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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  Capable, Versatile, and Fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By iusta - May 3 - 6:46 am

  My first piece of advice is to take the Wrangler on a THOROUGH test drive if it is going to be your daily driver. It has very unique handling characteristics, so you need to know youll be comfortable driving it in on the highway, in-town, etc. That being said, this Jeep is a versatile ride, offering room for two other people, or one other person and your dog. I chose the hard top and have been pleased with the isolation it offers from the elements and noise. Convertible in the summer, go anywhere in winter, and the Jeep is amazingly capable off-road. Ive had it to a couple of Jamborees. If you buy one, you owe it to yourself to let the Wrangler show you what it can do on the trails.

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  Its A Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep450 - May 1 - 7:10 pm

  My first new vehicle was a 1979 CJ-7 and I had to get rid of it when I started a family. I always swore Id have another, and with the kids gone, the 30 year anniversary of my first Jeep seemed like a great time. This one is far superior in comfort and ride, but when you the pavement ends, its still a Jeep! I bought it for $6K off sticker and have have a blast buying after market add-ons for it. This vehicle is just plain fun to drive, whether on or off road. It is not my primary vehicle, but I consider it a safe alternative to riding a motorcycle. If youve always wanted one, get it! If your more concerned about mpg and cargo space than fun, forget about it. I have no regrets!

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  From CJ to JK - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By J3-Colt - May 1 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep is our 8th in 20 years, and its quite an improvement over the previous generations going back to our very first CJ-7. We use our Jeeps as daily drivers and they spend a considerable amount of time off-road, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring. Jeep has made the Wrangler more comfortable in all aspects, plus its still highly modifiable (like a big Lego set) and we have purpose built ours to fit our specific needs. If you demand luxury and on-road perfection, then this model is not for you; however, if you need a 4 door with above average off-road prowess (and can embrace the inherent quarks found in an open top Jeep), then this is the perfect vehicle for you.

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  Loss of a friend - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By The Surfer - April 30 - 11:20 pm

  The Jeep gave me 8 years of great fun. Both my daughter and son learned to drive a manual on this car. Original clutch with 149,000 miles. Great summer fun vehicle wish it hadnt been totaled. I would buy another one in a second. Great fun vehicle. Nothing major in 4 years of ownership. Very easy to work on reasonable parts cost and availability. Very reliable.

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John Brigman - April 29 - 9:33 am

  I havent had it long, but it has been a very fun vehicle to drive. I am looking forward to getting it on the beach.

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  Very high build quality & fun to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By djd - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Jeep and the build quality is far better than my last three Jeeps. There were no factory defects at all. The engine is very powerful and smooth running. The ride is far smoother and quieter than I expected with those knobby tires (although not car-like). The 4-wheel- drive system is unstoppable. My only suggestions are; get the hard top as the soft top is very difficult to install / remove & note that the "gray" interior is really black (very hard to keep clean). I could not be more pleased with this Jeep.

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  Love Our Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - April 20 - 12:13 am

  Although fairly new, we love our Rubicon. It will go through any Michigan winter. We had to have one after off roading in a Jeep in Moab, Utah. No need for block heater, heats up within a block.

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  True Trail Ready Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By ldmpam - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The only reasonable priced serious off road vehicle that can be used as is for both street and trails with out concern. It is built tough and reliable, you can get an auto transmission and airconditing with cruse control. But the basic jeep has real tough drive train that you can get factory airlockers front & rear with a heavy duty transfer case and full 7 year 70k mile warrentee for worry free off/on road uses.

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  The Real Thing - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By DenverLoDo - April 13 - 6:06 am

  I bought it new. Dual top. Dana 44. Biggest wheels. I only added the wench and towing package. It was the smoothest ever small Jeep at the time (dont buy a Jeep if you cant take the ride). There have only been 2 hiccups (they changed the bad part in less than a day each time). Other than that I have seen snow, ice, mud, mountains, 11,000+ ft, pulling, wenching, and she still looks new. I still go to the dealership for anything, and they DROOL over her. I think Ill keep her another 10 years, or more. A jewel.

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  WILL NEVER OWN ANYTHING ELSE BUT A JEEP - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lauramarie Stuart - April 11 - 2:50 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Wrangler X 3 days ago. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! I always owned trucks but NEVER drove anything like this. It rides like a dream, handles beautifully a REAL looker. My boyfriend took over my 2008 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Hemi...I dont even miss driving the truck. I get high 18