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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  Only for the 1st 10-20,0000 miles - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bronze8020 - December 30 - 7:43 am

  Less than 30,0000 miles - I expected better. Rear caliper froze up destroyed rotor at 20,000 miles - Caliper under warranty - rotor not even though the warranty part destroyed it. Now at almost 30,000 miles it inexplicably bucks violently and uncontrollably once in a while when I let off the gas. Scary experience at 55 mph in traffic - wont stop till you get off the road and shut the car off. No trouble found at dealership. My advice? Dont buy one !

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  Capable and fun to drive - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By T. Snook - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased brand new, first Jeep and I could not be happier. It is not comfortable on long trips, short on available interior room for passengers or gear, and gets poor fuel mileage, but I absolutely love to drive it. It has gotten me through a few blizzards, some local flooding, and everything else mother nature can throw at me. Fun to drive no matter what time of year, great to put the top down. Very utilitarian controls. Heater very strong. This Jeep has been the most trustworthy "friend" I have had!

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  Me and my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wulffan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep. No other vehichle Ive owned has given me such a good feeling to drive. The Jeep just feels so right in so many ways. I took her out "wheelin" right after break-in period. I only took her on what wheelers call "the doe run", (easy trails), after all, it is a brand new vehicle. Only modification is bigger tires. (I really dont understand why they even put small tires on at the factory, it just isnt right on a jeep.) I was absolutely amazed at the obstacles I went over easily. After the 2nd worst winter in NYs history with it, and now a hot summer, I can truly say this is a vehicle for all seasons.

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  My favorite Wrangler ... so far! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By MSJEEPGUY - December 25 - 5:56 pm

  Ive owned several Wranglers, including the new Unlimited, and while the 98 is the oldest (and most experienced) ... so far, its my favorite. The 2.5L 4 fits me better than the previous 4.0L engines, and this one is also my first with a manual tranny. Aside from a bit more road noise (a great excuse to add a "monster" audio system) than my other Jeeps, I have no complaints. The economy of the 4 cylinder is fine for me. Its a fun little utility vehicle, and I guess Ive been lucky, but Ive had no mechanical issues with any of the Wranglers Ive owned, putting a collective 150,000 miles on them. Ill never be without a Wrangler as long as I live.

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  never apologize it is a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By geb brown - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I live in rural Southwest-it gets me thru the monsoons in summer-snows in winter-across the rocks anytime I want to take a shortcut home and always starts when I need it. It is reliable and fun-I could buy any car I wanted- but this is Jeep and Truck country and thats just the way we want it. P.S. Keep your hi-lift auto zone princess jeeps in Phoenix or Las Vegas where you both belong.

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  Love the Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep boy - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I just "downgraded" from a Ford F150 that I owned for six years. The F150 was huge, safe, and had tons of cargo space. The Jeep is a huge improvement. Better seats that support my back, easy to park, convertible, corners without throwing things around the cabin, stops more easily, and still has tons of torque and power. What it lacks in practicality, it makes up for in its near-motorcycle fun factor without the requisite organ donation.

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  I Love My Wrangler - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By tmgj - December 19 - 8:20 pm

  I have my Wrangler as a toy, not a daily driver but whenever the weather is nice, its my daily driver. The 4 cylinder gets around great in town, slow on the highway but it wasnt made for highway. I have a Rampage bowless soft top thats really nice. A 90s jeep is cheaper than a new 4 wheeler and a lot more fun! Aftermarket parts and modifications are never ending, you can do anything you want to a jeep(if you have the money).

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  Jeep 2003 is an awesome 4x4 convertible - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By yepper - December 12 - 2:46 pm

  Im living in Alaska. Life is good in a Jeep. This vehicle has a soft top which makes it the perfect Alaskan convertible. I have had it for about 4 years now and have great experiences. Never stuck in the snow, never miss the sun, and it even tows my little trailer.

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  Jeep X - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cernuto - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the performance of the Wrangler. It is certainly a Spartan vehicle and is designed with the intention of off highway usuage. However I would not recommend it as the primary mode of transportation for someone who routinely travels more than 50 miles from home.

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  2010 Jeep Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andy - December 8 - 7:40 am

  First jeep Ive owned and I LOVE it!! Added K&N cold air intake system. Mileage remained the same, power and sound increased! Sets you back in the seat while catching 2nd, engine GULPS for air when throttle down, sounds MEAN! Also added Westin step bar, and trailer hitch. Mileage 15-16 in city, 18-19 on road. Nice ride, built tough!