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Compact SUV; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door convertible
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $9,700 – $34,900*


2008 Jeep Wranger


2008 Jeep Wranger


2008 Jeep Wranger


2008 Jeep Wranger


2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Front


2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rear


2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Interior


2011 Jeep Wrangler Front


2011 Jeep Wrangler Rear

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • 4WD’s Off-Road Prowess
Cons:
  • Acceleration
  • Fuel economy
  • Handling
  • Noise
  • Ride
  • Seat comfort (rear)

The 2007 redesign was the first in a decade for this SUV icon. While it improved Wrangler in many important ways, this Jeep remains a limited-purpose machine that’s definitely not for everyone. Off-road, it’s a finely honed tool. On-road, this is best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout. Of course, that’s just what some prospective buyers want.

Overview

Not only was styling revised on the iconic Jeep model, but the first four-door Wrangler debuted as part of the 2007 redesign. New safety features also appeared for this compact sport-utility vehicle, whose heritage dated back to World War II. Wrangler continued in two-door and in extended-length Unlimited versions, but the Unlimited now had four doors instead of two. It was longer than the two-door by 20.6 inches, in both wheelbase and body size. In addition, it seated five rather than four, and offered more cargo space. Both versions were about 5.5 inches wider than their 1997-2006 predecessors, and rode wheelbases longer by 2.0 inches and 12.6 inches, respectively. Wranglers also gained about 300 pounds.

All Wranglers were available with a folding soft top or a removable hardtop. X, Sahara, and Rubicon models returned. All had a 202-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 that replaced 147-hp four-cylinder and 190-hp six-cylinder engines. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Two-door models were four-wheel-drive only, but Unlimiteds came with either rear-drive or 4WD. Wrangler’s 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but included low-range gearing.

Newly standard were antilock braking and an antiskid system with rollover sensors. New options included front side airbags designed to protect head and torso. Other new options included power windows, remote power locks, and a navigation system. A height-adjustable driver’s seat was standard on all but the X model. Available features designed for severe off-road use included an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, locking differentials, and off-road-oriented tires. Although the Wrangler is essentially one-of-a-kind, it competed against the Hummer H3, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Yearly Updates

2008 Wrangler
A tire-pressure monitor became standard, and the Wrangler X was available with right-hand drive. Remote start was available this year, and a new Sahara Appearance Group debuted.
2009 Wrangler
For 2009, Wrangler added Jeep’s Trailer-Sway Control, which activated the antiskid system if it detected a towed trailer was not following its intended path.
2010 Wrangler
For 2010, Wrangler added a redesigned soft top that was designed to be easier to open and close.
2011 Wrangler
The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited get redesigned interiors for 2011.
2012 Wrangler
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler received a new engine and new transmission. Replacing a 202-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 was a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6, while the available 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 5-speed.
2013 Wrangler
The 2013 Wranglers got several updates, mostly centered on the interior and available soft tops. Front and rear seats were redesigned and there was new interior lighting. A new premium soft top used a nicer, easier-to-clean material. There was also a new limited-edition Moab model, several new exterior color choices, and fresh wheel designs for the Sahara and Rubicon.
2014 Wrangler
Both 2-door (Wrangler) and 4-door (Wrangler Unlimited) versions of Jeep’s iconic off-roader gained special-edition Rubicon X and Freedom III models for 2014, along with option-package shuffling.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Through 2011, all Wranglers had the same 202-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine, working with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In the Unlimited, it was rated at 205 hp. For 2012, the 3.8 was replaced by a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6, and the four-speed automatic was replaced by a five-speed. All two-door Wranglers have four-wheel drive, but early versions of the Unlimited were available with either rear-drive or 4WD.

ohv V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 202-205
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 237-240
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 15/19
15/19		 18.5
15.3
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/220
Engine HP 285
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 260
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic		 16/21
16/20		 15.4

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

With the 3.8-liter V6 found in early versions, acceleration is not a Wrangler high point: Lackadaisical off the line, Wranglers need generous throttle application to build speed. There’s no abundance of passing power, either. Little difference is noticeable between manual and automatic transmissions, or in 300-pound heavier Unlimited versions. The throttle automatically adjusts for off-road use, smoothing progress in severe conditions. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds for the Unlimited, 2000 otherwise. The more-powerful 3.6-liter engine introduced for 2012 is stronger off the line and in highway passing, and the 5-speed automatic that arrived that year is smooth and responsive.

Fuel economy is nothing to boast about, either. Test 2WD Wranglers with the 3.8-liter V6 and manual transmissions averaged 17.5 to 19.5 mpg in city/highway driving, but 21.3 mpg with more highway use. Test Unlimited Rubicon averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 2012 Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6-liter V6 and automatic averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Wranglers use regular-grade fuel.

Bumpy pavement can trigger a bouncy feel and wayward body motions, but Wranglers are surprisingly cushioned on sharp ruts and ridges. The Unlimited’s longer wheelbase quells some of the unwanted motions. Little ride-quality difference is evident between available tire sizes; even the Rubicon’s off-road treads and suspension tuning feel reasonably absorbent on broken pavement.

Some body lean and noseplow are noticeable in even moderate-speed cornering. Wranglers deliver good straight-line stability, but steering is light and slow in directional changes. Brake-pedal feel is slightly mushy. Off-road testing shows the Wrangler in its best light: Suspension design plus an array of traction-assisting technology, subduing most every obstacle in its path.

