2005 Jeep Wrangler Reviews, Pricing & Specs

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon rear three quarter thumbnail

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon front three quarter thumbnail

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon wheel thumbnail

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited rear seats thumbnail

Getting ready to go trail-blazing again !!! thumbnail

Written by Chris Teague

Published May 25, 2021

$18,730 to $29,125

6.7/10

CarGurus expert score

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The CarGurus verdict

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler is comfier than ever, but it’s still a rugged off-road machine.

Just last year, the Jeep Wrangler saw what might be the most impactful change to its appearance in its decades of life on the auto market. The Wrangler Unlimited added a longer wheelbase to the venerable formula for the first time in the vehicle’s history, making it more appealing and usable for families and daily driving.

The Wrangler is offered with two powertrains for the 2005 model year. The first is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded engine is a 4.0-liter inline-six that makes 190 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.

The Wrangler doesn’t have many direct competitors, but it could be cross-shopped against the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and any number of 4x4 pickup trucks. In some cases, buyers might also shop a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover, Kia, Nissan, Hyundai, Chevrolet or Honda sport utility vehicles, off-roaders, and pickups in place of the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It’s targeted at new-car (and used-car) buyers that want the ultimate in off-road capability.

6.7

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

7/10

The Wrangler got the option to add 10 inches in wheelbase length and 15 inches of overall length in the Unlimited, but the vehicle has remained largely the same for decades. Its upright design, round headlights, tall ride, and boxy shape will be instantly familiar to anyone that has seen a Wrangler before. The look is so iconic that it has come to define Jeep, and has bled into the automaker’s other vehicles along the way.

Inside, the Wrangler is more comfortable and cushier than it’s ever been, but it’s still a utilitarian affair, through and through. The upright exterior translates to an upright interior, where the dash and windshield sit like a wall at the front seats. The square doors look neat, but make entry and exit a pain because of their narrow shape. That same challenge is amplified for back seat passengers, where there’s already limited legroom and the small doors can make for a real hard time getting in and out.

Performance

7/10

Jeep has steadily improved the Wrangler over the years to the point that it’s cushier and more comfortable than ever, but there’s still more than a hint of hardcore off-road ability that peeks through. Over rough roads, the Wrangler is washboard-hard and can feel quite unsettled at times. The Unlimited's long wheelbase helps its handling considerably. That’s the price to pay for locking differentials, big tires, and a mud-slinging personality, though.

Form & function

8/10

The Wrangler Unlimited model's longer wheelbase bumps its daily drivability considerably. The extra real estate adds two inches of rear-seat legroom and opens up more cargo space than before (13 inches). The Unlimited models also get 1,500 more pounds of towing capabilities.

The Wrangler does offer the ability to change tops for an open-air experience not seen outside of racy convertibles. The ability to remove doors and opt for a hardtop or soft top sets the Jeep apart.

One of the best parts about owning a Jeep is all of the aftermarket support that is offered for the SUV. Buyers can opt for the hardcore Rubicon model, or can essentially build their own with various parts. Four-wheel drive junkies or casual hobbyists in the off-roading community can find everything from upgraded transfer cases to drivetrain components to special low-range gears to trick out their Jeep Wrangler models.

Technology

6/10

The Jeep Wrangler Sport is about as basic as they come. The Wrangler SE comes standard with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks are all optional. Available features include cruise control and an upgraded stereo.

Tech here is minimal because it doesn’t have to or need to be abundant. People aren’t flocking to Jeep dealers wanting a cushy, tech-rich experience. The stereo and equipment that are available match well with the rough-and-tumble Wrangler’s attitudes, and who cares what the stereo sounds like when you can remove the roof and doors.

Safety

6/10

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2005 Jeep Wrangler "acceptable" for moderate-overlap front crashworthiness, "marginal" for side crash protection, and "poor" for head restraints and seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated it four stars for both front driver side and front passenger-side crash protection and four stars for rollover resistance.

Standard safety equipment includes a padded roll bar, skid plates, front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, height-adjustable safety belts, traction control, and stability control.

Cost-effectiveness

6/10

It’s hard to put too fine a point on the Wrangler’s value statement. On one hand, it’s a stripped-down off-road beast with little in the way of creature comforts, but on the other hand, it’s a uniquely capable vehicle in a sea of road-going family wagons. Even so, the Wrangler is a bit too basic for most people, even in its highest trims, so that’s a reality buyers will need to reckon with going into the deal.

What owners say

AI Summary · 34 reviews

"Overall, owners of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler appreciate its ruggedness, off-road capabilities, and the fun factor associated with driving a Jeep. Many love its classic design, reliability, and the sense of community among Jeep enthusiasts. However, some drivers are dissatisfied with the fuel economy and ride comfort, noting that it can be a bit stiff on rough roads and might not be ideal for long commutes or family transport."

4.6

34 reviews

Write a review

by Michael W

No real items I can find fault with. The gas tank was replaced due to a common failure during fill-ups with the gas coming back out the filler neck. Overall this is a fun vehicle to drive. Wish they did not change the style.

May 26, 2014

by Anonymous

This is our third Jeep (1992 Wrangler, 1996 Cherokee) and it is the perfect mix. It is nearly as fun to drive as the regular wrangler but has room enough in the back for people and cargo. It also still looks like a Jeep. The newer models look more like a Hummer than a Jeep. Especially in the extended 4 door models. I highly recommend having a soft and a hard top. Our first wrangler was a soft top only and it stinks when the windows frost and you're outside with a bucket of warm water! Make sure to get the rear wiper and defrost. Nothing better in the summer with no top and no doors. I would love to see Jeep reissue a CJ-7 or a Scrambler. With the success of the Challenger and Charger, maybe someone in Toledo will realize that old is new. Go buy a Jeep!

April 2, 2013

by Ryan C

Rugged and extra tough. 2 1/2 inch Rancho Lift Kit, 33 inch Cooper Discoverer STT Tires wrapping 16 inch American Racing Fuel Rims, Rhino Lined interior and Flames (Done by me). Soft Top, with Kenwood Deck. Straight Six Cylinder 4.0L Engine six speed manual with 12 inch glasspack exhaust. Not Pictured Cobra 29LTD Classic CB Radio, and Baja Driving Lights

April 19, 2008