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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  Nothin like a Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ray - March 20 - 12:16 am

  Like most other reviews, I have always wanted a Jeep. Now at 40yrs old and as a toy, I bought one. This little thing is a blast. My army buddies and i get away once a year to go camping and since I got the Jeep, its been great to have all 4 of us pile in and turn up the radio and cruise across the sand dunes or just through town. No mid life crisis here, lol. The Jeep is the simplest thing to work on. Aftermarket parts are avail by the hundreds. I bought it as a toy, but it has turned into my daily driver. I commute 70 miles round trip each day to work, 99% of it is highway and newly paved, and its decent. It was very loud, but a new stereo and speakers fixed the wind noise problem.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By L Lucas - March 18 - 3:06 am

  This is a very fun vehicle to drive. Gets lots of looks, so be prepared to be asked questions, primarily how much they cost. I guess people think they cost a lot more that they do which makes it a value in itself. The only thing I have to remark on is the position of the arm rest, both on the door and the console. I am 58", so not abnormal in height for a woman....the center console is pretty low and there is no arm rest on the door. However, keeping in mind that this is not a luxury car and not bought for comfort, I really cant complain. Love it, love it, love it and really happy with the Jeep!

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  All you need in a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Trent Ford - March 11 - 12:16 pm

  Bought the Wrangler brand new in 03 and have never, ever changed anything on it. Seriously, since driving it off the lot, it has not been back to the dealer. Even still has original brakes. I did change out the tires for 38" last year. Great reliability!

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  incredible vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By juice1 - March 11 - 7:26 am

  I bought my jeep ten years ago the first day the 2001 models were at the dealership and it was the only smart thing I did in my twenties. In all this time i have only had to invest in oil changes, a new top, and a battery. The top and battery I just replaced last year! It doesnt handle like a sports car but its no supposed to. if anyone is interested in reliable vehicles buy an older jeep and dont let go. It handles great and is a much better ride than the newer ones which I just bought (thanks Chrysler). Its dependable, fun, goes through anything, and it girls love it. What else is there to say

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  Great fun, 4cyl grossly underpowered - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pete - March 8 - 10:03 am

  The Wrangler SE is loads of fun to own and drive. However, the 4cyl motor is grossly underpowered. Lags very badly on the steep California hills with an empty cargo. Fuel mileage should be much better for a 4cyl. I average about 15.7 mpg with the top down and 17.9 with the top on.

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  At long last - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 6 - 1:33 pm

  Ive been searching for quite some time for a Jeep Wrangler. The newer ones are very simple, convertable roofs quieter, heat works well, and has plenty of power with the tried and true 4.0 six. The stick shift is great and gives you that sport car feel. I enjoy my four wheel drive sports car. Spring is just around the corner and the top will come down. I decided to go with the hard doors, for the ease of opening the windows in the winter months. The back seat either comes out or folds forward for the quick shopping experiences. The radio/CD player are more than enough with the sound bar. Over all I love the style the creature comforts, & its simple, & fun to drive year round. Its a Jeep Thing

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  Lots of fun, surprisingly practical. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By helilog - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Downshift the 4 cylinder early for power, 3rd gear is good for 75 mph, dont be afraid to spin the engine up. It is a twin cam after all. Used thusly, the engine is plenty peppy. Expect 20 mpg town, 24 hwy. Five speed tranny is notchy and vague, a real antique. The later 6-speed is better. Ive got aftermarket sliding glass side curtains on the stock low cut doors. Much quieter and more convenient than zipper plastic door windows. The low cut doors make for a good arm rest (since a Wrangler has none). Get a center console for the same reason. Seats could use more lumbar for 400 mile days.

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  Its a Jeep Thing! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brbnkseaj - February 28 - 4:43 pm

  Other than having the check engine light come on the day I drove it off the lot, my Jeep has never had to be repaired for anything that wasnt self-inflicted. I am amazed at how much abuse it can take when I go off-roading. It is very fun to drive, and easy to customize. There are downsides, though. You really need to buy aftermarket security products if you have a soft top. My original soft top made a LOT of noise on the highway and when it was windy, and it wore out after five years. But I replaced it with a sailcloth top, which was easy to install and pretty quiet when driving under 60mph. It is also tricky to drive on the highway, especially in the rain. Good tires are a must.

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  Crappy American car is VERY FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By new jeep owner - February 19 - 10:00 am

  i have always hated american cars. especially those made by chrysler, but this jeep has been very fun for offroading purposes. it gets poor gas mileage but if you only use it for offroading it is great.

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  jeep review 1 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By klwiley - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Great ride in the hills valleys and everywhere except freeways. Power could be increased with a little wider stance but over all the wrangler is the most agile responsive vehicle on the road.