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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  Truly Unlimited! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carol in TN - April 7 - 1:10 pm

  Just got back from an off-road Jeep Jamboree and my little yellow Jeep Unlimited went through and over things you just wouldnt believe! Its not for everyone, some just wont get it and others will drive nothing else! After all, "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand" I love driving mine as a daily commuter and as a weekend escape to the boonies. Cant do that in your Saturn ... also works great as a H2 and Land Rover recovery vehicle! If you go off road in anything else, make sure a Jeep Wrangler is always within sight to save you. If you buy one, just make sure to wave!

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  Good Plain Fun - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By chunter - March 28 - 9:56 pm

  Its just fun to have. My midlife crisis toy.

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  Beep beep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BBeep - March 26 - 8:43 pm

  I leased the new 07 instead of buying used because I wanted the 3-piece Freedom Top. I have not been disappointed - its SO easy and the panels fit in back with seat folded up! I keep the panels wrapped in blankets when not on, and I have never had a leak. Acceleration and power can be problematic on any SUVs, but this is just fine IF you know how to drive it. I have left a Camaro in the dust right off a stoplight. Handles beautifully in all weather. Ive never had the stall complaints other people have. A few recalls (normal for a new model!) and dealer fixed everything. Read the EPA estimates BEFORE you buy a Jeep and complain about gas mileage, by the way.

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  Loving this Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Love it - March 25 - 6:26 am

  This is the second Jeep I have owned. I use to drive a 1995 Jeep Cherokee and now went to the 06 Wrangler. Love the car every since I have test driven it and taken it off the lot. Good pick- up for a Four Cylinder and not bad gas mileage been averaging 21 MPG with Freeway driving and Country highways (Lighted Highways). 4x4 is excellent. Wish the a/c reached the back seats, a center storage console was included and the front passenger airbag shut - off switch was included but other than that I would recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a four by four.

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  still a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By smdoug - March 25 - 1:03 am

  I have only had the Jeep for about 1 week and I love it. I waited for 12 weeks to get the MyGIG in it and it is worth it. I love the way it handles as well as the look and response is not as bad as I thought. Got the 18 inch tires, great look. Manual transmission is smooth but engine revs stay up even when clutch is in, and foot off gas pedal. Doors have to be slammed shut. Interior is a Jeep no place for change or sunglasses, and poor position for cup holders up front because 6th gear blocks access to them.

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  2004 Wrangler Sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Adasm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car.

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler-Massachusetts - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith - March 19 - 3:53 am

  This is my third Jeep Wrangler and the best one yet, comfortable and stylish. The all wheel disc brakes are a nice feature, very comfortable seats, its a blast to drive. Negatives: The side doors leak bad in rain, there is a TSB#23-002-08 (Tech Service Bulletin) to repair the problem for free. It will take a full day at the dealer for this to be completed. The engine power is less than my 2000 Wrangler on the highways.

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  best jeep ever made - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimble - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many jeeps including, cj 5, cj7, scramblers and a wrangler. the rubicon is by far the best of all. coil springs improve the ride over the earlier models.I got the upgraded sound system, which is great. the ride on the street and off road is better then any jeep i have ever driven. The rubicon is worth ever penny.

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  Stuck with a Lemon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By LEMONED - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Would be fun to drive if I could get it to shift properly. Ive been driving standard shift vehicles for 36 years. Ive been getting a Loud "clink" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 2nd to 3rd gears. The service tech at the dealership told me that Chrysler changed transmissions in the 2003 & 2004 Jeeps. That they can not be fixed becase they all do it. It certainly takes the enjoyment out of driving it.

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  Wow! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hagbard64 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 92 4-cyl YJ. Talk about an upgrade! This thing is sweet! Everything is improved. Much smoother and quieter ride compared to my old leaf-sprung YJ. The interior is quite comfortable. Definitely go for the dual top option and full doors; well worth it.