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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  Jeep Lover - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By BEnglish017 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Growing up around Jeeps I have always loved them. I didnt care for the first models of Jeep Wranglers (square headlights) but the newer ones are awsome. Mine isnt for offroading so I cant say how well it does off road but every review says the do really well. I read one review where it hung with a Hummer. I probably will own a jeep for the rest of my life.

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  Jeep is fun stuff. - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By champ306 - July 7 - 5:30 am

  I am coming off owning sports cars, I really find this thing entertaining. For one it handles the road just fine, and what I mean, it eats up the crappy roads. Potholes, cracks, bridges. yes, no worry anymore. Sick of scrubbing your nose on your porsche? Buy a Jeep. Seriously, its that fun. Fun to drive, great stereo, top off fun when wanted, oh yeah and 4x4 like few others out there.

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  Unstoppable, Rugged, Stylish, and FUN! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By mrmoon04 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The Wrangler is an amazing off-road vehicle- by far the most capable of the Jeep family. I live in Wisconsin on a ranch and it gets me through some wicked bad snow and mud. Mine does have the I-4 2.5 Liter and I DO NOT think its underpowered, especially with a manual tranny. And I can get 20 mpg if Im careful. I would only reccommend a manual in any Wrangler. I have no problem maintaining my freeway speed. Yes, its noisy, but its a Wrangler, not a Grand Cherokee. Itll kick a Cherokees butt off-road. You get used to the wind noise. I absolutely love my Wrangler.

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  So good, So far - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris92307 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been my first new vehicle purchased that did not have a warranty issue within the first 30 days. I have actually had none after 35000 miles. I wish I got the power of the gas the gas used but this thing is supposed to be off road. Even with the stock "tires" I was not scared to take it off road. Now that I put bigger tires on I can better a lot of dirt bikes when it comes to hills. This is the best vehicle I have owned and would reccomend it to anyone who wants to go off road.

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  joel - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By joel morris - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is in awesome condition, exterior and interior. It has a great engine and is so much fun. It has only had 10,000 miles per year put on it, which is awesome and it had great up keep.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Toos - June 24 - 7:10 pm

  I have been driving Jeeps for years. I love having the ability to go where I need to go no matter what the road conditions are. The new Wrangler is an improvement of a proven product line, and it gives me the capabilities I am looking for. Frankly, if you dont want a Jeep why bother with the other SUVs? They are simply cars with lower mileage and no performance in rough conditions. My only complaint is there is no diesel engine option, but thats true for the rest of the manufacturers too. The Wrangler is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels. Its not an SUV, its a Jeep!

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By WAjeeper - June 23 - 3:26 pm

  This vehicle is a tremendous amount of fun with the soft top and removable doors. Power is more than adequate for its size and weight. Extremely reliable; the only maintenance issues I have had in two and a half years are regular oil and filter changes every 3000 miles. Gas mileage is 15-17 mpg. Its a rough, loud ride, but its a Jeep not a Camry. Unstoppable off road. Cargo room and towing capacity are limited, but again you must realize what this vehicle is designed for and what it is not designed to do. Every vehicle has limitations and the Jeep is no exception. But it excels at what it was designed to do and I love it. I would buy another without hesitation.

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  good car/not so good gas mileage - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By bandy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  solid car but guzzles gas. Love driving it but not good if you have kids because theres not enough room. Great for singles and teenagers. Trustworthy car that youll love to drive.

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  Love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By rtg77 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so many compliments about a vehicle. My other car is a Volvo s80 so Ive gone to the other extreme with this Jeep

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  4.0L Yes 2.5L NO - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By GotMach - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep. Its been a fun dependable car that Ive took off roading many times and have never had a problem with it. It only has 70,000 but everything works and it still runs great after all the abuse I put it through. There are only 3 think I dislike and they are: 1. Soft tops are noisy on the Highway. 2. Gas Mileage stinks 3. 2.5L Has now power in 5th gear and stinks on long drives. I find myself downshifting alot on long highway trips.