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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  Worst of 6 - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - May 2 - 1:06 am

  My 6th Wrangler. 5th new one, bought on 10/10/07 in Barberton, Ohio. Love the Wrangler vehicle, but this one does not compare to my other ones. Body style is awesome and comfortability is fine. Problem is the clutch is going out. Never had it off road and Ive driven a standard shift my entire life, so I know how to drive one. Took it to the dealer yesterday and the tech told me it was the bearing that pushes in on the clutch was rusting. Causing the bearing not to spin properly. Touch the clutch pedal and the squealing stops. They ordered the part and said I could get it put in next Wed or Thur. Then the service writer called me back and said it was not covered under warranty.

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  I love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tyler - April 28 - 9:10 pm

  I love my Jeep Wrangler. I love the feel of driving it along with just being in it. It gives you a sense of power because you can sit above the rest of the traffic. I have modified mine to fit 36" tires with 6.5 inches of lift. It works wonders offroad.

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  Amazing Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepOwner112 - April 19 - 9:23 am

  Got it a year ago with 84,000 miles now have 94,000 miles on it, and love it. In Wisconsin theres nothing like putting the top down in the summer and throwing it in 4WD in the winter snow. I like how everyone looks at you b/c they all want one for themselves, and everyone should at some point in their life. But there have been a few reliability issues, but should live forever if I keep up on routine maintenance, I know a guy with 290,000 miles on his.

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  Fun - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By treadmark - April 13 - 7:00 am

  Ive owned a 75 Cherokee, 03 Liberty and now I finally own a Jeep Wrangler. I was waiting for them to become more practical and really appreciate the jump in functionality and space with the latest 4dr Unlimited version. It is more fun than I imagined and suits me very well as a daily driver while letting me get out to remote trail heads when backpacking. Aside from being rugged, it is much more quiet than expected both with the soft top and especially the soft top.

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  square headlights bad - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By john - April 10 - 10:30 am

  The YJ (sqare headlight) jeeps are horrible. The new TJs are nice and the old CJs are nicer. I has my 92 YJ for 4 months and sold it because it had no character and i coulnt take the sight of all that interior plastic! Now I have a classy 1985 Jeep CJ-7, more work but much more fun- and it has character!

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  Nice Rig - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paul - April 5 - 9:16 am

  I traded a 2500HD to get my Dream Jeep. After a week of driving, it was more than I had hoped. The six speed is a good box. It has a tight gate, but easy to get accustomed to. The ride is a lot better than in the "shorty" Wrangler. The Jeep tradition lives on.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Greg 0603 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall good experience. This is my fourth Jeep, and the first one that had the six cylinder engine. A drastic improvement in pickup and a more relaxed ride on the highway.

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  Still Jeepin after 11 years - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By wulfcity - March 28 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this Jeep new in 1994. Overall, it has been a great vehicle. It is a little underpowered with the 4 cylinder engine. The 5th gear was replaced at around 75,000 miles. It does handle its own off-roading.

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  Ultimate reliability and practicality - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JD Adams - March 28 - 11:00 am

  Great around-town SUV; its small, maneuverable and fun to drive. Off pavement, its as tough as a 4X4 can get. The Unlimiteds ride is excellent, and upscale options now make this a very civilized choice for people who want a no-nonsense, ultra-reliable vehicle to get around in. Plenty of cargo room. Back seat folds down and is removable for extra storage. New 6-speed transmission is a breeze to shift; clutch pedal is light, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are excellent. Not your average SUV - far more practical and useful, especially off-road.

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  2003 Jeep Wrangler SE - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alex Ham - March 22 - 10:56 pm

  I love my Wrangler. Its fun to drive and it will handle just about anything I want it to. Nothing beats driving with the top down on a clear,warm night. Taking it through mud and sand is just plain fun. Slap on some great All Terrain tires and you have one nice looking vehicle on your hands. Jeep owners are die hard fans of their vehicles. You cant find that with any other vehicle. Wranglers last longer than most vehicles if they are well taken care of. What more could you ask for.