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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By TC Schmidt - May 22 - 7:40 pm

  First Jeep I have owned. Hwy driving provides 20-22 mpg at 65mph. Virtually zero maintenance problems. Easy handling in tight spaces and turns on a dime. Noisy on the highway with softop but very quite with hardtop. Transmission shifts very smoothly and plenty of compliments received regarding the exterior and interior design. Fun to drive.

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  Awesome to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By smaherali - May 21 - 10:00 am

  A fun and exciting ride! Not really a family car but for driving pleasure,it is so awesome. The power, the handeling, and the feeling of a jeep is so unique that it is beyon words.

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  Long live the Jeeps - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ippa - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine used with 35,000 miles almost 2 years ago. I now have 65,000 and have not had one problem with the Jeep. Its great in the snow for winter and awesome in the summer... Offroading it really shines. Rocks, sand, trails, hill climbing it does it all. I removed the back seat for added space but now its a two seater. Ill keep this one for a while.

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  What jeep are 4 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By mudpuppy - May 19 - 10:00 am

  The jeep is bad on gas, yup, but not that bad. Everything is nice. Now go take the top down, find some power lines or a mud hole, and put in first, maybe second thatÂ’s it, go slow, up and over everything, enjoy life, the clean air, get lost. This is why you buy a jeep, I mean you do not have to go nuts wheeling, just put the top down, find a quite dirt road and smile. I have owned many this one is only 2 or 3 months old, I have found only a small squeak where the spare is attached. I have added some hella 500 driving lights and tow hooks, small shovel and some other items, so I help other stuck people.

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  What jeep are 4 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mudpuppy - May 19 - 10:00 am

  The jeep is bad on gas, yup, but not that bad. Everything is nice. Now go take the top down, find some power lines or a mud hole, and put in first, maybe second thatÂ’s it, go slow, up and over everything, enjoy life, the clean air, get lost. This is why you buy a jeep, I mean you do not have to go nuts wheeling, just put the top down, find a quite dirt road and smile. I have owned many this one is only 2 or 3 months old, I have found only a small squeak where the spare is attached. I have added some hella 500 driving lights and tow hooks, small shovel and some other items, so I help other stuck people.

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  Glad to be a Owner of a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Love my Jeep - May 16 - 3:20 am

  I am very pleased to be a owner of my Jeep. It is fun to ride and has many looks (top half-way off, all the way off, doors off, or just take it all off!). I never knew about the Wrangler family but as soon as I started driving I quickly found out. The four doors have great space and handles well. As for gas (gas is just to high to even say anything good about that) but its ok. The hard doors with electric is the way to go. I have a soft top and wind is still a little issue but not that bad (will soon get a hard top). But over all very happy.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2017 Jeep Wrangler
  By Adam Brunson - May 6 - 7:00 am

  This is a solid vehicle that holds its value. However, because of its popularity, there is less room to negotiate the price. The best I could do was $3,600 of MSRP. In the end, I feel that I got a great vehicle at a fair price.

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  Loving my Jeep - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By 2014blackjku - May 4 - 4:35 am

  I have a bare bones 6spd hardtop Wrangler Unlimited and I love it. After owning a S2000 for 10 years, I decided I needed a new vehicle for my expanding family. I wanted a convertible, I needed to seat more than 2 people and I wanted something that can get me up the hill to my house in the snow. The Jeep is the only car on the market that fits my needs. It is a rough ride, slow (especially up hills) and handles poorly but I could care less. I love how this car drives. It reminds me of driving around College in my buddys defender.

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  this is a good car - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By harvster - April 28 - 12:03 pm

  excellent handling

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  Love My Wrangler but... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By lh - April 26 - 8:13 am

  Only owned it for a month but, love it, except for one thing. Fun to drive and so many cool things you can do to it. Very smooth drive. Theyve improved a lot. However, a very annoying feature that I didnt discover until after my purchase. They apparently did away with the passenger seat feature that allowed it to pop up and foward making entry into the back seat easy. Now its very difficult to get in the back seat. My kids just climb over now. If youre an adult, forget about it! Jeep really needs to rethink that change. Gas mileage has improved but, definitely more room for improvement.