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 Thing - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By chas0037 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Each day I love my Jeep more than the previous. In a word...Incredible. There is NOTHING like a wrangler...NOTHING

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  best car ever! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By debruins - October 14 - 4:03 pm

  I love my Jeep. First off though to improve performance and driveability I added lots of upgrades for the engine to get better performance, and better stability with much better shocks. I added lift and a winch and 33s as well as add a trunk, a Tuffy console, and a better sound system. It is now the perfect car. it does great on road for a JEEP and amazing off road. For those who dont get the Jeep thing it is too bad for you, buy a Land Rover.

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  You cant go wrong with a Wrangler - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By schmorgasboard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  There is only one thing that will disappoint your purchase of a Wrangler: all your passengers will continually question its practicality. Yea, the soft top is loud, but when you can put it down in 3 min, its worth all the noise. Yea, the ride is bumpy, but its the peace of mind that no water, snow, mountain, street, road construction, nor any obstruction can get between my Wrangler and my destination that makes it worth it. Yea, it can get abused and look less than perfect, but its biggest inker Toy youll ever see and once you realize the millions of accessories you can add to it to customize, youll love it even more.

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  There is only one! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By sbresnick - October 9 - 2:37 am

  Looks great, drives fun! Surprisingly smooth ride around town and a blast to drive!

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  I love my Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slab42 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love my Rubicon!! This is my 3rd Jeep, so I think I can officially say, "This is it!"

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  Makes Me Smile Every Time - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By alphadog10 - September 29 - 4:13 am

  I have the soft top version, and wow, with the top down, its so much fun, it just makes me smile and feel happy to drive around town. With the top up, its quieter than you might expect, but I prefer the top off every chance I can get. The only thing I dont like about my Jeep is that its absolutely terrible to drive on the freeway. When I test drove it before I bought it, I really didnt spend much time driving it on the highway, but after living with it for a while, I sometimes wonder whether I made a good choice. This is my one and only vehicle, and I think it makes a better second car than a primary one. I find it terrifying on the freeway.

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  Fantastic Fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott - September 27 - 3:26 pm

  Its time to rate these Jeeps for what they are. These are fun vehicles made to play where others cant go. This is for a person who needs no GPS, DVD Screen and dislikes wearing a suit! My Unlimited has been exceptional since the day I drove it from the lot. Problem free and able to go anywhere, its the perfect vehicle for a rag-top lover who loves a nice summer day. I have nothing but nice things to say. I dont even miss my 2002 Convertible Mustang GT. The Jeep is more fun!

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  Just awsome! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By felo - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this jeep. I ve driven alot of diffrent suv, nothing is like my Rubi. Stop being a baby, grab your *$#@ and get one!

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  Wrangler=Fun Machine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jason D - September 22 - 10:00 am

  The wrangler is the ultimate fun machine. As well as the ultimate build machine!!!! Its the most bolt on vehicle available!!!! I recomend the X for anyone thats goiing to use it as a daily driver-a rock crawler build up. Come on its $6000 less than the rubicon!!!!

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  2017 Hard Rock Unlimited is a Beast. - 2017 Jeep Wrangler
  By Granite Hard Rock - September 21 - 5:31 am

  I own a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited (90K miles) and just recently purchased a 2017 Rubicon Hard Rock. Love the modular bumper and recently installed 10K Smittybuilt winch and Terraflex 2" leveling coil spacers. Same as what I did on my 2012. My wife has a 2015 Grand Cherokee diesel and the entertainment / nav system on hers is intuitive and well thought out. The entertainment / nav on my 2017, not so much. As far as off road capabilities, NOTHING comes close to a Rubicon. The electronic sway bar disconnect and lockers make off roading a breeze. I installed offset rims and 33 inch MTS Mickey Thompsons on my 2012 and it improves body roll and off roading capabilities, wish Jeep would do this on the Rubicon. The BF Goodrich KMs dont cut it. The 3 piece hard top is still tight and quiet on my 2012, great design. The LED headlights on the 2017 are a huge upgrade. The seats are very comfortable and the Alpine sound system is great. The beefer rock rails on the Hard Rock are a nice upgrade from the Rubicon, as I have leaned on the stock rails on my 2012 and they are not near as robust as on the Hard Rock. I love the design and performance of the 2017 albeit not slot of miles on it yet. Saw the new design and although would love a diesel, dont like the 2018 design. Taking it to Jeep Jamboree in Palo Duro to put it through the paces in May...