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Jeep Wrangler - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler ranks 17 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 61 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Wrangler, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Jeep Wrangler is loved for its rugged off-road capabilities. However, it pays the price in on-road handling and comfort, which fall far short of other compact SUVs. If you need an off-road vehicle that also functions as a daily driver, consider the Nissan Xterra and Ford Explorer.

Note that the Wrangler's on-road weaknesses may not matter to some buyers. "This off-roader emphasizes rock crawling over highway comfort, and when it comes to hardcore trailblazing, it's rarely matched," says Cars.com. Still, the Wrangler's poor fuel economy doesn't help its case much -- the four-wheel-drive model's 15/19 mpg rating is the lowest in the small SUV class. However, its off-road chops, distinctive styling and convertible top have helped the Wrangler build a dedicated following. With the four-door model, the Wrangler may even work as a rugged family car.

Since the Wrangler was completely redesigned for 2007, the 2009 model remains virtually unchanged, with the exception of new standard Hill Start Assist. The Wrangler comes in three trim levels -- the base X, Sahara, and top-of-the-line Rubicon -- in either a basic two-door or an Unlimited four-door version.

Jeep's parent company, Chrysler, has filed for bankruptcy and is expected to merge with Italian automaker Fiat. The combined company will most likely drop some of Chryser's low-selling models while introducing new Fiat model's to the U.S. While this may discourage you from buying a Jeep, it shouldn't -- all warranties will continue to be honored and many dealerships will remain open. Plus, check out great Jeep deals that may be available on slow-selling or soon-to-be-disctontinued models.

• "In short, if you are an aspiring outdoors-person a Wrangler Unlimited will get you and three or four companions almost anywhere, any time, under any conditions. It will do so with an easy grace that is as home at climbing a mountain as the gravel road to that cottage 'up North.'" -- The Auto Channel
• "This Jeep remains a limited-purpose machine. Off road, it's a finely honed tool. On road, it's best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout." -- Consumer Guide 
• "Whether you spend your time in the African jungle or the asphalt jungle, if you're a Wrangler fan, you'll like the new machine." -- Car and Driver
• "The Unlimited is pretty good by Wrangler standards, but holds little appeal if you're not a Jeep fan." -- USA Today
• "In addition to being the most powerful, most capable iteration yet, the all-new Wrangler is infinitely more refined, with a significantly smoother, quieter ride and the availability of creature comforts like power windows and locks and even a navigation system." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The 2009 Jeep Wrangler can't be beat for heritage, image and no-compromises off-road ability. But compared to some other SUVs, it lacks refinement and power." -- Edmunds
• "While some Jeep purists might complain that the newest Wrangler is too gentrified for their tastes, I don't agree. I appreciate having a somewhat comfortable as well as ultimately capable vehicle to take me into the places most people will never see. What's important is that the Wrangler's styling remains true to the brand, something Chrysler's designers clearly understood when they created the new generation." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Wrangler Performance - 7.6 (Good)

Few SUVs can match the Jeep Wrangler's rugged capabilities. It's perfect for serious off-roaders. But if you want smooth or comfortable daily driving performance, the Wrangler isn't for you. "We can't forget that most of the Wrangler's wrongs are necessary to make other things right," says Automotive.com. "Of the 77 vehicles calling themselves 'SUV,' try finding even one that the Wrangler won't walk all over when the pavement ends." continue

Wrangler Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Throughout the years, the Wrangler has preserved its classic Jeep styling -- a plus for reviewers. "Both trim levels are readily identifiable as Wranglers, although styling is crisper," says MSN. "Retro Jeep features are a signature 7-slot grille, upright rectangular windshield, round headlights, boxy 'greenhouse' area above the door line, jutting fenders and exposed forged hinges." In 2007, Jeep added the four-door Unlimited model, which is the largest Wrangler ever. Note that reviewers have complaints about the rear liftgate on all models. continue

Wrangler Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)

While the 2009 Wrangler's interior has come a long way, it's still not up to par with the competition. "In front, the Wrangler disappoints due to small cupholders, a lack of storage space, characterless analog gauges, cheap-feeling climate-control knobs and plenty of budget-themed plastic on the dash and doors," says Edmunds. The X base model is one of the most sparse SUVs on the market when it comes to standard features. continue

Wrangler Safety - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The Wrangler comes with several accident avoidance features as standard equipment. Both the two-door and four-door versions of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler do well in federal government crash tests. But note that rear visibility could pose a hazard. continue

Wrangler Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Jeep offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue