdLow. The turning radius is really small. Combo CD and radio with rear speakers is quite nice, but the volumn must really be increased at highway speeds. Hardly use 5th gear unless on level road at 65+

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  1st time owner - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CaliJeep - April 22 - 5:00 am

  I just bought my first Jeep. Oh my gosh it is awesome. My friend had one in high school back in the midwest and we used to mud every weekend and it would never stall in the water. Then he got a stinking Toyota and you couldnt go through six inches of water before it stalled. I love mine so far. I have only put a hundred miles on it, but it rides amazing. I am taking it up to the Sierras this weekend to check out the off roading. The only bad part is it is so nice I dont want to get it dirty. It is nice to own a piece of American History. My wife and I already established we will own this forever. With a lifetime warranty why not!

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  Stunning - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Richard Smith - April 12 - 6:23 pm

  This car is beyond imaginable off- road. Nothing can stop it-rivers, trees, lakes, mud and just about anything else it can handle easy. Formerly owned Mercedes G55 AMG which was much more luxurious as expected, but the wrangler blows it out the water in off-road situation. Beware though, this car is nothing like a usual car on-road so if you have the extra $$$ get a second car for urban commutes and driving.

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  1994 Jeep Wrangler SE Sport, Manual - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By newyorkgiants76 - April 12 - 5:40 am

  Bought this Jeep Jan of 2000 had 44K, and now has 146K still fun to drive and still turns heads. Although gas sucks, 17mpg highway, I would recommend it as a second vehicle for fun. Overall it has been a reliable vehicle. But now Im ready to get sometime for the highway.

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  More comfortable than youd expect - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith - April 12 - 5:06 am

  Went looking for a potential third vehicle, but went ahead and traded in my BMW. The ride on this Jeep is surprisingly comfortable. Ive just had it 2 weeks, but can tell Im going to enjoy it for a long time.