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:

• 

  Outstanding Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jamie - September 6 - 2:23 pm

  I owned a 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade and was very impressed by the durability. I traded the Liberty in for a 2009 Unlimited Sahara 4WD, which is far superior to the Liberty. The Sahara drives smoother, is more comfortable, and more versatile. I love the freedom hard top. I am able to remove the front half without help. I purchase on with the navigation system, which I highly recommend. It is also a DVD Player and allows for me to upload my music in the system-No more CDs!! Even though it was difficult to trade the Liberty, I am very satisfied with the 4-door Sahara. Plus, you cannot beat Jeeps Powertrain!

• 

  Jeep #4 - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By SCHWIES - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this jeep for my wife, she really wanted this color, trim, etc. I could not talk her into a Rubicon, for the same price, although I really love my dads new one. She is more about sound systems, fun, and comfort than capability. Hendrick was easy to deal with and she loves her new jeep!

• 

  Get One..youll love it - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Get1 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2003 Inca Gold pearl coat X, I love it. Looks good, drives good. Youll overlook all of its shortcomings when it puts a smile on your face!

• 

  Better than my 2000 Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bahrain_jeepster - September 3 - 1:53 pm

  I know its the baby Jeep (with the 2.4), but for the kind of wheeling I do, its as good a compromise between getting there on the highway and then being in the mountains. My Jeep has helped to clean up from hurricanes while stationed in GTMO, to treking in the deserts of the middle east. Only got stuck once, in an orchard here in the states. I had the wrong tires to deal with the mud, heck the tractor almost got stuck as well! I traded my 2000 Grand Cherokee for this and I have never looked back! Will not trade it for love nor money! Not a speed demon on the road, but keeps up with traffic.

• 

  5,000 miles and loving it! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By redsoxnpats - August 31 - 3:23 pm

  Owned 03 Liberty, traded it for 08 Wrangler 4 door in mid-September and love it. We avg 300+ miles a week commuting and the car gets between 17- 19 miles a gallon. Seats are comfortable, car handles well. Gets lots of looks. Owning the Jeep is like owning a piece of Americana. This car is steeped in tradition. Once you remove the soft top from the rear, and the hard top is on, there is plenty of cargo space. Handles well if youre driving along at 70 plus miles an hour. Yes there is wind noise, but mostly at high speeds. Nice speaker system. Its 50-56 dollars to fill the tank @ $3.00 a gallon when close to empty. Nice hidden compartment in the rear to hold an ER Kit. Im extremely satisfied.

• 

  Jeep wrangler sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gulfrader - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Love riding around in a jeep

• 

  i got taken - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By policeroadking - August 25 - 1:53 pm

  Oh it rides ok, on a flat bed tow truck. Bottom end rattles/hard top leaks & still leaks.Tranny leaks /soft top leaks /no power/had to pull it out of snow pile with my 2000 Jeep /I dont like it /50 % of miles are taking it to service dept!

• 

  Wrangler Right Hand Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By 08WranglerRHD - August 22 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep new in September of 2007 to replace my 98 right hand drive Cherokee. I owned the Jeep less than two months when the first problem occurred. The removable roof panel on the right side developed a leak. The warranty covered the repair. The next problem wasnt until February of 09 at 38k miles,out of my warranty period, the horn stopped working. I had the repair made in September of 2009 at 52k miles when the airbag light came on. I called Chrysler and filed a complaint once I found it to be a faulty clockspring inside the steering column, they covered my repair due to safety concerns. The last problem occurred in December of 09 at 60k when the water pump went out.

• 

  Great ride - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Moondogs - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my jeep for two years and love it. Its best for around town and especially with the bikini top on in summer. Always a fun, reliable ride. Ive taken it on a couple of all day trips and dont recommend it. Lots of wind noise; I drive my corvette on any long trips now. 13,000 miles and everything is perfect.

• 

  Second and Best Jeep Ive ever owned - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ndared1 - August 20 - 4:03 pm

  My first time to purchase a Wrangler tuned out to be the greatest. I drove a new 2006 and two new 07s; one stick and one auto, purchased the stick. A Jeep to me should only be a stick. What a nice vehicle, the 07 tops seem much tighter on the vehicle than the 06. Plenty of power with the new V6 and the tranny is smooth, German manufacturer I think.