Jeep Wrangler

As an everyday vehicle, the Wrangler trails most SUVs, but few are better for off-road use. The Wrangler uses Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic, which returned 17 mpg overall in our tests. Though the Wrangler may be better than ever before, the ride rocks and jiggles constantly, and handling is clumsy. Wind noise is very loud at highway speeds. Getting in and out is awkward, and the interior is uncomfortable. Off-road performance is legendary, and the Rubicon version performs better there than our tested Unlimited Sahara did. IIHS side-crash results for the two-door are Poor, and the small-overlap Marginal. But small-overlap and offset-frontal results for the four-door are Good. Reliability has been below average. A redesigned Wrangler is on the way.

The Wrangler is the crudest Jeep, it is also the most capable off road. On the road it delivers a choppy ride, numb sterring feel with slow response, and clumsy handling. Noise is loud and constant. A long-wheelbase Unlimited model was added for 2005, bringing more cargo space and slightly more legroom in the back seat. Otherwise, the ride is still dreadful and the steering is imprecise. For 2007, a redesigned and more civilized Wrangler arrived. Ride and handling improved some, but low cornering limits and vague steering remained. Its 3.8-liter V6 lacked punch and returned just 15 mpg overall. A much better 3.6-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic arrived for 2012, and returned 17 mpg overall. Off-road capability remains impressive, particularly in Rubicon trim. But cabin access is a challenge and the interior is uncomfortable.

Touting a legacy that stretches back to World War II, the Wrangler is Jeep's smallest, least expensive, and crudest model. It's changed little since its 1986 introduction. Better off-road than on, it has abrupt, numb, routine handling, tricky emergency handling, and a very noisy, punishing ride. Revamped for the 1997 model year, the Wrangler regained round headlamps and received an improved interior. Otherwise, the basic formula continues, with cramped quarters, a dreadful ride, and vague, imprecise steering. The 2001 model features a quieter, better-padded convertible top. A four-speed automatic arrived for 2003, replacing the old three-speed unit.