The Wrangler has been around for over 30 years and has amassed quite a fan base. We research the iconic vehicle’s best model year.
The Wrangler is an automotive legend that has roots stemming from WWII. America had reached out to the auto industry when the country needed a tough and reliable vehicle that could transport equipment for the war. Auto manufacturers were provided a list of requirements and asked for a prototype to be designed within 50 days.
The Army asked 135 companies and two responded: Bantam and Willys-Overland. Then the Army realized that Bantam was too small, so Ford and Willys would be chosen to work on their special project. Ford came out with the Pygmy and Willys came out with the Quad — and both looked very similar to Bantam’s prototype, the BRC.
The U.S. Army liked Willys’ version the best but needed a lot of vehicles, so both Ford and Willys made their vehicles using the Willys blueprint. Willys called theirs the MB, and Ford called theirs the GPW. Ford ended up changing the front grille from having 11 slots to nine because it was cheaper and faster to manufacture.
This would be the start of Jeep‘s famous grille, which would eventually have seven slots. Post-war Jeep would trademark their seven-slot grille, and Ford would unsuccessfully try to use it for their M151 design. The loophole Ford used for the M151 was switching the bars in the grille from vertical to horizontal.
Early Beginnings of the Civilian Jeep
The first vehicle to ever receive the Jeep name was the CJ, which stood for Civilian Jeep. The CJ came out right after the war and was around until 1986. In over 40 years, there were only 1.5 million CJs produced, making them exceptionally rare.
Distinguishing features of the CJ included a separate body and frame, leaf springs on both front and rear rigid live axles, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and of course it could be driven without doors.
Almost all CJs came with part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems with the choice of high and low gearing as well as the famous open bodies with removable hard or soft tops.
By 1987, the CJ had seen several different owners of the Jeep name. These names included Willys-Overland, Kaiser Jeep, AMC, and Chrysler who would take over in 1987. Also, through the years, there were several variations of the CJ.
There were around 15 different models who wore the CJ badge. Not only did these vehicles resemble the old war Jeeps that we think of, but they also wore many other hats.
Some were used by the Alaskan postal service, as an aircraft tug, by the Japanese regional forest office, and some even came equipped with a trench digger. It was in 1987 that the CJ-7 would be replaced by the first-ever Wrangler, the YJ.
First-generation: YJ (1987-1995)
Almost immediately after the introduction of the YJ in 1987, Chrysler bought out AMC, the parent company of Jeep at the time. The YJ had several stark differences between it and its ancestor, the CJ. The first difference was that the acronym YJ didn’t stand for anything, unlike CJ.
Also, it was on-road focused as opposed to the CJ’s rugged off-road emphasis. The YJ was wider, had slightly less ground clearance, had anti-roll bars, and track-bar suspension.
All these improvements were not only made to increase handling but also to make it harder to flip. However, Jeep owners believe the worst of these changes were the headlights. It had square headlights instead of round.
It came equipped with a 2.5L I4 engine mated to either a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A 4.2L I6 was also offered until the 1991 model year when it would be replaced by a 4.0L I6.
Surprisingly, both the 2.5L I4 and 4.2L I6 got the same gas mileage according to the EPA, with a combined mpg of 17.
The YJ is most easily distinguished from the previous CJ-7 by its square headlights, larger windshield, grille, and wipers that rest on the windshield. Two options were offered on the YJ, being the Islander and the Renegade.
While the Islander was mostly visual, the Renegade offered several performance upgrades to the YJ. It included the new 4.0L I6 engine, larger tires, a full-size spare, power steering, and several appearance upgrades.
First-generation Jeep Wrangler Trims
There were several trim levels offered on the YJ Base, Laredo, Islander, Sport, Sahara, Renegade, and the Rio Grande.
- S/SE (Base): As typical with the base model it did not come with much equipment. The equipment it did come with included an AM radio, two speakers, vinyl bucket seats, and a heater and blower.