Despite gruff sounds while accelerating, the Wrangler engine is quiet while cruising. With the soft top, wind, road, and traffic noises intrude. A hardtop calms the commotion, but not by all that much, and its hard-surface headliner leaves the cabin vulnerable to empty-drum echoing.

Gauges are unobstructed, but some testers have found them slightly undersized. Climate, audio, and navigation controls are easy to reach and use, though switches for locking differentials and other off-road aids sit too low for easy operation. Sunlight and dust obscure the navigation screen (if installed). Stalks for wipers, turn signals, and headlamps are a bit far from the steering wheel. Power-window buttons are relegated to the central dashboard/rear of center console. Cabins are devoid of padded surfaces-even on the console and door armrests-but the weight and texture of most panels imparts a rugged, sporty ambiance.

Front riders get abundant headroom and good cabin width. Seats are firm and generally comfortable, though they need more lumbar support. The two-door’s driver’s seat may not slide far enough back to suit the long-legged. Step-in is high, but doors open 90 degrees. The Wrangler’s soft top is a chore to raise and lower. The hardtop has clever removable panels for true open-air enjoyment. Visibility is obstructed by rear headrests and the spare tire, and on hardtops by center roof pillars and the rear wiper motor.

Uncomfortably upright, the backseat is hard and short on thigh support. Foot space is stingy in both body styles. Knee space is tight in two-doors. Unlimited models have 1.6 inches more rear legroom, but it’s still not generous. Entry/exit is tough in two-doors, and the Unlimited’s small doorways disappoint.

Cargo space is minimal behind the two-door’s rear seat, but wagon-like behind the Unlimited’s. On both, the rear seat tumbles forward for more space and removes for generous volume, but it’s heavy. Load floors are flat, but high off the ground. The swing-out tailgate’s hinges lack detents to keep it open on slanted surfaces. A large glovebox is handy, but cabin storage is otherwise meager.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Wrangler 4WD Unltd. Sahara w/auto.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 9
90%

Other

Value - 3
30%

Total: 42

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
95.4 152.8 73.7 70.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
61.2 19.0 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.3 40.3 41.0 35.6
4-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
116.0 173.4 73.9 70.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
86.8 22.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.3 40.4 41.0 37.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Wrangler 2-door convertible

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Clutch
Description: Clutch may squeak or rattle during engagement or coast-down and an improved clutch is available. (2007-08)
Door handles
Description: The rear door handles may not work from the outside or inside as the latch goes out of adjustment. (2007)
Keyless entry
Description: The engine may not crank (nor start) and the remote keyless entry may not work due to a damaged wireless control module in the vehicle caused by static electricity discharge when the key is inserted into the ignition. (2007-08)
Manual transmission
Description: Manual transmission pops out of certain gears. (2011-12)
Oil leak
Description: The oil-filter housing may leak. (2014)
Steering problems
Description: Steering damper gets damaged by road debris causing leakage and steering wheel shake. (2007-12)
None
Description: In dry conditions (winter) static discharge can damage the wireless control module causing intermittent no-crank or no-start. (2007-08)
Fueling problems
Description: Some vehicles are slow to refuel or spit back fuel. A new vent tube or check valve may be needed. (2008-12)

Recall History

2007 Wrangler
Description: ABS control module software on some vehicles may cause rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
2007 Wrangler
Description: Software for Totally Integrated Power Module may allow engine to stall under certain conditions.
2007 Wrangler
Description: The software in the ABS electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting uphill during certain conditions, which may result in a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition.
2007-08 Wrangler
Description: These vehicles were not equipped with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. Fluid could boil over and cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and install a “HOT OIL” message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition.
2007-08 Wrangler with aftermarket Mopar tow bar assemblies
Description: The aftermarket Mopar tow bar could fail and a trailer could separate from the vehicle.
2007-08 Wrangler right-hand drive models
Description: There may be insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and rear brake lines. Prolonged contact could wear a hole in the brake lines and result in a partial loss of braking.
2007-10 Wrangler
Description: There may be contact between the right and left front inner fender liners and the right front and left rear brake tubes, which could cause wear of the tubes causing a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can cause partial loss of service brakes at the affected wheel increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge.
2007-13 Wrangler with aftermarket Quadratec Ultimate floormats
Description: The anchor point of Quadratec Ultimate floormats may tear and allow the floormat to slip forward and interfere with operation of the accelerator pedal and lead to unintended acceleration.
2008-12 Wrangler with right-hand drive
Description: The driver-side airbag may not deploy in a crash.
2009 Wrangler
Description: Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended. Dealers will inspect the driver’s airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge.
2010 Wrangler
Description: These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (HCU) brake tube assembly end flare. This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge.
2010 Wrangler with automatic
Description: Transmission skid plate, near the catalytic converter, can collect debris and could ignite without warning.
2010-2011 Wrangler
Description: Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axle attachments to the chassis module. This could result in noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics which could lead to loss of directional control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will re-torque all nineteen fasteners to the maximum residual torque values.
2011 Wrangler
Description: Vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. This could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash. Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge.
2011-13 Wrangler
Description: Heated mirrors may short circuit and catch on fire.
2012-13 Wrangler with automatic transmission
Description: The power steering line may contact and wear a hole the transmission fluid cooler line. The loss of transmission fluid could result in transmission failure.
2014 Wrangler
Description: The tire-pressure monitor might not function properly because of faulty software.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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