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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  Been Around The World...and Back! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By DJ... - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. From extremes of cold winters in South Dakota, extreme heat of Turkey, fast driving of Italy, and tropical climate of Guam...this Jeep has never let me down. First problem happened at 84K when the catalitic converter went out...thats not bad. Will still line up with a new 4.0L and run the clock. Shes still purring awesome with over 100K on her. Wish I could say the same for my 97 with only 50K!!

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  I love my new Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By dlivr8r - November 24 - 10:00 am

  There are only a few things Id add to the Jeep -- see suggestions below -- and nothing I would truly alter. The Wrangler is doggedly reliable, endlessly versatile, and the most fun you can have with your clothes on. At least the Jeep can go topless if you cant.

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  Fun in the Sun - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vlad - November 21 - 2:36 am

  Bought a Jeep 2 years ago in Philly where lived. I love to put my soft top down in the summer months, love to drive in the snow - its so much fun. Recently i have moved to Miami, and now i can have my soft top down all year round because its always nice weather here. Recently I drove my Jeep with the top down on the sand on the beach; it was so much fun. If you live near the beach, try it you will not be disappointed.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brents Jeep - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The most fun I have had with a vehicle. At some point everyone should own one. It looks great, drives great and will go anywhere you want it too. Not to mention it is great for parallel parking.

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  New sport - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doobie - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Only two weeks of heavy driving so far, but it all I expected....FUN. Pleanty of low end and mid range torque. Accelerates decently. Getting 17 mpg with mixed, but mostly city driving with the A/C on. Would not be my choice for a family car; but, since my wife has the minivan, the family part is covered. This is for fun and commuting. I cant imagine anything more versatile. Just buy it.

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  Best Ride Ever! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeff - November 16 - 1:30 am

  I bought my Jeep Wrangler as a demo in 1998. Ive put 188,000 miles on it and have been more then happy with it since day 1. It goes everywhere, from the tropics to winter blizzards. Ive owned many high end vehicles and get more enjoyment out of this Jeep then any of the others!

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By waltmac71 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I have used my Jeep for around town and out of town trips for over 3 years with never a problem. The only drawback is the noisey drive....but it makes up for it in how enjoyable it is to drive.

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  My first jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Howard Arndt - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a few weeks ago I drove a jeep for the first time. I never considered one before because of hearing about how easy they were to tip over. Although after driving it I found that I felt just as safe in it as any other suv.

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  STOP & look @ this - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian Peterson - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Make special note to yourself when driving a Wrangler that the wheels are very prone to locking up on dry pavement. Ive taken tactical driving courses & have driven everything from Police cruizers & armored trucks to Ambulances-However, my 2004 X model is still @ the body shop. (As embarrassing as it is) At 40mph the vehicle locked & slid one& a half car lengths on dry pavement.

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  Awesome Jeep for FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fijiman - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a Grand Cherokee and have exchanged the SUV version for the Wrangler ... It is awesome ... I was worried about the engine, but the 6cl does a great job... its fun Ive had it in mud and on the beached of NCs outer banks ... Ive even towed a boat ... youll love this vehicle