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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  Versatile and fuel efficient (surprise!) - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By pinondesert - August 19 - 10:46 am

  I bought my Wrangler Unlimited Sahara a couple of weeks ago and have been thoroughly enjoying it. It is not a racer but that is not the point. Whether on the freeway or on muddy dirt roads covered with snow it feels stable and safe. There is plenty of room front and rear and the cargo space is huge. The hard top keeps things quiet and the infinity speaker system rocks. I have the 3.21 differential and have driven for fuel economy. So far mileage is running about 24.5 mpg in a mix of in-town, freeway and back road exploring at 6,000 to 8,000 altitude. Expect to shift a lot at freeway speeds in the mountains, everywhere else it keeps up with traffic. Its my first Jeep. I love it!

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  Jeep Owners Dream - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Geoffrey - August 18 - 5:13 am

  Wow. Its been 6 days and I am still in heaven. The Jeep Wrangler 4 door will go down in history as one of the best things to ever come from DC/Jeep. The 2007 Wrangler (4 door) rides high and comfortable. Entry and exit is something you may need to practice, but I have owned three Jeeps now and it keeps getting better. My one and only negative is that the upward (looking towards traffic lights) visibility is limited with the top on. My Jeep steers true and gets plenty of looks. The gas mileage is low, but again I have owned three Jeeps. The interior space/design is awesome. Plenty of room for 5 adults and a dog!

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  fun and easy - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By 87llc - August 15 - 5:23 am

  We have a 2011 Unlimited 4 door and drive it to Va. all the time from Ct. The ride with the heated leather seats makes it a comfortable. We have the freedom top and when it is on the ride is not at all that loud. We took off the hard top and use only the soft top the last 2 years and now we get a little water under the drivers rug but not much and after all it is a Wrangler. Load capacity is great Air and Heat more than enough the back seat fits 3 with room to spare. People should not but a Wrangler if they want total comfort and luxury. The ride is harder the noise louder but it is the most FUN Car/Suv you can Drive! all for 40 k and in bad weather nothing stops it .

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  I love my Jeep! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepin Tom - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Wrangler because I thought it would be a fun vehicle to drive. Oh, Man! I didnt have a clue! My Jeep is a hundred times more fun than I thought it would be. Nothing like a topless/doorless drive on a nice day. And going off road, well.. thats the the ULTIMATE! You have to be willing to give up a lot of the things that most people feel are so important in a vehicle, like fuel economy, smooth and quiet ride, passenger and cargo room, sporty handling, etc. But the reward in terms of PURE FUN is well worth the sacrifices!

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  Great performance & Fun to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Driver 777 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Runs like a car, attractive interior desing, great performance. Not good in fuel economy.

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  2002 2.5L 4CYL Wranger SE - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By raider88 - August 8 - 6:30 am

  This Jeep was driven at Camp Jeep 2003 in the Blue Ridge mountains. Its been through all kinds of trails and weather. This was even good in the snow for a lightweight. I recommend to everyone the following: Get rid of the Goodyear tires! Since I got 215/75/15 BFG AT KO tires, the Jeep has handled even better and it doesnt slip in the rain. Also get a tow hitch and replace the bumpers. I hope to travel south to the Ynes Mountains for Camp Jeep 2005 in California. I did purchase the sliding glass half upper doors from Quadratec.

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  Very capable Jeep even with the X model - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Squint - August 6 - 8:13 pm

  I have owned my Wrangler X 2Dr for almost 2 months and I love it. I was skeptical at 1st w/ the 3.8L V6 until I racked up about 1000 miles and it finally broke in. It performs quite well now w/ my 33s and the stock 4.10 gearing that come with the Auto. Even the X model is very capable on the trail after numerous outings now. For the interior: the seats are fairly comfortable and modern. However, the dash is hard not to scratch when cleaning dust/dirt; the glove box and center console lock as well as rear floor cargo storage by locking rear swing door. The soft top is definitely quieter than previous models and it secures better around the doors. The headlights and fog lights are improved.

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  New to Jeeps - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BushMan - August 4 - 3:30 pm

  I have always been a Ford guy so when I went to Jeep, it surprised me. I was impressed with the comfort of the ride although riding on the highway is quite uncomfortable. It does have a lot of wind noise but its a Jeep. So far, I havent had any issues with the vehicle yet. I do have minor leaks through the hardtop which I figured was going to happen. I do have some rust spots too but other than that, I hope its a good vehicle.

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  2000 Wrangler Sahara - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeffrey Morris - August 4 - 2:53 am

  Ive owned 3 Jeeps - the others being a 1993 Cherokee and a 2002 Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler is the only one I own now, for almost 7 years. It is mechanically well built, with very little drivetrain repair being needed. I have replaced a starter (warranty) and paid for a new muffler, wiper motor, and various wear items (brakes, serpertine belt). I tend to leave the top down in the summer. One year the steering column filled with water during a rain storm resulting in almost $1K in repairs needed - in the warranty period, but not covered. I have since been more careful to put a trash bag over the column when the top is down. I bought a 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan and kept the Jeep as a fun vehicle.

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  Big fat lemon - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tremeregirl - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream vehicle, emphasis on WAS. Ive had 3 new transmissions, 2 new throw out bearings, a new starter, new clutch, and a new rear differential in under 3 years. I have babied the hell out of this vehicle and have still had all of these issues. Ive put in formal complaints with the dealship as well as with Chrystler to no avail. I cant wait to get rid of this thing! It has spent more time in the shop than on or off the road. NEVER AGAIN.