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:

• 

  04 Sport 5-speed - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JRod - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Positives. Ive never owned a convertable and you CAN NOT beat going topless in a Wrangler. It zips around town with ease once you get used to it being a bit bumpy. Ive yet to take it off-road so I cant comment on it just yet. Negatives. I drive about 80 miles (90% e-way) a day and this is my only vehicle. Now, Im pretty rugged and outdoorsy but this isnt a e-way car. They tend to be blown around quite a bit and seem to get a bit squirlie above 65-70mph. Ive also got issues with the tranny. When the vehicle is running and the tranny is in neutral it sounds like a couple marbles rolling around. The tranny is also clunky and doesnt shift smoothly.

• 

  Rent one before you buy one - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By SciFiChick - March 20 - 4:26 am

  What can I say, had I rented it for a week, I would not have bought it. In the heat it smells like cheap marine plastic melting in the sun. If you use the highway, youre safer in someone elses car, this one stalls. The middle of the back seat has NO SUPPORT so it sinks in. The plastic scratches very easily. I cannot wait to get rid of my Jeep.

• 

  Absolute BLAST at low speeds - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By Spencer Cooke - March 16 - 11:16 pm

  As long as you can accept what a Jeep WONT do, you can truly enjoy what it WILL do. WONT go over 70 mph WONT save you money on gas WONT impress your girlfriends mother but it WILL go ANYWHERE at about 5 mph WILL save you money up front (its cheap) WILL look good when dirty This is the coolest vehicle you can obtain for under $5000. Make sure that its got a manual tranny, 33" tires or larger and a good top. 6-cyl is fast and has a more-reliable transmission but also gulps fuel - but if fuel economy was the point, youd drive a prius. Get the soundbar, take off the doors and live a little.

• 

  I love It - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slimmin - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It is a Jeep. This thing will climb a mountain in off the showroom form and look good in the process. The noise and the rough on-road ride are part of the attraction. My wife and I have had lots of fun in this vehicle. It brings a smile to my face seeing it in the garage.

• 

  Nothing Like it - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By 03 Wrangler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Jeep for a week now and I must say that it is the best Vehicle that I have owned. The 2.4l 4 cylinder is much more powerful then the 2.5l of older models. Ride is a little stiff, but what can you expect it is a Wrangler after all. I have taken it out on the trails once already and it rode nice. Cant wait for the lift kit and bigger tires.

• 

  Fun fun fun! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Devils fiddle - March 2 - 12:16 am

  Very nice to drive, only draw back is the backseat has no access and trunk space has gotten smaller compared to years past. Very quiet ride and comfortable it rides like a Cherokee Jeep and has the same dashboard. Overhead speakers are too soft, youll have to upgrade if your picky about that stuff. Front speakers are ok.

• 

  Love my jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By David - February 28 - 11:58 am

  I love my jeep, dont get me wrong I have spent a lot of money in aftermarket parts, lift, wheels & tires, bumpers, lights, etc. But I love to drive this vehicle

• 

  One Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Vet - February 25 - 8:06 pm

  Having owned CJ5s and Scramblers in the past I am well pleased with this Jeep. I dont understand the previous reviews complaining about room, MPG etc. This is an off road vehicle, not a cruiser/SUV. It is very comfortable compared to the previous Jeeps I have owned and has almost every feature you could ask for. I live in East TN close to Windrock Mountain and Tellico. Although not great in the mud in its stock form (you need a lift & bigger tires to do any serious mudding), it will climb a brick wall. Snow and bad weather are no sweat for this thing. For years I would not buy a Jeep because I thought they were not as tough as the older models. This may still be true, but I am well pleased.

• 

  love our x - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By nelson - February 24 - 7:43 am

  This is the 6th Jeep Ive owned and the best, although the 47 cj2a was almost as fun to drive. The power to fuel economy ratio is fine for us. With a catback exhaust and k&n air filter we brought both up. By selecting the x with s pkg. Along with locking diff. And sway bar disconnect we have all the offroad guts we need without geting the more spendy Rubicon. Also Jeeps are for the most part made in the USA and by not retooling design every year are more eco friendly and less expensive. My only change would be a seperate swing away spare tie and drop down tailgate. (makes a fine bench) we expect to own our x for a long time so the lifetime drive warrenty is also Nice-----thanks

• 

  love it ? hell yeah !!! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 0llll0 - February 21 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this used 1997 Jeep wrangler se with the little 2.5 and a five speed man. Trans.. A little over 3 years ago the money was well spent. And I say that with a smile. Have put about 5 grand into it for the suspension and wheels soft top 33" tires with a 4" lift .. Have to remind myself its not a sports car and the gas mileage is Rather good. Will I buy another Jeep. Hell yes.