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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  Very Fun, bulletproof but expensive - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By agildner1 - April 9 - 5:53 am

  My first vehicle(a jeep isnt a car) is a 98 sport with the 5 speed. I have both tops and hard doors, and its still very loud(I have NOISY mud terrain tires which dont help). I have driven this things over ice, then the ice cracked and I was bogging through 3 ft of mud with ice scraping along the bottom and no problems from that. This Jeep has 192,000 miles and has been well abused like no other vehicle. But its been expensive. trans rebuild at 190K($800) is only vehicle related part but I still got many miles on it. Other problems that all cars will have is new power steering pump($120), AC system overhaul ($250), brakes ($150). I did all the work myself(very easy to work on). FUN!!!

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  94 Jeep Wrangler Sahara in NYC - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By viperstyle007 - April 5 - 11:03 pm

  I have had my Jeep since day 1, reliable tough rugged vehicle. This years Wrangler is probably the best of all time, with modern styling and heavy duty construction. Never a major problem, not even a flat tire. I give it regular maintenance and it keeps on going. Now that the Jeep is 11 years old, it is equipped with every high-end accessory known to man for this Jeep, except the stock engine & transmission. It now sits equipped with and Old Man Emu Suspension, and all the ARB equipment from bull bar to lockers. When it snows is when we have most fun! NYC potholes, I laugh and spit at! The only other vehicle I would switch to is a Rubicon. A new beginning!

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  big red - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris G - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Jeep from a private owner that knows how to take care of a vehicle. It had 49,000 miles on it, and the engine compartment, interior/exterior were mint showroom condition. Ive driven it to Minn. from NC. and back, all over the NC mountains,and use it as my daily comuter as well. Ive owned other SUVs that rode a little smoother, and a little quieter, but never so dependable. It will go anywhere I want to put it. I just recently pulled the new monster H2 Hummer out of a muddy river bank, because it costs $60,000 for status and not performance.

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  I LOVE MY RUBY - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wiz OIIIIIIIO - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Had Vette convertibles for many years, and the Ruby is just as much fun to drive. Jeeps and Vettes both have the "wave". Can go many places offroad in 2wd, that in other vehicles you would need to be in 4wd. Just a FUN vehicle.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By RubiOwner - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My new Rubicon almost immediately destroyed my life - my wife, and oldest son were constantly trying to take it away from me. I broke down and bought a second Wrangler for them to fight over - a 2003 Sport. I bought my first Jeep back in 1977. They have sure come a long way since then. Both my Jeeps are hard tops - they are asy to remove and the heater and A/C both work better. Gas mileage is unjustifiably poor - the excuses dont cut it. My bigger, heavier Suburban with a much bigger engine gets better mileage than either one of the Jeeps and there is nothing aerodynamic about a Suburban. Expect 15-17 TOPS!

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  Great car... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By socalbound2004 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a jeep wrangler, and its definitely the most fun car I have ever driven. The manual 6 cyl has lots of power, great pickup, and the ride is smooth. It sits high above the road, so you see pretty much everything. The only bad part about the jeep is that the ride can be a bit noisy, and unless you buy it new, its difficult to find a decently priced wrangler with air conditioning. All of these negatives are easily overshadowed by the positives of the car.

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  ITS A JEEP THING - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By lnemeth - March 29 - 10:00 am

  PRICE IS INSANE. ENGINE IS NOISY, TIRES ARE LOUD AND BLAST PAINT JOB WITH ROCKS.TRANNY DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY,STOCK STEREO SYSTEM IS USELESS. FUN TO DRIVE WITH TOP AND DOORS OFF. RUGGED

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  Cure for the "its a jeep thing" - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By itsajeepthingsucks - March 28 - 4:06 am

  Bought new. Problems from day 1. Had to register complaints with ntsb. Car would shut off driving down the road. Did this at freeway speeds. Cracked header; Chrysler said it must have gotten wet while hot-this is trail rated? Rear brakes go out every 12k miles. 4wd transfer cable broke. Motor is underpowered, struggles at highway speeds forget about passing. Avg 14-17 mpg. Rust spots. Automatic transmission shifts randomly. The body sheet metal is extremely thin. Interior panels scratches easy. Rear seats sit straight up. Headrest extremely hard. 4th and last Jeep (3rd wrangler), done with the its a Jeep thing. If you just have to get a Jeep: buy a cj-and a daily driver with the extra money

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  10K Mile Report - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent performance on/off road. Problems: 1.) No where to mount CB radio for off- road communications. This is major design flaw. 2.) On dry paved city streets, ESP and Sway Bar will activate for no apparent reason. May or may not deactivate even when motor is restarted. Occurs frequently in hot AZ weather. 3.) Annoying squeal from left front wheel. Dealer cant identify. Most noticeable at low speeds (10 mph and less). Other than 3 items noted, vehicle is fantastic. Solid performer on the trail and comfortable for long road trips with family. Would buy another one in an instant.

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  A LOT o BANG FOR THE BUCK ! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepinspence - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my second "Tj" model Jeep Wrangler in a row, and they just keep getting better! While mine is a "base" model SE it came with a ton of upgrades to make it a very liveable unit! Mine came with a the premium sound system and sub woofer option as well as the new 4ply soft top for better sound and climate insulation. I also bought mine with the automatic transmission and upgraded grizzly aluminum rims. All in all in makes for a very nice looking package in Stone White paint with black top and trim! The only option I regret NOT getting is AC...dont fall into the old trap of "its a convertible , you dont need ac!"