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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  Top Shelf - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By RockHead - July 16 - 9:50 am

  What can I say. Im all about Jeeps. CJs, YJs, TJs, XJs Ive had them all. Bar none this one is the best one ever. Looked at H3. Poser. Way overpriced, too. I got the hardtop sport with ac, cruise, tilt, 6 spd manual and its a blast to drive! Turns heads.I get 18.9 combined and just under 22 on trips. Other people here complaining about gas mileage I dont understand. My old CJ5 still gets 10mpg with a six cyl. Its a brick with wheels, deal with it. And underpowered? Are you kidding? 200hp with a V6? It is geared down for torque not speed. Want speed buy a wrx. Ill pull you out too! Buy it, tear it apart, rebuild it...it is still a simple truck. Dont need posh and trinkets. Its a jee

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  Awsome Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Raptorboi - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Never had a Problem, Best Vehicle ever owned.

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  Best Jeep Ever - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By MikeP - July 9 - 10:33 pm

  The versatility of the Unlimited cant be beat. Better than expected MPG. The Freedom top is great for nice days (no leaks either). Can go anywhere and have fun doing it. Our 3rd Jeep - previously drove 2000 XJ and 2003 KJ. This one is the best yet. Looks great clean or covered in mud. Its a Jeep thing. f you dont understand, then oh well.

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  Good Stuff - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - July 7 - 10:03 pm

  Ive owned 2 Jeeps prior (81CJ & 99TJ). I have been waiting for a model to come along that retained Jeep "toughness" with more refinements and convenience (got old and picky!). Wish they had put out a V8, but the motor is still a vast improvement especially with the 4.10 gear ratio. The LOUD and well-done stereo is as nice as any new sedan. The ride also got much quieter. Not sure how they did that! Overall I think Jeep did a wonderful job.

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  Finally a Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By C Wisehart - July 5 - 12:13 pm

  Just bought my first Wrangler yesterday and I love it. Owned a Liberty and gave it to the wife, now she wants this one. It handles like it should. The quality is outstanding and the design is proven and perfect. Not recomended to one desiring cushy creature comforts but I love it!

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  Fun to drive and reliable too - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Well keep in mind that a Jeep Wrangler is supposed to be loud, noisy, bumpy, and not aerodynamic!! Its not meant to go 75 mph uphill, its an off road vehicle. Though Ive never had a problem going around 65 uphill on the highway and mine is a 2.5L 4cylinder. I love the fact that I know that Ill drive through any weather condition. Ive dealt with eight inches of snow, ice, and really heavy rain with quarter inch hail stones. I love the interior, sound bar, and soft top roof that comes down so easy. I dont think Ill ever drive anything but a Jeep Wrangler.

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  Good, Solid Car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan111 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Never have had any problems with this vehicle. Runs great and fun to drive

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  Review - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chez - June 28 - 11:43 pm

  This is the second Jeep I have owned. By far the best ride, but there are too many Plastic parts (i. e. the skid plate, grill, and door interior). I improved my mileage by 3 mpg and horsepower by 23 with after market products. Great off road performance. A joy to drive.

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  my yippi - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By ashmanart - June 27 - 3:11 pm

  I just bought a 95 wrangler rio grande edition 4x4 soft top. it has air conditioning, a warn winch and a new top. Only 41000 miles on it. it was babied - the last owner (Im the 3rd) took good care of it as did the original owner. I had a 59 CJ and a 51 Willys Overland. I love this car. I bought it for myself for my 65th birthday and its my daily driver for a 13 mile commute. This 4 cylinder is an upgrade of the flathead "hurricane" engine and has twice the horsepower. Cruise at 75 making 3200 RPM. What could be better. Im keeping this baby!

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  Mileage not that bad - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By djd2engr - June 24 - 1:06 pm

  My wife bought me the 65th Year Anniversary Edition Jeep for my 50th birthday. Its been great fun to drive. The ride is better than I expected and the sunrider top is super!! We drove from Maine to Florida and were pleasantly surprised at how well it drove on the highway. We also travel to Boston frequently and I average over 21 mpg when the cruise control is set @ 60mph. It is not the most practical vehicle we have ever owned but, it is the most fun. With the back seat folded down we have just enough room for our 2 Golden Retrievers.