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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  "Salt Life Baby" its a jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By allaboutink - August 15 - 11:43 pm

  Well I have had this for a few months now and was able to take it off road, this is by far the best jeep I have driving. I had a 2002 X series before this Rubicon and it is a night and day difference. The Rubicon is by far the best off road vehicle for a stock off the lot s.u.v. there is no comparison. I was able to go through every place and it did not even act like it was off road. This truck is a beast for sure. It is not a city vehicle if your looking for gas mileage by a hybrid cause you are not passing many stations with this vehicle, but I dont care I love it. I wanted a jeep for the off road not gas mileage.

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  03 Wrangler X - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By NPFiveAgainstOne - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my SE because it didnt have enough power and purchased an X. As expected, the 6 has much more kick than the 4. The fuel economy sucks, but its a Wrangler not a Civic. The rebates were great at this time of year and my dealer had a lot in stock. Black with a khaki soft top, sharp!

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  Wrangler X model - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jlemma - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 8 wranglers over the years. They are the most reliable go anywhere vehicle around. Owning a Jeep Wrangler is a love affair. There is no in between.Its off road capability is the best I have seen. Its rugged,good looking in a boxy kind of way.

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  The Lego car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By cbb - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for an extremely fun car. Its a bumpy ride (but much better than the older models) that doesnt handle well at high speeds (75+MPH). I switch my hard doors for cloths ones and have switched the full top for a half top for the summer. There is very little you cant do with this car. It would make a great second car however its my only one and works fine for me.

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  Porpoise in Jeeps clothing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave S. - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Was originally looking for cheapest, most reliable convertible top vehicle, and like many, I was hooked upon the first test drive. You feel every bump, but its in character, and I love every minute of it. That is, until you have to panic stop on the freeway, or stop at anything over 40 mph or so; this thing goes into a very unsettling continous front-to-rear hop, while diving noticeably to one side. Mileage is nothing short of pathetic, but again, in character (amazing, considering its not carbed!!). For those who definitely appreciate simplicity with a touch of attitude and allure.

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  You cant kill it!!!! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By E Jeep man - July 17 - 3:46 pm

  I am 17 and before my jeep I had a 1990 Ford Ranger that CONSTANTLY needed fixing, but wen it finally blew up i was rewarded with a jeep. This thing is so reliable, durable, and fun. It has over 170,000 miles on it, and had 160,000+ when we bought it. The previous owner worked at a boyscout camp and used this Jeep to navigate the incredibly rough roads every day. However this ol Jeep remains tough, and great for offroading. It aint a power house with the 4 cyl. so not great for highway, and is really bumpy and noisy, but hey, its a Jeep. I only had to replace the starter because I took it mudding and got some water in the engine, haha

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  I Love Jeeps!!!!!!! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By VEP - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth jeep. I cant say aything more positive about them. The outdoor reputation..the jeep lives up to it. I have put 30,000 over the past year and have not had any major problems. I take it on the highway every week and it has started and run well everyday this winter. Currently has 115,000 miles. Clutch needed to be replaced when I bought it but it has held up for the last 30,000 miles, again, I think the car was abused before I got it on e-bay. No leaks of any type. Also it handles much better than you would think. I would and will buy again.

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  My Whistling Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ghjr - July 13 - 2:30 pm

  My second Jeep, with the first being the limited edition 02. I have an unlimited X and love it until the windshield was replaced not once but 6 times, and the whistle is still there. I got tired of taking it back again and again, so I had to have stripping placed around the shield so I didnt drive it into a tree. The problem is solved, but not the proper way, just a band aid. Takes a PhD to design it and a high school graduate to repair it. Go figure, its not fixed.

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  Its a Jeep Thing... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paddys - July 13 - 1:20 pm

  All in all, a great vehicle which is very fun in the summer sun and great in winter snow. Minor complaints include leaky driver-side door (which Ive heard from almost every other Wrangler owner), extremely difficult entrance/exit of backseat (I took my backseat out b/c it was pretty much inaccessible),and rough ride. Those things aside, I would recommend it to others.

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  Overall worth every penny - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By timo88 - July 10 - 7:28 pm

  Bought my 97 wrangler SE a couple weeks ago with 115k miles on it. it had a 4" lift and 33x 12.5 tires on it. over all it is a fun ride and even better when i drop the soft top. the only issue i have is a common one with jeeps. the infamous death wobble. every now and then i the jeep will go into a violent shake that is only stopped by slowing down. after plenty of research i have found that is a moderatly easy and cheap fix. about $375. kevinsoffroad has kits for this specific problem that are supposed to fix it completely. i will be installing mine tomorrow and im sure ill see an improvement. even with this problem i still can rely on it for a everyday driver.