- Laredo: The Laredo would add a chrome grille, bumpers, and trim. As well as a hardtop, tinted windows, cloth seats, faux leather interior accents, body-color fender flares, alloy wheels, an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player and soundbar, along with air conditioning.
- Islander: It was similarly equipped to the Laredo, but received additional styling cues.
- Sport: This trim offered the 4.0L I6 engine and most equipment on the Laredo. The Sport came with everything except for the cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, cloth seats, and air conditioning which were optional.
- Sahara: The Sahara brought most of the optional equipment offered on the Laredo as well as body-color fender flares, steel wheels, front bumper mounted fog lights, as well as a special Sahara interior.
- Rio Grande: This trim was only offered for the 1995 base model S. It came with the same equipment as the Laredo and added to it several styling cues.
YJ Yearly Updates
- 1988 – The Sahara model was introduced to the YJ lineup.
- 1991 – The 4.0L I6 was replaced by the 4.2L I6, the I4 engine got a power boost, a soundbar option was added, the seats could now recline, and the Renegade trim replaced the Laredo.
- 1992 – Military green and beige colors were added to the YJ’s available colors. Also, seatbelts were now anchored into the roll bar, increasing safety.
- 1993 – The Sport trim was added, ABS was now optional, and the Islander and Renegade trims were discontinued.
- 1994 – The I4 engine could come with the automatic transmission, a top-mounted brake light was added, and the base model was termed the SE.
- 1995 – The Rio Grande trim was added, and the Renegade trim was dropped.
First-generation Wrangler: Problem Areas
As the YJ is an older vehicle there are several problems potential buyers need to look out for. Buyers should check for rust, body damage, proper seals on the doors and tops, water damage under the dash from a leaky windshield, bashes on the undercarriage from off-roading, exhaust damage, and the tops should be inspected for holes and other indicators of wear.
Also, potential owners should ensure the 4WD system is in proper condition by shifting it in and out of 4WD to make sure it engages and disengages properly.
Since the YJ was never tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, there is no safety rating associated with it. However, there were some significant safety issues associated with the YJ.
For instance, it could develop a death wobble. This wobble causes the vehicle to violently shake, usually around 60 mph. Also, it was recalled for a defective fuel pump that could catch on fire because it was routed across the exhaust manifold.
Finally, due to seatbelt malfunctions and the lack of standard safety measures such as ABS, side airbags, and stability control we can assume the YJ would not be safe in a crash.
Second-generation: TJ (1997-2006)
Jeep decided not to release a Wrangler for the 1996 model year, waiting until 1997 to roll out the new TJ. Thankfully, Jeep enthusiasts could put down their pitchforks and return to the brand they loved, as the new Jeep had round headlights yet again. Jeep tried to make the TJ even more capable on the road than the previous Wrangler.
They reduced the drag coefficient by .07, although no one would describe it as aerodynamic. Also, to make it more comfortable, it replaced the old leaf springs with a new coil-spring suspension. Interestingly, it kept the exact same engines that were offered on the TJ: the 2.5L I4 and the 4.0L I6.
It’s a valid argument that the TJ was just an updated YJ, rather than a completely new generation. Yet, the TJ came with some key refinements that need to be considered. These include a quadra-coil suspension, dual airbags, optional ABS, and of course those round headlights.
Jeep made the driving experience more pleasant with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). These improvements do not mean the second-generation Jeep was nothing more than a comfortable grocery-getter, it still very much rode like its military predecessor.
Second-generation Trims
- SE: This was the base model Wrangler and came equipped with the I4 engine. This model was also available as a right-hand-drive (RHD) rural mail carrier model. The rural mail package included a Dana 44 rear axle, a hardtop, and the 4.0L I6 with the automatic transmission.
- X: These models came standard with a 4.0L I6 engine. Standard features included a full-length center console, an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player, and four speakers.
- Sport: These models came standard with the 4.0L I6 engine and the Dana 35 rear axle.
