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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  Nothing better to drive! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By YSIC jeff - August 26 - 2:00 am

  There truly is nothing better to drive than a Jeep Wrangler. I have a 02 Wrangler Sport 4.0L with 5-speed manual and you cannot beat the power and ability of this vehicle for its class. Interior / Exterior and everything about it sells me on the fact that I wont drive anything else. In fact my wife have one too if she wouldnt have already bought a Durango (Another Chrysler product of greatness)The only people that care that much about interior changes dont truly DRIVE a Jeep Wrangler. They just sit in it while its rolling.

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  Hurst - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Taylor Hurst - August 25 - 9:16 am

  No power steering but very good off road. I think it is good for someone who likes to off road because it has a lift kit and spotlights.

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  06 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By wildbill - August 24 - 10:06 am

  This is a very fun vehicle to drive and own. Lot smoother ride than the 95 wrangler I used to own. It rides as smooth as my wife’s Nissan murano. No problems yet. I have 3,200 miles and am looking forward to getting a hitch since the towing capacity has been increased from 1,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. thanks to the added length and an extra crossmember in the frame. I’ll now be able to tow my tent trailer with no problem.

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rescue Green - August 24 - 8:13 am

  This would be my 5th Wrangler, And it just keeps getting better. Even stock it handles great on and off road, I went with the bone stock Unlimited Sport model because i knew i was going Change the suspension and add bigger tires, So great value and warranty,

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  2000 Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By whikngt - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. There is no where it cannot go. Keeping gas in it is awful however. I am lucky to get 18 mpg driving highway conservatively. I knew when I bought it that the wind noise was going to be there and I accepted it as such.

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  Jeep Wranglers Are Fun! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pat - August 15 - 10:43 am

  Always wanted a Jeep. Now I have one! Pros: Easy to put the top up and down. One person can do this without a problem. The more you do it the faster it gets. After market parts just bolt on where the extra holes are. No pre-drilling. The 190 hp 4.0 V6 gets up and goes really fast. The 6 gears are great too. Love the 4 x 4. Should of gotten the one with cruise control for long trips though.

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  Very Fun! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jaryd - August 12 - 3:00 am

  Im 17 and I was so lucky to get a Jeep Wrangler for my first car. They are so much fun to drive and one of the most versitile vehicles on the road. If its hot, just pop off the top and doors, and if its cold, Jeep heaters are second to none, it will fry you. But overall I wouldnt trade it for anything else. All my friends think its the coolest car. One reason is because of the sweet 33 by 30 inch tires I put on it with alloy rims. This SUV rocks!

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  Just For Fun - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By 03 Wrangler SE - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After several months with my Jeep, I am very happy with my purchase. I only wish the weather would cooperate so I could leave my top off more often. For 2003, the seats were re- designed and they are much more comfortable than prior years. Total Fun in the Sun!

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  it is a jeep thing, TRY and understand - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By trouble4you96 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep and i am now planning on buying my 3rd. most convincing story ... last winter in MD 38 inches of snow in one shot. no problem for me and my jeep , actually pulled out 28 other suvs for fun that weekend.

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  2009 Jeep Wrangler X 2-DR - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Laura Stuart - July 28 - 1:33 am

  I have NEVER owned a Jeep before and I am so happy with my purchase. I also have a 2008 Dodge Hemi Quad Cab through this dealership. Although the two vehicles are night and day...Id rather be in the Jeep! It is the best riding vehicle I have ever owned. I will never own anything ever else! Thanks for building a wonderful and AMERICAN made product!!!