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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  Soak Up The Sun... - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith_M - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The JEEP Wrangler is a true original. Ive just moved on from the one that I bought new in 1996. It now has 82,000 miles and is going to be a third car for a family with a new teenage driver. Overall, Ive had no unexpected problems with the vehicle. Great in the snow, Awesome in the summer, but not good for long trips or windy days. Gas mileage is ok. Fun to drive around the neighborhood; would make an excellent second car.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ROBIN - July 23 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT MY JEEP A COUPLE OF MOTHS AGO, AFTER YEARS OF WANTING ONE. ALL OF MY FRIENDS LOVE IT, MAKES ME WONDER WHY THEY DONT ALL JUST GET ONE. LOOKS SHARP, ESPECIALLY W/ THE WINDOWS OUT AND/OR THE TOP DOWN.

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  Sahara 2001 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Victor Romero - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My second jeep! I love them but the gas mileage Really sucks. very fun to drive

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  Niche Product Delivers Fun Times - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By pennfootball71 - July 22 - 9:33 pm

  This is not a car to drive to the grocery store and bring your Grandmother/Mother/Sister/Wife/Girlfriend/Mistress! This is s purpose built "offroad" vehicle with some garnish of comfort. The Navigation system is excellent and leaves "crumbs" to find your way back on an unmarked trail. The 4WD system is best in low range when you lock the front and rear differentials. Do not skimp and get a cheaper Wrangler, you truly get what you pay for with the Rubicon model with beefier axles, better gearing, offroad tires, differentials, and an electronic disconnecting anti roll bar for better wheel articulation.

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  Fun 2nd vehicle - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frank - July 22 - 4:26 am

  Safer than a motorcycle, able to use more often than a boat. Excellent for farm tours and enjoying the great outdoors. A little more interior room would be nice.Adventure awaits!

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  Jeep Wrangler Rocks! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bouncer - July 21 - 2:10 am

  My Wrangler is the most fun SUV I have ever driven. I am amazed at how the Wrangler can corner like a car. There is little or no lean in corners. Its a little under powered but nothing terrible. The ride is really quiet with the hard top, but honestly the ride is bouncy. No blind spots but I did put small mirrors on it. Gets tons of looks from people. The 2DR has very little space for cargo, but back seat removes easily. Awesome seat adjustments. Awesome view when driving! You can almost drive this truck like a car. Getting in and out of the Sahara is not pleasant for short people. Seats are comfortable. Stereo, dash is high and close. Fog lights are awesome! Bumper is killer. Love my JK!

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lynn - July 19 - 1:00 am

  I grew up with Jeeps and I have always wanted a new Wrangler. So after many years of saving, I purchased an 06. I love it! The gas mileage could be better. But, HEY! I knew that buying it. Just so much I want to do to it, not enough time, well money LOL. I completely hate the 2007s. I wanted a 4X4 plus convertible. Wrangler is the only one that offers it. My old CJ-7 has 245K miles. I am so confident that this will beat the miles on my old one. I love it!

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  My Baby - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By BAS - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Except for a short wiring harness, which was fixed under warrenty. A rebult reverse brought on by severe weather and severe job requirements. A poor service department and an overstuffed sales man that was easily handled. NOT A ONE THING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. My wife , 1 daughter and 3 sons all will kill each other just to drive it.

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  the rubicon rocks!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By teehan327 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second jeep wrangler, it is the best most capable off road vehicle I have ever owned(and I owned a lot). It is comfortable and reliable. The fuel economy isnt great for a jeep it is okay. The only downfall is the storage space, i had to add a safari rack to make up for lack of storage for camping. It is the best vehicle for someone who is going to use it for its intended purpose(going off road).

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  great jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By wrangler4x4me2003 - July 15 - 11:46 am

  Always owned a Jeep, cj7, yj, and Cherokee. But never thought of owning a tj. Once bought I love it right away. Great performance, strong, comfortable, great in the snow, and smooth driving down the hwy, even great on the offroad. I would buy one again if anything Major happens.