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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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By SeattleGuy - August 16 - 5:43 pm

  I love this vehicle. So much fun. Going up hills in my hometown of Seattle is no problem. Driving at the beach is a blast and the high profile makes crossing rivers no hassle. It is great to help everyone else out of the sand. ; )

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  Spence loves his jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Spence - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Is it love? I think it is! My jeep never ceases to exite me with the confidence inspiring performance put out by the solid straight six engine nestled in the front of the car. This engine, not found in any other Chrysler brand, puts out a more than adaquite 190 hp and an exhilarating 210 ft/lbs of torque. Though this is certainly no road car, being far more suitable for off-roading, it still is a hoot to drive. I also love the fact that It makes most of its torque at IDLE and that its 4WD low gear ratios turn its 210 ft/lbs into more like 600 for truly incredible off road ability.

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  Still the best 4x4 on the road - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dathenous - August 8 - 2:00 am

  As a previous Jeep owner, I had an idea of what I was getting into, but after buying and driving my new 2004 Wrangler, I found that it was a whole new beast. The engine feels very beefy, lots of power. I opted for the 4-speed auto, which is IMHO the biggest enhancement of these new models. The interior is much quieter when driving at highway speed. If youre looking for a fun 4x4 convertible, this is your only option. If you need to haul, well, anything, this is not for you (very limited storage space).

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  Not Happy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - August 6 - 11:30 am

  At first things were going well. I have had my Wrangler just under 6 months. and already had an issue. An ice storm hit my house a branch went through the soft top. Next day had a check from the insurance comp. felling pretty good. Took the jeep to the dealership who sold me my jeep they replied no problem we will order one have it here in 2 days. One week later and shipping my jeep 4 counties away still no jeep. The soft tops do not fit. Before the accident great! Do not ever let anything happen to yours because there is no replacement. At this time I am looking to trade it on a truck or some other 4x4. Love 4x4 hate the jeep!

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  Great little tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By katiec3 - August 5 - 4:22 pm

  I have only had her about a month, and this is my first car. I always wanted a jeep and waited until I found a good deal, and I can honestly say it was well worth the money even though shes 15 years old. My boyfriend calls her "the tank" and makes fun of me for driving it, but he just doesnt get it! Its not the smoothest ride, it doesnt accelerate fast, and she has her quirks, but well see what he says when Im pulling his brand new chevy cruze out of snowbanks all winter, offroading by myself all summer and mowing down zombies during the apocolypse. It runs like a top and so far, I am very pleased. Im officially a Jeep Girl!

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  JEEPaholic - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By 323kidd - August 4 - 12:06 am

  I purchased my 2 door rubicon 2 months ago and have put 2500 miles on since. First time wrangler owner and I absolutely love this vehicle. I am used to driving German luxury cars with precise handling and power but I have a permanent grin when driving my ruff and tumble rubicon. My 4 year old daughter has little trouble working her way into the back seat. Do not buy one if you want fuel economy, excess room, or a smooth ride....do buy one if you seek adventure, your not afraid to get off the pavement sometimes, and you like to smile alot.

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  Love my Rubi - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BNGPN - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Rubicon and have been pleasantly surprised with its performance and comfort. I had purchased a 98 Wrangler SE new for my son 6 years ago, and he still is in love with it. It doesnt look at all like the jeep we bought, due to all the excellent upgrades that are available. But it has been trouble free, so I expect the same out of the Rubicon. The difference between the 4.0 litre and the 2.4 is big in performance and smoothness. The Rubicon also is a much more comfortable ride with the Quadracoil and gas shocks, and generally has pretty good road manners.

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  check it out - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By fro - August 2 - 2:00 am

  a little gutless 4 all the hype..after market chip,exaust,air brought it up to expectation...now a lift will be a killer road worthy,trail worthy,daily driver

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  I Wont Miss It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By MyMistake - August 1 - 7:20 am

  I bought my Jeep Saraha Unlimited in August of 08. I traded my Honda Ridgeline because I wanted to drive American. Big mistake! The Jeep is very underpowered. If I even tow an empty 5x8 enclosed trailer, I know it is there. When I tow a single Waverunner the Jeep struggles and revs excessively. It is a good off road vehicle, if that is what you are looking for. I have had Jeeps before and this one was an improvement in areas like ride and interior comfort. Keep in mind that even with the longer wheelbase, the ride is still that of a Jeep. It is a lot of work to take it on a trip of 300 miles of more. It is affected by small amounts of wind and the interior is noisy. Not recommended by me.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By hinge1616 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Wrangler. It the most fun car to drive that Ive ever imagine. Its versatile, looks great and surprisingly practical. I will always own one, even if it is as a second car.