Used Jeep Wrangler Buying Guide

Which Used Jeep Wrangler Is Right for You?

While not an official descendant of the original military model, the modern-day Jeep Wrangler finds its roots in the Willys-Overland military vehicle. Ownership of the Jeep trademark was transferred to Kaiser, American Motors Corporation (AMC), Chrysler, and now, since 2014, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).

The Wrangler that we know today first appeared in 1986, as a 1987 model, designed by AMC. It was most closely based on the AMC CJ-7. Chrysler purchased AMC shortly after the 1987 Wrangler’s debut.

It is fair to say that the Wrangler was the first SUV. With its military roots still present, it is one of few sport-based off-road vehicles left on the market. Also, it is one of the last of a handful of body-on-frame vehicles. Others are larger and not suited for the terrain that the Wrangler handles with ease. The Wrangler is the number one selling body-on-frame SUV in the U.S., more than doubling the sales of all others.

If you are in the market for a used Jeep Wrangler, read on to find your best choice.

• Read the 2010 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2010 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2007 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler was completely redesigned for 2007. The model year boasts the highest predicted reliability scores of any Wrangler in our ratings. It is the only convertible SUV in the market, and for 2007, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited trim included four doors, and two or four-wheel drive options.

The Wrangler came in three trims: X, Sahara, and Rubicon. The five-passenger off-road SUV is powered by a 205-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional.

Welcome additions for the model year included improved off-road capability and a larger interior. Updates to available conveniences and modern safety features caught up with the competition. The Wrangler is available with soft- and hard-top options.

• Read the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2007 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2008 Jeep Wrangler

Due to the 2007 redesign, the 2008 Wrangler was almost a complete carryover. Sahara and Rubicon trims now offer remote start. A standard Sunrider soft top outfitted the Sahara and Rubicon, while a special black Freedom hard top became an option on the X.

• Read the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2008 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2009 Jeep Wrangler

For 2009, all Wrangler trims added Hill Start Assist. Also available was a new Trailer Sway control. The Wrangler is capable of towing 2,000 pounds, with the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited rated at 3,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.

New interior storage spaces, including a center console bin and a net on the dash, completed additions to the 2009 model. Sunburst Orange, Pearl Coat, and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat replaced some discontinued exterior color choices.

• Read the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2009 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2010 Jeep Wrangler

New standard equipment complemented the 2010 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which included fog lamps, tow hooks, a compass, an outside temperature gauge, a full-length center console, and front floor mats. Horsepower and torque figures are up marginally on four-door Jeep models.

The X trim was replaced by a Sport trim that was also available in a Mountain version. The Mountain option included themed decals and upholstery, as well as larger wheels and tires. It had optional cruise control, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and air conditioning. The Wrangler could be outfitted with an Islander theme, similar to the Mountain, however, it was not exclusive to the Sport trim.

The top of the line Rubicon trim now offers the option of leather trim and two-tone leather. All models receive Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO); a new fuel saving feature which boosts fuel efficiency by cutting fuel to the engine while the vehicle is slowing. Navigation now includes Bluetooth connectivity. Exterior color options change again, and the Sunrider soft-top is modified for simpler functionality. 

• Read the 2010 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2010 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2011 Jeep Wrangler

While still built on the same foundation as the 2007 model, the 2011 Wrangler saw some notable changes. Jeep added standard electronic stability control, power heated seats, and steering-wheel mounted controls.

The Wrangler included standard Command-Trac for all two-door four-wheel drive models, and the more aggressive Rock-Trac for Rubicon models. Also released was a special edition Rubicon Call of Duty: Black Ops model, based on the previous year’s Mountain and Islander concept.

Notable Interior updates included upgraded materials, advanced sound deadening, a new sound system with a USB port, and steering wheel mounted controls.

• Read the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2011 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Winner of U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Best Off-Road SUV for the Money award, the 2012 Wrangler is a top choice. Standard four-wheel drive on all models and a new, powerful 285-horspower 3.6-liter V6 engine, give this model additional appeal. A new five-speed automatic transmission rounds out the 2012 Wrangler’s notable improvements.

While still low compared to other vehicles in the segment, fuel economy improves minimally to 17 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway.

• Read the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2012 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2013 Jeep Wrangler

The 2013 Wrangler carries over from the previous model year. The four-door Unlimited gets an improved soft-top and new, more comfortable seats are added to all Wrangler trims. Also available is an updated seven-speaker stereo and an auto-dimming rearview mirror including map lights.

Jeep released new Freedom and Moab limited edition models for 2013. The 2013 model, at No. 19, is the highest ranking Wrangler in all of our lists of affordable compact SUVs.

• Read the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2013 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2014 Jeep Wrangler

The 2014 Wrangler sees minor interior changes including an optional Uconnect stereo with 6.5-inch LED screen, and an updated trip computer, which was included with the optional Connectivity Group. Also worthy of mention is the addition of new limited edition models, including the Polar and the Sport RHD.

• Read the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2014 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2015 Jeep Wrangler

The 2015 Wrangler is nearly unchanged aside from an extra speaker included in all stereo systems. Also, trim names were updated to include the Willys Wheeler, the Altitude, and the limited edition Wrangler X.

• Read the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2015 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2016 Jeep Wrangler

Boasting the highest overall score of any Wrangler in our ratings, the 2016 also achieves a small bump up in reliability ratings. Riddled with years of below average predicted reliability, the 2016 rises up to achieve 2.5 power circles from J.D. Power and Associates. Still below most vehicles in the segment, the Wrangler approaches average predicted reliability.

The Sahara trim gets minor styling updates and an all new Black Bear special edition model is added to the lineup.

• Read the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2016 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

2017 Jeep Wrangler

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler, virtually unchanged from the 2016 model, sits at No. 15 out of 18 in our compact SUV rankings, and it also comes up short in off-road SUVs, ranking No. 13 of 15.

• Read the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
• See 2017 Jeep Wrangler Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

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