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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  Fun In The Sun........... - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By billy sanders - September 27 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I really enjoy our jeep we frequent Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer Tx. The four wheeling is awesome. On a nice sunny day we take the top off.

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  Piece of Heaven - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ithndr - September 26 - 11:36 am

  Great looks, great power, well built, driver and passenger friendly, you cant go wrong with the Unlimited.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vampireofthenite - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt wait to go driving on the beach, in the sand, along the water. I have my dream car!

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  Great little buggy - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Codybravo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love mine! Its a bit bouncy and conversing with a passenger at higher speeds can be tough, but its ability to move from paved roads ot off road without missing a beat more than make up for it. I dont find the soft top the "nail breaker" Edmund claims. I can take the top down or put it up in less than 5 minutes. The Jeep is without a doubt just plain fun to drive, especially topless. Ive read some info concerning poor handling on highways. I havent had this problem, but the jeep wasnt intented as a family car. Best vehicle purchase I have ever made.

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  Loving the Rubicon!!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheBigE5 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Awesome ride, most fun car youll ever own. Also has more accessories than youll know what to do with!!

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  There is no Beef - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ninjask8ter - September 22 - 4:10 am

  I Just bought the new 08 x Wrangler as well. Ive owned previous wranglers, but since they stopped making the Sport, my only option that was similar was the X Model. I must concur with the other person who rated this vehicle. I definitely notice the difference between the 4.0 and 3.8. The Jeep is perfect except for the power! Fuel economy will never be good for a Jeep, but theres a give and take. It is very slow starting out, and the six speed manual forces you to change gears more often, at slower speeds. I do hope they go back to the 4.0 liter, and Im sure I will upgrade to the newer model if they did this. I wouldnt be able to switch out the motor on my own, because of the warranty

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  Very disappointing - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By cameronghanson - September 21 - 8:49 pm

  I had sold my 2007 Range Rover to get something "American Made". Unfortunately, all my fears about doing this were realized. Within weeks of getting the Jeep, I found my car in the dealer almost on a weekly basis. One part, the parking brake, failed 4 times. This car is fine for what it is built for...off roading in extreme conditions. Its amazing to me that this car is STILL 2 wheel drive, which the majority of the time, is extremely inconvenient. If in 4wheel drive, it has considerable power hop when turning, cant exceed more 55mph. Very disappointing car.

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  BEST JEEP EVER - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JONW - September 12 - 10:00 pm

  I ordered this Jeep back in October, then found out that they had a leaking problem with the hard tops so I waited. I didnt get my Jeep until January of 2007 and its well worth the wait. I had a 2000 Jeep Wrangler which isnt a family car at all. I didnt want to break down and get a 4 door family car until I saw this. By far this was the car to have. My wife was happy that now it is a family car but its still a FUN car to drive. I cant wait until summer time so I will be able to take off the top. More people will be getting whiplash when they see a 4 door convertible coming down the road.

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  Not for everyone. Thats how I like it! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By GrungeRockJeeper - September 9 - 5:53 pm

  Its slow, loud, heavy, gets horrible gas mileage and lousy on long trips. But I love this truck! After 3 CJS and 1 YJ this is my 5th Jeep. It looks great, will climb anything, pull anything, is great fun with the top and doors off and is apparently indestructible after hitting a concrete wall at 40+mph with only minimal damage then driving away!

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  Its A Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nancyw - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to a Wrangler Rubicon, and I love it. It is much easier to park, and maneuver around town. Granted I dont have near as much hauling room, but that makes me think twice about buying somethings. I have both hard and soft top, which I would highly recomend. I love my JEEP.