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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  Jeep Rubicons Rock - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wrangler Rubicon - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned 2 Jeep Wranglers and now a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This is the Cadillac of Jeeps. Although the gas mileage isnt great, the power and comfort that comes with the Rubicon are awesome. There is nothing like putting the soft-top down and cruising around on nice day. Also, when the weather gets bad, you wont find a more dependable vehicle. Another plus is being a part of the Jeep Wrangler family. When you pass another Wrangler owner, most of them will wave at you. I will always own at least 1 Jeep Wrangler for life...

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  I love it - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brock - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got this jeep with 94,000 miles on it. I love it! Its so fun to drive. The interior is plain and simple. Great car

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  5th Wrangler & By Far The Best! - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsrfun - January 31 - 5:00 am

  I felt I should write a review for all those considering a Wrangler. I purchased a Sport w/Auto, a fairly extensive list of options and soft top . But the best things about the 2013 version is the MUCH improved engine, the greatly improved comfort of the seats and the premium upgrade top, which is more of a fabric versus the plastic. It makes for a very quiet ride (as much as a Jeep can be.) I drive approximately 30 miles a day and it is a pleasure to drive. It will never be confused with a sedan, but it doesnt beat you up like the old Jeeps. Gas mileage is as advertised, approx 18mpg. The fun factor is great, easy to take down entire top or just flip the top over the driver area. Get one!

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  X Automatic - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By GaryB - January 25 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my Wrangler X for delivery in Japan where I live. Ive had it for about two weeks and am having a blast driving it. Dont really like the 12mpg Im getting around town with the price of gas what it is; expected more from EFI 6 (my AT may have minimal effect on that). Not used to steering wander but I found that on Range Rover so must be ok. Cant wait for my first off-road. Luxury car drivers wont like this at all! But they wont buy one either. Cant wait for top/doors off weather!

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  Finally got my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By rapsoda65 - January 22 - 9:53 pm

  Wanted a Jeep CJ back in the day, got married and never got one. Now shes gone and I got my Jeep. Most fun Ive ever had in a car. 2 weeks ago took it out with the top down for the first time, cant wait for summer. Comfy ride for a Jeep. Handles better than I expected for an SUV, and this is not my first SUV. Gas mileage is about what EPA rating says it is. Looks good outside and in, but interior needs a little work. Odd placement of window cranks and center dash console has too sharp an edge at the drivers knee. Center arm rest could be higher. Seating position and seats are comfortable.

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  solid 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By twilliams - January 22 - 1:13 am

  Bought mine new w/only ac. Put 2"lift on & 32" tires. This gave much better handling due to 15% stiffer spring rate. 2.5l sucks gas but is heavy 4x4 for its size. If you put larger tires on u must change the axle diff. Ratios. This will give you better performance, better mileage, and less strain on drivetrain. For a 4 cyl. I was amazed at what it would do off road w/open diffs. Granted I was running 4:56 ratio in axles but still, this vehicle truly shines off road. It has the best turning radius of any vehicle I have owned. Sold it @ 58,000 miles and never had a problem with it- off roading and all. Plus, it has the highest resale value - period. Beats them all.

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  This is a little late - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By vak1 - January 18 - 9:08 pm

  I have been driving Jeeps since 1976 and my loyalty to this company is over. At 45,000 mile the problems on this Jeep are too numerous to mention. I hope that people who read this and other reviews will seriously take heed before purchasing a Wrangler.

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  New to Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By max - January 18 - 1:13 pm

  I love it! Fun, comfortable, enough power, sits high, rough and tough, a real head turner ( cant keep people away, they want to look at it, lots of great comments). I love the simplicity of the interior, easy to use, big dials, big door handles. Men love it and so do women. One women told me it was a chick magnet and a client told me it was classy, a stranger told me it was nicer than a Hummer ( I agree, cheaper too!). Remember this is a Jeep not a sports car or Luxury Liner. You get a Jeep with lots of good frills. I love it!

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  better than ever! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepster - January 18 - 7:10 am

  First off, I get 30+mpg at 55mph! Got the 6 speed manual with rwd and limited slip. With the traction control and abs its certainly all you need in the South.

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  My 05 TJ - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By shook0002 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Wrangler and 4th Jeep. These TJs are a big improvement over YJs ride quality and interior is great. People talk about road noise and slow steering, thats not what these are about. If you want a luxury car go buy a Caddy. The is not a cute-ute like a Honda CRV or Lexus, those have no off road potential. These Wranglers are one of the most reliable solid vehicles ever built and anyone with auto knowledge will tell you the 4.0 6cyl is one of the best engines ever made. There is no comparing these Jeeps to anything out there. No Honda, Suzuki(except the great Samurai), or anything of the like can compare to a Wrangler.