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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  my wrangler x - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hawkstud - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i have had no problems with the jeep not being reliable, and i have driven it on about 4 trips of 250 miles or more. the fuel economy of the vehicle is poor, about 10mpg on the highway and 11 in the city. however, i have put a 4inch lift and 33inch tires on the jeep. i would be perfectly comfortable if i were a little smaller, but i am a larger person. it has a strong frame, i was in one accident where a guy rearended me going about 25 or 30 mph. all the happened was a small bend in the bumper, and the front fenders were bent from being pushed into a ford f350.

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  My Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By chelaramie - September 20 - 2:00 am

  What a Jeep! Took it off raod and WOW! Couldnt get it stuck if i tried. Crawled over rocks, ledges, did off camber runs. Just fantastic. Got mine with the dual tops and paid 23,500 after rebates. I have had offroad vehilces for over 20 years and this is the best bar none!

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  Tomb Raider edition - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frank - September 16 - 7:56 am

  Happy with everything except disappointed with the engine performance. It seems that the engine will backfire on a downshift once and a while. The Jeep dealer told me that someone else was complaining about it and that it was bad gas. So Ive tried different gas stations and Its still a problem. I suspect its a fuel management issue and is normal for very long straight inline six design.The horsepower is lacking for the size of the six and how much gas mileage you get out of it. I bought the Jeep for the power but 4 cylinder cars passed me in the Rockies. Technologically It seems behind the times, related to engine performance. Need some R&D for a factory installed supercharger.

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  Worth every dollar! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alexthejeep - September 15 - 10:00 am

  If you want to have FUN driving a vehicle with a relatively low cost, this is your vehicle! Forget all the luxuries, they dont really make a difference. This vehicle is RELIABLE, and can take a pounding, but with some XTRA care, they clean up beautifully! You will never be bored driving it!!!

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  Impresed - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By House of Fun - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  I was a bit doubtful that the Jeep would work as good as it looks. Im very impressed with the ride, handling, quality and surprisingly, the gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are very weak, its like no one actually sat in one before okaying it for production. So far Ive had 2 odd occurrences: A one time puddle of gear oil under the rear end and I was driving down the highway and the dash lights came on, the windshield wipers wiped once and it never happened again. Summary: I love it

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  The Death Wobble 2 - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sebagolakemoose - September 3 - 4:30 am

  At about 20,000 I had the first wobble multiple times to the dealership and was told I made too many left turns and the air pressure was off. New tires tie rods alignment and other parts woble gone. 45,000 same thing new tires. 70000 miles wobble, on new tires parts and we are good again. 97,000 historic wobble on again not as bad as the first one though. Dealership has given us new reasons for the wobble every time from air pressure, to many left turns, tie rods, alignments, rotation, breaks, bad tires, etc always something to blame but the vehicle itself. Appears the passenger side tires wear fast? But its a Jeep thing and I love my Jeep it needs less work then my 1973 or 1971 cj5s.

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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By SeattleGuy - August 16 - 5:43 pm

  I love this vehicle. So much fun. Going up hills in my hometown of Seattle is no problem. Driving at the beach is a blast and the high profile makes crossing rivers no hassle. It is great to help everyone else out of the sand. ; )

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  Still the best 4x4 on the road - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dathenous - August 8 - 2:00 am

  As a previous Jeep owner, I had an idea of what I was getting into, but after buying and driving my new 2004 Wrangler, I found that it was a whole new beast. The engine feels very beefy, lots of power. I opted for the 4-speed auto, which is IMHO the biggest enhancement of these new models. The interior is much quieter when driving at highway speed. If youre looking for a fun 4x4 convertible, this is your only option. If you need to haul, well, anything, this is not for you (very limited storage space).

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  Not Happy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - August 6 - 11:30 am

  At first things were going well. I have had my Wrangler just under 6 months. and already had an issue. An ice storm hit my house a branch went through the soft top. Next day had a check from the insurance comp. felling pretty good. Took the jeep to the dealership who sold me my jeep they replied no problem we will order one have it here in 2 days. One week later and shipping my jeep 4 counties away still no jeep. The soft tops do not fit. Before the accident great! Do not ever let anything happen to yours because there is no replacement. At this time I am looking to trade it on a truck or some other 4x4. Love 4x4 hate the jeep!

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  Great little tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By katiec3 - August 5 - 4:22 pm

  I have only had her about a month, and this is my first car. I always wanted a jeep and waited until I found a good deal, and I can honestly say it was well worth the money even though shes 15 years old. My boyfriend calls her "the tank" and makes fun of me for driving it, but he just doesnt get it! Its not the smoothest ride, it doesnt accelerate fast, and she has her quirks, but well see what he says when Im pulling his brand new chevy cruze out of snowbanks all winter, offroading by myself all summer and mowing down zombies during the apocolypse. It runs like a top and so far, I am very pleased. Im officially a Jeep Girl!