- Sahara: The Sahara came standard with the six-cylinder engine, body-colored fender flares and rocker sills, and steel doors. Standard features included premium cloth seats and alloy wheels.
- Unlimited Sport: This came standard with the 4.0L engine, the Dana 44 rear limited-slip axle with a 3.73 gear ratio, and the command-Trac NV231 transfer case.
- Rubicon: Named after the Rubicon Trail, the Rubicon was introduced in 2002. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles, the Rock-Trac NV241 4:1 ratio transfer case, diamond plate rocker panels, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
TJ Yearly Updates
- 1998 – All Jeeps received a revised torsion bar and those with the 4.0L I6 engine would receive an increased axle ratio. Both upgrades improved the off-roading capabilities of the Wrangler.
- 1999 – New HVAC controls were fitted to the interior. A knob would replace the old “slide” style controls.
- 2000 – The 4.0L I4 engine was re-engineered making it quieter and environmentally friendly. A more responsive five-speed manual transmission was made standard on the Wrangler.
- 2001 – All Wranglers came with a quieter four-ply soft top and intermittent windshield wipers. Also, the ABS system was upgraded and the 4.0L I6 engine met low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards in all 50 states.
- 2002 – A new “X” trim was added which fits comfortably between the SE and the Sport trims.
- 2003 – A Rubicon trim was added to the Wrangler lineup, a four-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous three-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes were offered to the Wrangler lineup.
- 2004 – The Wrangler made tilt steering standard on all trims.
- 2005 – The Rubicon Unlimited was offered for the first time, and the Sahara was dropped. The outdated five-speed manual transmission was replaced by a new six-speed.
- 2006 – A Golden Eagle edition Wrangler was offered with a heavy-duty rear axle, gold 15-inch alloy wheels, 30-inch tires, and of course styling changes.
Second-generation Wrangler: Problem Areas
To put it simply, the second-generation Wrangler was not a safe vehicle. In the moderate overlap front test, it scored a mark of acceptable. In the side crash test, though, it was rated as marginal by the IIHS. The side crash test received a mark of poor for the injuries inflicted on the torso of the driver.
Also, when the head restraints were tested from the 2001 model year on, they received the worst mark by the IIHS again with a score of poor. This is surprising because the TJ received a 100% increase in torsional stiffness over the YJ. Also, the frame stiffness increased by 15%. This can only lead us to the conclusion that although the TJ was unsafe, the YJ was much worse.
The second-generation Wrangler had questionable reliability as well. It received over 300 complaints on average per model year according to the NHTSA. The most common problems for the early model TJs (1997-2000) were a cracked manifold on the 4.0L I6 engine, failure to deploy airbags, and the instrument cluster failing.
The most common problem for the 2000-2002 Wrangler was rust, while the most common problem on the later model TJs was when filling fuel, the filler would not shut off the flow of gasoline causing spillage.
In short, the most reliable model years for this generation were from 2001-2004. Common problems to look out for are the fuel filler problem, rust, the “death wobble”, and the cracked manifold on the six-cylinder engine.
Third-generation: JK (2007-2018)
The new JK Wrangler hit the showroom for the 2007 model year. The new Wrangler brought with it great news, it would now be offered in a four-door version given the nomenclature Unlimited.
Compared to the TJ, the JK was taller, wider, and had a longer wheelbase. Thankfully, Jeep would add safety features to the new generation such as stability control and traction control. This was the first Wrangler designed without any AMC parts to be found on it. The JK was offered with an all-new 3.8L V6.
Many found the new generation Wrangler more comfortable than the last without losing its off-roading ability.
Similar to previous Wranglers, the JK donned the fold-down windshield, removable doors, and a roll bar. However, to improve aerodynamics, the windshield glass was slightly curved. The new 3.8L V6 attained a combined mpg of 18 at best.
Interestingly, the 3.8L V6 used in the new Wrangler can be traced back to 1991 Chrysler minivans. This new engine was mated with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The JK weighed in over half of a ton more than the previous generation.
Third-generation Trims
- X/Sport: The base model X, later renamed the Sport trim came with limited standard equipment. This equipment included a theft-deterrent system, 16-inch steel wheels, locking glove box, tilt steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system with an AUX jack.
- Sahara: The Sahara added a Sunrider top, stability control, roll mitigation sensors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored fender flares, tubular side steps, heavy-duty suspension, cruise control, fog lamps, tow hooks, and the premium Infinity sound system.
- Rubicon: Aptly named after the Rubicon trail, the Rubicon trim added a disconnecting front sway bar, Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 gearing, Dana 44 front and rear axles, 4.10 axle ratio, rock rails, and massive 32-inch tires on 17-inch aluminum rims.
JK Yearly Updates
- 2009 – The Wrangler added standard hill start assist (HSA) to the lineup. Also, trailer sway control (TSC) was now optional. Finally, Wranglers fitted with the manual transmission were now categorized as an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) II.
- 2010 – This year, Wranglers received a more user-friendly soft top. Also, fog lights, tow hooks, and a compass were now standard. Jeep also brought back the Islander trim and added a new Mountain trim to the lineup.
- 2011 – For 2011, the Wrangler received a redesigned interior. Also, trailer stability control was made standard on the Wrangler.
- 2012 – Finally, the 20-year-old 3.8L V6 engine was replaced. Now, Wranglers would come standard with a 3.6L V6. Four-wheel drive was made mandatory for all Wranglers. Also, a five-speed automatic replaced the four-speed automatic transmission.
- 2013 – For 2013, the Wrangler added more comfortable seats along with finally adding a second windshield washer nozzle.
- 2015 – The 2015 Wrangler’s standard stereo would have eight speakers, as compared to the previous six-speaker system. A Torx tool kit was now included for removing the doors and roof. The Rubicon X was replaced by the Rubicon Hard Rock trim. Also, the Altitude trim made its debut.
Third-generation Wrangler: Problem Areas
Although the third-generation Wrangler was not as unsafe as the previous generations it was certainly no safe-haven. Most believe that because the Wrangler is a big vehicle it is safe.
Unfortunately, this has been proven to not be true. When the IIHS conducted the side crash test it received a score of poor for every model year. Also, it received a mark of marginal for both the head restraints & seat category as well as the small overlap front test on the driver’s side.
Reliability on the new Wrangler got even worse than the TJ. It received over 550 complaints per model year on average according to the NHTSA. Common problems for the JK include an airbag light that will not turn off, an overflowing gas tank, sporadic electrical problems, and the “death wobble.”
The good news is that Jeep corrected most of these problems in the later model years. So, if you plan on buying a JK the 2015-2018 model years seem to be the most reliable.
Fourth-generation: JL (2018-Present)
The new fourth-generation Wrangler received the nomenclature of JL. In 2018, the JL was sold alongside the previous-generation JK. Aesthetically, the third- and fourth-generations are very similar. There are few styling cues to identify the two.
In the front, the headlights cut into the grille, the marker lights are now located on the fender, and there’s no Jeep emblem above the grille.
On the sides, there are now vents behind the fenders, and pull handles are used on the doors instead of buttons. The only difference to be found on the rear is the taillights, which are no longer completely rectangular. The new JL taillights are LED and convex on the sides.
The fourth-generation Wrangler had efficiency at the forefront of its design. For example, the tailgate is now made of magnesium, and the doors, hood, and windshield frame are made of aluminum to reduce weight.
Although the standard engine remains the 3.6L V6, a new 2.0L I4 turbo engine is optional. This new four-cylinder engine has 15 fewer hp than the six-cylinder.
However, it gets four more combined mpg than the six-cylinder, being 24 and 20 respectively. The JL comes standard with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Fourth-generation Trims
- Sport: Outside equipment on the Sport trim includes 17-inch steel wheels, a full-size spare, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, keyless entry, and a fold-down windshield. Inside, the Sport receives manual mirrors, windows, and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar, cloth upholstery, a backup camera, an eight-speaker sound system. As well as a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
- Sport S: The Sport S trim adds alloy wheels, air conditioning, automatic headlights, heated power mirrors, power accessories, and an anti-theft alarm.
- Sahara: The Sahara trim is reserved for the four-door configuration. This trim adds 18-inch wheels, painted exterior body panels and trim, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- Rubicon: In addition to the equipment provided on the base model Sport trim, the Rubicon receives off-roading upgrades. This includes 17-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, a Dana M210 front axle, an M220 rear axle, shorter 4.10 axle gearing, 4:1 low-range gearing, electronic front and rear locking differentials, an electronically disconnecting front roll bar, and rock rails.
JL Yearly Updates
- 2019 – Adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning were added to the Advanced Safety Group package.
- 2020 – A new 3.0L V6 diesel engine was added to the lineup.
- 2021 – Two more powertrain options are added to the lineup with a new plug-in hybrid option as well as the Rubicon 392 with a 470 hp 6.4L V8 HEMI engine.
Fourth-generation Wrangler: Problem Areas
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL was riddled with problems, it was recalled 11 times and received over 1,100 complaints to the NHTSA. Unequivocally, the worst problem with the new Wrangler was the steering. It tracked all over the road and was an absolute pain for drivers to keep in their lane. This steering problem accounted for nearly 900 of the total complaints.
Otherwise, there were no other recurring problems with the JL. For the 2019 and 2020 model years it received around 250 complaints on average. The vast majority of the complaints received were due to the steering problem.
As for safety, the new fourth-generation Wrangler upped the game. It did not receive a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but it did receive “good” marks from the IIHS in every category except for the small overlap front test on the driver’s side.
Another problem with the JL is the headlights not being bright enough. The standard headlights received a mark of “poor” from the IIHS. That aside, this new Wrangler seems to be much safer than the previous generation.
Best Jeep Wrangler to Buy
The best Wrangler to buy is the one that fits your needs the most. If you are looking for a rugged off-roader I would check out one of the first-generations. This is because they are much cheaper to run and will do just as good of a job off-road as the new ones.
However, when you bash the oil pan on a rock, you’ll be less upset than if you did it in a brand-new Jeep.
The best of the older generations would be either a 1991-1995 YJ or a 2001-2004 TJ because they fixed the problems that frequented the earlier years. For those who merely want one to put the top down and never leave the beaten path, I would recommend the newest generation (2019-Present) so long as it’s not a 2018 model year.
Worst Jeep Wrangler to Buy
Sure, it’s one of the most popular and iconic vehicles on the market, but like virtually all vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler has a few issues to consider. And when it comes to common reviews like safety and capability, there is some data that shows that one Jeep may not be as perfect as the other.
The 1997-2000 model years should be either avoided or very carefully reviewed before buying a pre-owned vehicle, because these Wranglers have had the most problems of the TJ generation.
The YJ perhaps can be avoided all around, because it was found to be not as safe and nor as reliable as other Jeeps. As for the JK, the best model years are from 2015-2018.
Finally, if you choose to get the new JL, go with a 2019 or newer model year, because the steering on the 2018 model year is terrible.
Should You Buy a Jeep Wrangler?
The purpose of the Jeep is to be off-road capable and alright on the pavement. I can assure you that the Jeep is nothing more than alright on the pavement.
If your purpose is to have a vehicle that is great on the road, fun to drive, safe, and reliable, don’t buy a Wrangler, period. Still, if you decide to buy a Wrangler for off-roading capabilities or because you like to feel the wind in your hair, the guide above can help you pick a decent one.
That being said, it’s important to make sure the Jeep you are buying is not rusted, beat up from previous off-roading, doesn’t have the death wobble, or one of the many other common problems listed above.
Photos: Jeep
