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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Julia Rhodes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I was a little girl I wanted a Jeep, actually a CJ-7. When I turned 20 I bought my Wrangler and I love it. I cant wait until the summer time so I can get that top off!

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  My First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dewlix - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a Wrangler since I was 19 (now 44). Wish Id bought one sooner...more fun/exciting than any vehicle Ive owned. Mileage sucks, but worth the high fun-factor this vehicle has. Only drawback is the wife hates it!

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  My big bear green Wrangler 97 cyl - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By my bear - December 19 - 11:56 pm

  Had my 97 4 cyl banger for 2 shy years only but its the most fun car Ive ever driven, at 31 it makes me feel, active, Young and adventurer in it like in my 20s. I gave it a 10 in performance not for fast because is not really but because of offroad, flooding and winter capabilities, the thing is extremely slow, the half doors suck, but a set of full doors can cure that, the a/c is amazingly cold and heat is extremely hot, gas mileage isnt good at all due to the boxy shape of the car, so dont buy this truck counting you will get good mpg. When the top is down and put on my baseball shades, its like you have a total different car in the summer and fun factors is higher.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By VSmith - December 14 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my 2 door Sahara in Dec 2007 and put about 6K on it annually. Ive been very satisfied with it, no problems or service needed beyond oil changes. Ive had good luck with Jeep products with respect to reliability.

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  Better than the new ones - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By goofyfoot - December 13 - 5:36 pm

  Previously had a 2001, this one rides a little rougher, but the simplicity and better mileage make it much better in almost every other regard. And so inexpensive to purchase as well. I hope to keep driving it for a long time since you cant get a car like this anymore.

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  Rides great but engine shut off once - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Peter - December 2 - 12:46 pm

  Ive owned a couple of Wranglers over the years and the 4 door is by far the best version so far. Rides great and turns heads. Family of four, we traded in the minivan. Softtop is fine in the winter, no need for the hardtop. I noticed another review where the owner indicated the engine shut down while in driving mode. This happened to me once on the highway at 65mph. The console lit up, the gauges went wild, and then the engine cut off. It fired back up after a few moments but I had an 18 wheeler behind me and a pucker factor of ten. It seems to be an electrical problem as the engine was running normally prior to the event. Look for a recall soon at a dealership near you.

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  THE ONE TRUE SUV - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By antandshell - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Can we ask for anything more?

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  a go any where vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By 60885 - November 28 - 9:20 pm

  Im a senior. In year 2001, we had a bad snow storm. I had to abandon my Volvo and started to walk the 3 miles home. A guy in a jeep gave me a ride. I was so impressed I went and bought a Wrangler. 60yr anniversary for Jeep and same for me. I still have it. I love it and cant part with it. Got less than 60K miles on it. It bounces and it jounces, my wife hates it, the dealership wants me to trade it (theyre salivating) but I can go on the beach, cast to the surf and enjoy my retirement.

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  Love this thing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ksimon - November 26 - 10:00 am

  My first jeep. Bought it used but youd never know it to look at it or drive it. I love this thing. Flame red is about as attractive a color as Ive seen. Far more comfortable to drive then my "non jeep" friends warned me it would be. For the first time in my life I am anxiously awaiting a huge snow storm.

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  Drivers would be surprised! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By CofCortez - November 26 - 10:00 am

  The new 2003 Jeep X is a great value and will surprise many people how smooth and comfortable the ride is. The X has excellent power and smooth shifting from the Automatic transmission. I have taken it across Baja and down the Pacific coast and have encountered more than a few 4- wheel drive opportunities; the X shines in the sand and dirt as well as driving the LA freeways! The interior layout is very functional and, so far, everything is working fine (air, lights, stereo, etc...) Get one!