The Wrangler is an iconic vehicle that defines the Jeep brand with its reputation for stalwart off-road prowess and roots dating back to World War II and the original Willys Jeep. After the war, the Civilian Jeep (CJ) was produced from the mid-1940s through 1986, first by Willys, then by Kaiser-Jeep and American Motors Corporation (AMC) then, when Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it created the first Jeep Wrangler with a lot of AMC-produced parts. In fact, the last AMC-developed engine wasn’t discontinued until 2012.
Though the Jeep Wrangler has been modernized throughout the years, adding digital displays, a four-door option, and even a power-operated canvas top, it stays true to its roots with a separate body and frame, rigid live axels, a tapered nose, fender flares, a fold-flat windshield, removable doors, and a heavy-duty four-wheel drive system.
Today’s Jeep Wrangler is a picture of modernity with power windows, navigation systems, premium audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, front and side airbags, and push-button start. But the design perpetually harks back to an earlier time, with the classic seven-slot grille and the option to ditch the windshield and the doors.
Jeep Wrangler: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Jeep Wrangler Pros and Cons
- Jeep Wrangler Generations
- Jeep Wrangler Fourth Generation (2019–Present)
- Jeep Wrangler Third Generation (2007–2018)
- Jeep Wrangler Second Generation (1997–2006)
- Jeep Wrangler First Generation (1986–1995)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jeep Wrangler years are the best?
If you look at CarComplaints.com, the second generation and current generation of the Jeep Wrangler seem to have the fewest problems and complaints. Consumer Reports generally shows poor predictive reliability across the board, but the last couple years have been trending upwards. So, we’d say newer is probably better – especially if the factory warranty is still valid.
What are the worst Jeep Wrangler years?
The third generation Jeep Wrangler logs the most problems on CarComplaints.com, with the 2007 model being known for the “death wobble”—sudden and uncontrollable movement of the front suspension, which is very apparent through the steering wheel—and 2008 logging the most complaints of any other model year. However, the website dubs 2012 the worst model year due to electrical problems.
Is a used Jeep Wrangler a good deal?
If you’re willing to take a risk on a vehicle known for reliability issues, there are plenty of good deals to be had. We see second-generation Wranglers on sale for less than $5,000, and third-gen vehicles priced at less than $10,000. Even examples of the most recent fourth-generation model can be found for less than $15,000.
Jeep Wrangler Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unparalleled offroad chops
- Removable top and doors
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Poor ride quality on tarmac
- Excessive wind noise at highway speeds
- Less cargo volume than other SUVs
Jeep Wrangler Generations
Jeep Wrangler Fourth Generation (2019–Present)
The fourth-generation Jeep Wrangler—referred too by the manufacturer as the Wrangler JL—looks remarkably similar to its predecessors, but it received significant upgrades. It’s longer and wider, for better accessibility, plus it offers new and updated engines, an easier-to-fold windshield, easier-to-remove doors, an optional Sky One-Touch Power Top, zipperless soft tops, blind-spot monitoring, improved off-road capability, and better on-road performance.
This new Jeep generation retained the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and added a 270-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which is available with all trims. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the V6, while an eight-speed automatic is optional with the V6 and standard with the four-cylinder engine. A 260-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel engine was available from 2020 to 2023 and, in 2021, Jeep introduced a Hemi V8-powered version of the Rubicon trim level, called the Rubicon 392, which delivers 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque.
This generation also saw the debut of the first electrified version in 2021: the Jeep Wrangler 4xe with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
The interior may look retro but it’s thoroughly modern, with push-button start as standard and an available digital gauge cluster, and all models can be equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The fourth-gen Wrangler uses the Uconnect infotainment system across the board, but depending on trim is available in five, seven, or 8.4-inch displays.
In terms of safety, the Wrangler JL adds standard side-impact airbags, available driver-assist features, and a lower beltline to increase visibility out of the windows. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found this generation has the propensity to overturn during the small front overlap crash test and gives it a marginal score for this metric.
Changes throughout this generation have included the addition of optional adaptive cruise control in 2019 and an Xtreme Recon package with 35-inch all-terrain tires and suspension lift in 2021.
The JL got a mid-cycle refresh in 2024, which included new tire and wheel combinations, a different grille design, a new Rubicon X trim, updated Uconnect, standard 12-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and redesigned center stack.
The original MSRP for vehicles in this generation range from $24,000 for a base Wrangler Sport in 2018 to $100,000 for a Wrangler Rubicon 392 in 2024, and even early vehicles in this current-generation Jeep Wrangler still command a hefty price. We did see some higher mileage vehicles for around $10,000, but you’re likely to pay at least $17,000 for a low-mileage example in good shape. The highest pricing we saw was in the $80,000 range for the Rubicon 392 trims.
Jeep Wrangler Third Generation (2007–2018)
The third-generation Jeep Wrangler was the first clean-sheet design of the body, fame, and suspension. Known as the JK, these Wrangler models added features such as power windows, remote power door locks, a navigation system, and available detachable sway bars. In addition to the traditional two-door models, a standard four-door Unlimited version was permanently added to the lineup. However, unlike the TJ-based Unlimited model, the wheelbase was 20 inches longer rather than 10 inches.
