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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  Fun 2 Drive - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sharkie - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I was impressed how smooth this Jeep drove after driving some of the older models with the leaf springs. Jeep has come a long way. This machine really knows how to handle rough terrain. The top still needs much work to make it easy to bring up and down.

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mazer - February 12 - 5:46 am

  i bought it used in April 05 with 17,000 miles on it. The 4.0L is perfect for highway and city. Love the low end torque, feels like it could pull down a house. Its awesome with the top down.

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  Gently Used - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By teflonjpr - February 9 - 6:16 am

  Purchased it gently used with 31x10.5 tires already installed. Rides a lot better than the 97 I had previously driven. 2.4L has better horsepower than older models. Transmission and clutch operate very smoothly. Can hear some clunking into gear, and very stiff in the single digit temps of Iowa winter. High back seats are comfortable for long drives, but dont expect to get much above 65mph with the 4 cyl. Looking forward to spring off-roading.

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  Jeep seeking mud - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By WAVE NY - February 9 - 12:16 am

  I love my new JEEP! I like walking up to it from a store and just thinking this thing is just a big ol toy! About the leaking, there was a notice about the freedom tops leaking due to inadequate weather stripping. What warranties are for! Plenty of power for me, and i dont think anyone buys a wrangler that is overly worried about shelling out for gas. Keep Jeepin and Wave!

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  Jeep Wrangler - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By thok06 - February 8 - 9:26 pm

  If you want a fun weekend car, this is it. Taking the top down and driving around is loads of entertainment. Its one of the cheapest convertibles available. However, if you plan on using this for an everyday car, be prepared. The gas mileage is poor, especially for a small SUV. Reliability is no better, I had to have my exhaust manifold replaced at the dealership for $900. It cracked at just 45K miles. The interior is cheaply made. A/C knobs barely function. The ride is terrible and unstable. All this and I am at 55K. Security is nil: if it werent for my hard top my car would be a playground for thieves. The hood doesnt lock, and I know a Wrangler owner who had her battery stolen

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  Its a Jeep...what else do you expect - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By runningman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am always suprised by some of the critiques on this vehicle, like its fuel consumption, loudness and hard ride. What do you expect from a kick- ass ultimate 4WD convertable. Mind you, it is loud as loud can be on a road trip, but if you plan on making multiple long distances car trips, then the jeep isnt your best bet. If I was concerned with fuel consumption, I would have got a Honda Civic. Overall, I plan on running the wrangler into the ground. It takes everything I give it. Finally, it is just plain fun. From the first time you drive with the top down to every time afterwards, you will understand why you bought the wrangler many years before.

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  Wrangler; Im back! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Butler Jeeper - February 4 - 4:26 am

  Traded in my Mustang convert in order to get back into a Wrangler. This is my third one and they just keep getting better. Sahara has the perfect trim level for cruising. The 18" wheels and Dueler A/T tires can take you anywhere. Plenty of power and acceleration for freeway cruising. The 6-speed shifts so smoothly! No complaints about gas mileage. The trip computer consistently shows Im getting just over 23 mpg average per tankful (30/70 city/highway). Almost 6000 miles and not a problem. This vehicle gets a lot of looks. Cant wait for Camp Jeep 2009!

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  You got to ride in one - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By big black jeep - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of those Automobiles that makes you smile every time you hop in. It has excellent build quality, it has never had any problems.

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  Rubicon is good - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Silverdawg - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After 12,500 miles with the Rubicon I am still amazed with where it will go and how much fun it is to drive. The Jeep Wrangler is the most fun vehicle to drive built today. The Rubicon Package makes it the most capable off highway vehicle on any dealer’s showroom floor. If you dont believe me just give it a try. Be careful though, you will get hooked.

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  New owner - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr. "D" - February 1 - 7:43 pm

  I just replaced my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a 97 Sahara and I dont regret it. I enjoy driving a little more and cant wait to find where to store its hardtop so that I can enjoy its soft top and go topless on weekends to enjoy Puerto Ricos year-around tropical weather. I am considering a 4" lift and some 33s, but I fear affecting the MPGs too much. I might just get some traction tires for the Rubicon 16" rims it has now add a header, a KN intake and call it Christmas. Other than that just some TLC a nice carpet and catch me if you can.