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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  Enjoying the Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By BTM449 - October 24 - 11:36 am

  This was the first American car purchased in the last 20 year. Along with the Jeep, I own an 08 Acura MDX, 04 BMW 3-Series convertible, and an 06 BMW 5-Series. The Jeep is exactly what I expected; the complete opposite of these vehicles. It drives like a truck and has minimal luxury features. You either love it or hate it... And after the first extreme snow storm here in New England, I love it. The Jeep does exactly what it is supposed to do. The 4-wheel-drive plows though and makes you feel quite safe even though you do not have a lot surrounding you. There is not a lot of power, cannot accelerate quickly, but you can get yourself unstuck. Excellent quality and value (so far). BUY JEEP

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  Love this Hard RocK! - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Beth Burnette - October 22 - 9:40 am

  Really love the style and durability of this 2016! Drives great on the road and off. Live on a very steep, snow/iced covered road and have NO PROBLEM buzzing up that hill in the worst of conditions. Its a little less stable in high winds on the open road...but I can deal with that. Wish I got a bit better gas millage.....but when you drive 75-80mph I guess one cant expect too much.

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  Happy Owner - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By greekslt - October 20 - 1:10 pm

  I am owner #2 of a 95 Jeep YJ S, which I bought in 1997. I have used this Jeep in many occupational applications including hauling a light duty trailer for up to 12 hours straight. This Jeep has held up to a remarkable amount of punishment and continues to prove its reliability & ability, & even its safety. I have been in 2 very dangerous accidents (75mph roll-over & T-boned by a 60mph runaway truck) in this Jeep with no injury and astonishingly minimal damage to the vehicle. Mine has over 177K miles and is still going strong. Other than routine maintenance, only repairs have been a replaced alternator, clutch, & steering gear. It looks/works great year-round, & is a blast to drive. Go Jeep.

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  Jeepers - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hans Aubuchon - October 18 - 9:26 am

  This Jeep has had a number of upgrades such as a lift, larger tires, 4.10 gears, Borla, chip, Jacobs ignition, K&M filters. It is a rugged off road vehicle that still is used as a daily driver that gets 21 mpg on the highway.

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  I owned my Jeep for 1 hour - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By tbd2001 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought a white Sport Model, with a hard top. I was in heaven as I drove it home. I parked it on the driveway and got out. I then noticed a black rubber hose hanging from the back of the car, which God knows for how long I had been dragging. As I inspected the bottom of the Wrangler I noticed a loose piece of plastic, on the back of the passengerÂ’s side back fender. This piece had flapped out because of a missing screw. In addition, what I believed to be the differential axle was completely covered in rust. I called the dealership and told them to have the car I had just traded in ready because I wanted it back. One hour later I was back in my old car.

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  Rough it with confort Jeep Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By M Eastwood - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This jeep wrangler is an upgrade from your sons california college vehicle that he bought to drive the girls around in. It has improved ride, easier top, and all the safety features of a "regular" sedan. It still goes through flooded roads, across fields with the ease of the bigger "monsters" we hear so much about. Fuel economy is decent. I love the fact that the back seat folds forward to make the mini truck I wanted when I removed the seat from my old wrangler. Now I have the best of both worlds as I approach my 60 birthday. Signed the Blonde Supercharged Outdoors Woman

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  Lovin the new Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By holly - October 16 - 7:00 am

  Traded in my 04 Liberty Rubicon for the Wrangler Unlimited X last weeked. Fun to drive, getting approx 17 miles to the gallon. Only complaint is the useless DVD Video feature (comes with the player but no screen and Jeep is currently clueless about this since they dont make a screen thats compatible).

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  1997 Wrangler Sport - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paul - October 12 - 7:23 am

  I find it amazing, Ive had it in water up to the air intake twice; in other words, almost everything was under water, including the alternator. This was in 1989 and it caused no problems. The shocks were still good last summer when I installed adjustable ones. I find the way I drive, the stiffer the better. I also added quick release sway bar joints, a high end winch, bumper and mount, remote starter and soft top. Then I saw the RUBICON and gave up before I bought lockers. I will find a RUBICON soon I hope with the features I want. I have ABS, it has saved me from crashing at least 6 times, pulling an overloaded trailer on two occasions. I will never drive anything but a Wrangler. Zero complaints

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - October 11 - 3:46 pm

  I Have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. The fun to drive factor is a 10. What other vehicle can you have covertible and off road vehicle for the summer. Then have fun with everthing winter has to offer. The clubs and events all year long to see all the after market toys for your Jeep offer everything to make it everthing you want it to be.

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  A Fun vehicle - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By deltadawn - October 11 - 1:26 pm

  2008 JK is very much improved, from previous models .It rides much better than YJ and TJs. The only bad thing is you cant reach the back seat.It could use a little more power, but nothing is perfect. I have an X and its the most affordable SUV on the planet. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which isnt bad either. No other vehicle can you personalize like a jeep wrangler.