Stability control was a new safety feature offered on the JK Wrangler, and all trims had off-road tuned anti-lock brakes and traction control with an electronic limited slip differential. The Rubicon was standard with an electronic sway bar disconnect system. The Sunrider convertible soft top was standard, and an optional three-piece modular hardtop was available.
Though some luxury amenities were added and most functions were under computer software control, the Wrangler JK still had a separate body-on-frame chassis, rigid live axels, a fold-flat windshield, and the ability to be driven without doors. The 4X4 models also still had part-time four-wheel drive with high and low gearing.
The third-generation Jeep Wrangler also had a wider track and was available with bigger tires. The two-door model was 2.5 inches shorter than the previous generation, and the Unlimited four-door model was 14 inches longer than the TJ Unlimited.
The initial powertrain in the JK Jeep Wrangler was the 202-hp 3.8-liter V6, paired with a base six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. It was offered through 2011, when it was replaced by the 285-hp, Chrysler 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which retained the same six-speed manual transmission, but the automatic was upgraded to a five-speed.
Hill Start Assist was added in 2009, and 2010 brought an easier-to-fold soft top. DaimlerChrysler’s Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system became standard on models with the MyGig radio at that time. A mid-cycle refresh arrived in 2011, with a redesigned interior, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, optional Garmin-based navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, available heated front seats, and new aluminum alloy wheel options. Small changes occurred throughout the rest of this generation’s run, including a one-handed rear-folding seat and ambient lighting in 2013, clear park lights in 2014, a new 552-watt Alpine premium audio system in 2015, and 75th Anniversary and Golden Eagle editions for 2018.
Even with some of the problems in this generation (such as the aforementioned death wobble), used prices remain high, but there is a lot of availability and deals can be found if you’re willing to travel for them. We’ve seen some Jeep Wranglers in this generation priced as low as $4,000, but we’ve also seen heavily modified Jeeps in the $100,000 range. However, you should be able to find a good third-gen Wrangler with lower miles and zero accidents in the $10,000 to $15,000 bracket.
Jeep Wrangler Second Generation (1997–2006)
Though the second-gen Jeep Wrangler was introduced in early 1996, it was positioned as a 1997 model, and Jeep skipped the 1996 model year. Known as the TJ, this generation re-introduced the round headlamps from the classic Jeeps and, instead of leaf springs, this generation used coil-spring suspension for better ride and handling. Initially it was available in SE, Sport, and Sahara trim levels.
Other changes included dual front airbags, optional anti-lock brakes, integrated air vents, the addition of a glove box, and car-like stereo controls.
The 2.5-liter inline-four and 4.0-liter inline-six engines were carried over from the previous generation, as were the three-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions. In 2003, however, Jeep ditched the 2.5-liter engine in favor of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, previously used in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. At the same time, the three-speed automatic was replaced by a four-speed equivalent and, in 2005, the five-speed manual was swapped a six-speeder.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, named for the Rubicon Trail, was added in 2002, featuring rear air-actuated locking Dana 44 axles with the Rock-Trac NV241 4:1 ratio transfer case, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245/75-R16 tires. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited arrived 2004, with a 10-inch longer wheelbase, which added a standard Dana 44 rear axle with a 3.73 gear ratio and the Command-Trac NV231 transfer case.
A mid-cycle refresh in 2003 brought new wheel designs and exterior decals, the new 2.4-liter engine, a new steering wheel, revised interior switch gear, new audio systems, Sirius Satellite Radio, and redesigned seats. The last model year of the Wrangler TJ brought the 65th Anniversary Edition and the Golden Eagle Edition, plus the four-cylinder engine was dropped and the 4.0-liter inline six became standard.
Prices for a second-generation Wrangler range from about $6,000 for an accident-damaged example to about $23,000 for one with low miles and no accidents. The average is around $12,000.
Jeep Wrangler First Generation (1986–1995)
The first official Jeep Wrangler appeared under the Chrysler umbrella after the Civilian Jeep (CJ) series was discontinued. Internally known as the Wrangler YJ, the first-generation Wrangler distinguished itself from its predecessor by its square headlights, but it rode on the same wheelbase. Though the grille was new, the body was still very similar to the old CJ’s, while several parts were interchangeable.
In an attempt to attract more daily drivers, the first-gen Wrangler got a wider track than the CJ, had less ground clearance, more comfort, and improved handling. It also got trackbar suspension links and anti-roll bars for improved safety, which made it harder to flip.
The base engine in the first-gen Jeep Wrangler was a 117-hp 2.5-liter inline four cylinder, while a larger 112-hp 4.2-liter inline six was available—both developed by AMC. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a three-speed automatic was an option with the inline six.
In 1988, Jeep introduced the high-end Wrangler Sahara model and, in 1991, a fuel-injected 190-hp 4.0-liter straight-six engine replaced the original inline six. The roll cage was extended in 1992, which allowed for rear shoulder belts, and anti-lock brakes were added as an option in 1993. Then, in 1994, the four-cylinder engines gained a three-speed automatic as an option.
There are still quite a few first-gen Jeep Wranglers in circulation, and we saw everything from salvage vehicles for less than $1,000 to low-mileage Wranglers in excellent condition for around $40,000, but most of the vehicles for sale in this generation were in the $5,000 to $10,000 ballpark.
