2005 Jeep Wrangler Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$18,730 to $29,125

Original MSRP

6.7
of 10

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(42 reviews)
6.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
6/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2005 Jeep Wrangler Test Drive Review summaryImage

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.

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.

Chris Teague
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
Chris is an automotive journalist covering new vehicle reveals, news, and technology. He loves digging into the details to tell entertaining and informative stories.

User reviews for 2005 Jeep Wrangler

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User rating:
by christopher i
Jul 03, 2024
The entire frame is rotten, will need a new one. The floorboards are rusted all the way through. Jul 03, 2024
by Carl L
Jun 19, 2024
It’s in excellent condition and has the 4.0 ltr inline 6 cylinder Jun 19, 2024
by Elliot S
Aug 19, 2023
I continue to look for an automatic with Cruise control.Aug 19, 2023

2005 Jeep Wrangler Pricing

Original MSRP
$18,730 to $29,125
Price range
$13,583 to $14,340
Average price on CG
$13,815
YoY price change
$13,979 to $13,815

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.07 · Locking differential: rear

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: hard top · Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.07 · Locking differential: rear

Mirrors

Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: hard top · Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: rear

Mirrors

Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: hard top · Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: front

Mirrors

Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: hard top · Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: rear

Mirrors

Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: hard top · Removable roof: soft top

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)