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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  the true "ultimate driving machine" - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jason coble - September 30 - 2:00 am

  whoever said that about BMW must have never driven a jeep.

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  Too much FUN! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Neophyte - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Awesome fun factor, but better as a second or third vehicle. Its unbeatable off road, but if you are considering all the car-like SUVs, remember that Wrangler is made with ONE purpose in mind: Off-road.

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  Too Late The Hero - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave Redler - September 26 - 4:13 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler model; you know, topless summer fun. I remember test driving the then new Rubicon Model but it was too rough riding. I waited for the Unlimited version and finally bought the top-of-the-line model; the best of everything (all options & the automatic trannny). Its cutsie and all, but I guess the crux of the story is that wanting is often times more pleasurable than having. Im having a hard time readjusting from a full-size pickup to the small, narrow, cramped & difficult time getting in & out & the long drives. DC did a good job on the build-quality, very quiet & smooth riding but for you ol timers getting long-in-the-tooth you may rethink it.

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  jeep sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hummerh5 - September 12 - 6:40 am

  Best 4 wheel I ever had for off road. Great grocery getter. As lite as it is you would expect better highway mpgs

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  YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF, SO GET ONE - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BLAXOUT - September 8 - 10:00 am

  WELL LETS START BY SAYING THAT JEEP DELIVERED EVERYTHING IT PROMISED AND THEN SOME WITH THE RUBICON. ITS NICE TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE AN OVERBUILT MACHINE READY TO TAKE ON A VARIETY OF ON-ROAD AND OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS. JEEP ALSO HAS A TON OF AFTERMARKET SUPPORT SO INCREASING THE CARGO PROBLEM VIA A HITCH CARGO BOX OR ROOF RACK WILL HUSH UP MY LOVELY WIFE WHO HATES IT. OVERALL I CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY BUILT THIS CUSTOM FAB MACHINE,SOMEONE OVER AT JEEP FINALLY GOT THE LAWYERS AND ACCOUNTANTS TO TAKE THE HANDCUFFS OFF THE ENGINEERS HOPEFULLY OTHER COMPANYS WILL FOLLOW SUIT...BUT IT WONT BE A JEEP BUY THE ICON YOU WONT BE SORRY.

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  jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mime - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have found that my Jeep Wrangler is a go anywhere I want to go Vehicle. IN the eight years that I have owned my Jeep It has done everything I wanted it to do. I have Rechievecd three quarter ton exten cab pick -ups from the bottom of 4x4 trails to winching other jeeps off logs and out of seven foot deep ditches. I find it quite manuverable with plenty of power to spare.

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  Soccer moms need not apply - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By LarryH - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep for over 2 years now, and I love it. It truly is a legendary vehicle. It is a fun to drive vehicle, and with the top and doors off, its open driving rivaling a motorcycle. Although there are an infinite amount of aftermarket mods available, I encourage any owner to try the stock vehicles off road ability. I have, and it is an amazing off road vehicle.

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  My Jeep Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubiconman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Jeep Rubicon has been excellent. The vehicle is built to last and handle even the harshest of conditions. I live in Maine, and my Jeep will take me anyplace I need to go, in any weather conditions. Its a fun year round vehicle, with a hard top for the cold winter months, and a convertible soft top for those summer cruises to the beach!

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  Its a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By X-man - August 23 - 9:43 pm

  Bought used in 2008 with 66000 miles. Had my X for over 2 years now and never a problem. My wife says it rides rough but its a Jeep. Cant think of anything more fun to drive than a Jeep Wrangler X with the top down, except in a rain storm (had that happen) and here in Texas its often too hot to keep the top down. This is my first Jeep and its a great vehicle! Id recommend a Wrangler X to anyone who wants to have fun while driving, you wont be disappointed!

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  love it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By wvjeeper - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third jeep(cj then yj then tj) and they keep getting better. The ride is much improved and it is much quieter. Some people who complain about that are in the wrong vehicle-it is a rugged off-road vehicle after all. Of course the mileage is not great- no real 4-wheel drive vehicle gets high mileage. There is nothing like the wrangler on the road today. If you want a unique and fun vehicle, this is it.