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:

• 

  Love this Jeep - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By FiremanLuke - January 19 - 6:20 pm

  We just bought this Jeep this month and have had so much fun already! It already had the nice add-ons like a suspension lift, 33" mud tires, rear luggage rack, swing-out rear gate, spare fuel cans, custom bumpers, grille guard, air-locker 4X4 and a 6 CD changer! It has only 70,600 miles on it and we look forward to many years of fun from this car.

• 

  Wanted one for 10 years. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By W - January 16 - 4:10 pm

  I have been wanting a Jeep for 10 years and now finally I have my own. I have had it for 2 weeks and I love it! The feeling, the community, the Jeep life. Yea it sucks gas and it takes 55 dollars to fill up. Who cares? Its a Jeep! i just love it! It is one of the few convertibles for men

• 

  I Will Always Own A Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepguy - January 15 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Jeep, I leased a 2007. This one I purchased. I have the same complaints as before: Terrible mileage, performance, wind noise, even low highway speeds can be a test of will. Did I mention an interior that is 20 years out of style and very poor handling as well. All that being said, this is still the best car I have ever owned since my last Jeep. I still can not explain it. I can only tell you, you must own one to understand. They really are the most fun you can have driving short of a Ferrari.

• 

  love jeep wranglers - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By the podd - January 12 - 10:00 am

  love the jeep wrangler it is fun to drive, awesome looking and just all around cool!

• 

  Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By RC - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the only Vehicle I will ever Buy

• 

  Jeep needs to get it together - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By jason - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my 2008 wrangler x unlimited. Until Jeep gets there act together and builds a quality, fuel efficient wrangler, I wont buy another Jeep product. I loved my Jeep but the fuel economy, power, and build quality far outweigh the good things about the car. I live in Florida where the roads are flat. Getting 16 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate is unacceptable. Also, I feel like the lack of power can be dangerous sometimes when merging onto an interstate or pulling out in traffic when you need power. The Jeep hesitates and doesnt move. Get it together Jeep!

• 

  Jeepster - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By shane gipe - January 9 - 3:43 pm

  My Jeep has been reliable and fun to drive but it is too small for hauling my tools for work and also my three children. One downfall I have found with my 93 Jeep is that the frame around the driver and passenger side windows (the doors) is rusting away. These frames are replacable but why are they rusting so bad.

• 

  Nice But Little Things Add Up - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By chesshorse - January 9 - 5:42 am

  I bought the top of the line Sahara with every option available thinking all will be great. Within literally 100 miles the engine started knocking, the driver seat squeaks so bad, the A/C is luke warm, the driver side windshield visor pops off, the painted hard top has haze marks all over it, the windshield makes a whistling noise, driver seat seatbelt area rubs and makes a load noise, and the driver side seat adjuster is making a rub mark on the leather to list a few! Now it has 3,500 miles and I still am trying to make an appointment to get it looked at. I have canceled many appointments because of my work schedule and the service department have limited hours! I am defiantly disappointed!

• 

  Ventnor Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gammon - December 29 - 7:23 am

  This one has so much room--64" and plenty of elbow and leg room--up one weight class from the old body type. The standard shift is smooth and road friendly. Several GSP runs to NYC with comfort and performance all the way. If you keep it under 2000rpms, mileage in 6th gear is very good. The S package, Sunrider top and the 17" wheel options are the way to order this X-model. This Jeep is light years better than my 98 Cherokee 5 speed. There are no quality issues. The V-6 mates perfectly with the 6 speed. The paint, body fit and mechanicals are all German improvements over the last body type. No leaks with the big Sunrider soft top

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Laura - December 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned 2 other jeeps ( a 78 cj5 and a 94 cj) my husband has owned 3 jeeps (a 89 cj and a 99 cj and a 02 liberty)) we have both Loved our old jeeps but with the single life gone they werent practical any longer... Until Now! we have only had our 07 for a couple of weeks but we love it and fight over whos turn it is to take to work. we can fit the babe, the car seat and the groceries with room to spare, still look great... and have fun driving again! The sound system rocks and the drive great. A+ in my book