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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  Favorite vehicle of all time - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carolina Jeeper - February 22 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep was a 40th birthday present to myself. Its a great vehicle. My favorite of all time. Has been reliable, is rugged, and there is no shortage of ways to upgrade and make it better.

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  The legend lives on - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By M Mc - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Jeeps latest Wrangler is a fitting addition to a line that can trace its roots back to the Jeep of WW2. You can go anywhere and do anything in this vehicle. Words of warning - its not a car. If youre looking for a car ride and car comforts, look elsewhere. The interior is utilitarian and clean, the ride is solid, and the cornering is much better than I expected for a Jeep.

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  The Jeep for a Family of 5 - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Skylandry - February 19 - 7:30 pm

  I just got the new jeep (9/14) in the 4 door, 4wd X model (loaded). This is my first Jeep only because I needed seating for 5 comfortably. Fun to drive and everyone wants to know what it is. Seats are super comfortable, stereo great, acceleration acceptable and removable top awesome! I drove it 340 miles on Saturday and had no sore backside. I am getting a little over 19 mpg. Everything feels solid and tight. My only complaint is "right foot" space on the drivers side (a little cramped). Everyone one else has plenty of room and the top is so easy to remove. I got "rescue green" and love the color. Havent taken it to our ranch yet but I am not concerned about that - it is a Jeep!

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  TOO MUCH FUN - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By P.T. - February 19 - 6:50 am

  Purchased a 2002 black Jeep Wrangler X in 2005. After 10,000 miles of pure fun, no problems at all. Take the top off in the summer and cruise down by the beach. In the winter go and rescue other drivers including over confident TRUCK drivers. No complaints.

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  My Wrangler - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By joehelmet - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Not for everyone. Look for one w/hardtop. New hardtops are ungodly expensive in retail aftermarket ($1600-$2K+). Get it with the jeep - figure out how to take it off later. Conversation at highway speed w/o hard top, forget it. A/C, forget it. Dont get too excited about a stereo system. A Jeep is a big vibrating square metal box & you fight road noise too. Recommend a bra/guard up front, or the Jeep grill gets all chipped up. Not for extensive traveling, OK for day trips. Can really have fun & trick it for 4-wheeling. Lots of fun stuff to buy. Watch the tranny with the 6-cyl., esp the 3-spd auto. But you still got to stomp it!

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  nice car- but mine keeps breaking down. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bobsanfran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1998 Sahara Wrangler but after 66,000 miles it lives in the shop now. Every 10,000 miles - some thing breaks. 66,000 miles the Radator broke 70,000 the AC compressor siezed 74,000 the Exaust manafold craked 80,000 the clutch unit and other transmission parts needed to be replaced 90,100 - in the shop again - the computer is broken - they are trying to see what broke it.

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  Fun adn Reliable - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug Thompson - February 15 - 12:16 am

  Have owned the Wrangler 5 years no maintenance issues, replace the belt and rear brakes over 57,000 miles. Passing this one on to my son and buy a 01 Wrangler for me

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  2012 JKU Rubicon - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By stylee6 - February 14 - 9:18 am

  Excellent vehicle

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  They still make Jeeps like they used to. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEP4LIFE - February 9 - 4:56 pm

  Jeep Wranglers rule! I bought my 04 Sahara a month ago, and it is incredible. The only 4X4 that I could find that wasnt made mostly of plastic. They cut all the gadgets and gizmos. I knew going into it that 16-18MPG would be normal, so I cant complain. The engine is powerful, stock suspension is very capable on trails. I found it interesting that people said the freeway drive is too bouncy and noisy. With the hard top on, it is just as quiet as my wifes Integra, the soft top isnt bad either. It is very smooth on freeways. Yeah, when you hit bumps on smaller roads,you do bounce a little, but it is a Jeep! Take it off-roading and you will see what I mean.

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  Fun junk - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By 09jeep - February 6 - 7:06 pm

  This thing is a fun. There is nothing like being able to drive with no roof and no doors, no other new vehicle can do that. Not to mention the offroad capability, which is also unmatched. Having said that, this is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. 7000 miles and the clutch has gone bad 3 times. (throwout bearing noise - common problem) Also leaking hardtop, lots of other small problems. Cheap materials and build quality everywhere you look. Check out some JK wrangler forums, mine isnt the only one with issues. "Its a jeep thing" doesnt change the fact that $30,000 ought to get you a better vehicle than this.