The Best And Worst Years for Jeep Wranglers
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the brand’s most iconic offerings and is a popular choice for off-road drivers, and adventurous commuters alike. If you are in the market for one of these, you may want to consider investigating which production years have a good reputation, and which ones have a less-than-stellar record.
Not all years are created equal. Over time, many designs and functionality changes have been implemented in the Jeep Wrangler, owing to some variation in the characteristics of each production year, sometimes for better, or worse.
If you’re looking to find out some of the best, and worst years for the Jeep Wrangler, then this one’s for you. Stick with us below and we will give you the full run-down.
Jeep Wrangler Generations & History
The Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1987, and since then has become a staple for the brand, and one of its top sellers nationwide. The Wrangler was designed as a direct nod to the brand’s original Willys-Jeeps, which were used in WWII. The Wrangler’s design seeks to merge the stylistic innovation of Jeep’s classic models with the comfort of a modern vehicle.
The Jeep Wrangler has become a popular option for off-road adventure but remains popular for outdoors enthusiasts, and amongst Jeep’s many devoted fans. Since its introduction in 1987, the Jeep Wrangler has undergone 4 iterations, putting it in its 4th generation of production.
Here is each generation and the years included in each:
- 4th Generation – 2018 to present
- 3rd Generation – 2007 to 2017
- 2nd Generation – 1997 to 2006
- 1st Generation – 1987 to 1995
While we think that the Jeep Wrangler is a great model for anyone to consider, there are some fan favorites out of this group, and its own share might be considered lesser than some of the better models.
The Best Years For The Jeep Wrangler
Now let’s get into some of the best-loved years for the Jeep Wrangler. We’ve collected some fan favorites that have remained prime selections over the years. Essentially, if you see one of these for sale and it’s in good condition, you’ve likely found a pretty awesome Jeep.
Read Below for more info on the best years for the Jeep Wrangler!
1997 Jeep Wrangler
Because I have a soft spot for the classics, I thought “why not kick things off with an oldie?” And the 1997 Jeep Wrangler surely delivers. When released in 1997, the design was centered around increasing driver safety, so updated safety systems in the brakes and vehicle handling are a benefit to buying a 1997 Wrangler.
Overall, if you are comfortable purchasing and taking care of an older vehicle, the 1997 Wrangler is a great option for its balance of safety features, and the beautiful simplicity that comes with pre-computerized vehicles. And since you’ll have to find one of these used, prices are likely to be affordable, even on models that are in good condition.
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Let’s switch it up and check out one of the newer offerings from Jeep’s Wrangler series. One of the things we really love about the 2021 model is that it really evokes the aesthetic of the original WWII Jeeps while remaining distinctly modern with a more streamlined, yet rugged aesthetic.
Even better is that the 2021 Wrangler is tuned up to handle rough terrains with confidence. This Wrangler can even come in a hybrid variety for those who would prefer it. This Jeep has high customer satisfaction ratings and provides all of the power you could need from a modern Jeep.
2018 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep is a brand that is highly regarded most specifically for its reputation as a creator of rugged and reliable vehicles. If you are looking for a model that showcases these qualities with utter clarity, then the 2018 Jeep Wrangler may fit the bill.
This year is known for its fantastic reliability, modern technology options, and its capabilities in handling off-road tasks. Top that all off with a comfortable and appealing interior, and you have something that sounds like the perfect Jeep, and it’s definitely not far off from that.
Like many of the more recent years of Jeeps, you can expect to pay significantly more than you would for models that are a little more aged. But if you can manage to afford one of these, they should last for long enough that the investment pays off.
2010 Jeep Wrangler
2010 saw a noticeable increase in the power of the Jeep Wrangler through the introduction of a capable V6 engine. This addition may also have helped to raise the lifespan and reliability of the vehicle, as many models from this year are still seen on the road, and in great condition, too!
This may also be in part to a redesign of the transmission system, but overall, we think the combination of these factors is really what allows the vehicle to shine as a powerful and reliable choice.
The 2010 Wrangler is definitely a great option for Jeep lovers in search of a reliable commuter vehicle and should provide an accessible price point for those who want a well-regarded Jeep Wrangler, without spending a premium.
2003 Jeep Wrangler
If you appreciate the classic Jeep look (we sure do!) then you are likely to have lots to love with the 2003 Jeep Wrangler. This model was an instant hit for the Wrangler series, as it appears consumers shared our passion for the classic design of the WWII models!
This year reintroduced the stylish features of the classic model while integrating some of the more technologically advanced features that became available during this time. 2003 was a big year for the Jeep Wrangler, one that shaped the direction of its design aesthetic and functionality.
The Worst Years For The Jeep Wrangler
There are plenty of favorite years for the Jeep Wrangler, but what about the years when feedback is less positive? We think that most Jeep Wranglers will provide a great user experience, but if you buy a Jeep from certain years, you might want to know some of the potential design flaws, or annoyances that might pop up during your ownership.
Not all Jeep Wranglers are created equal! Below are some of the years that Jeep fans agree should be avoided when possible!
2007 Jeep Wrangler
Aside from recalls affecting millions of Wranglers, this model also faced some additional mechanical challenges. These include issues with the service brakes, power train, the electrical system, and a host of other issues that you can find commonly reported by users.
One of the most dangerous of these is a major recall brought on by faulty airbags. Not exactly something you want to worry about when you are driving with your family or loved ones. And on top of that, there have even been issues related to the Jeep’s steering reported, which surely doesn’t bode well for potential buyers.
Additionally, the 2007 Jeep Wranglers may also end up costing the owner more than they expect in repairs due to potential problems that have been reported involving the engine. While not all 2007 Jeep Wranglers will run into these issues, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth taking these risks.
2008 Jeep Wrangler
Unfortunately for Jeep, and its customers, the follow-up to 2007’s problematic wrangler was yet another flawed addition to this typically exceptional Jeep design. This time, the 2008 model featured what has been dubbed a “death wobble” when driving at a higher speed.
On its release year, there were also a number of reports describing brake system loss caused by a hole in the system’s tubing. This is particularly dangerous for drivers, as they could possibly lose control and lack the braking power to stop. Even more common is brake fluid leaks causing loss of brake power, again leading to dangerous driving conditions.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
Dubbed the worst of the bunch, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the worst-rated Wrangler, and surely one to avoid if you want the best chance of falling in love with your Jeep Wrangler. Kelly Blue Book reports 9 different areas of concern for this Jeep year that customers should be aware of if they are considering purchasing a 2012 Jeep Wrangler.
Again, a common issue with the 2012 models is related to faulty airbag assemblage, and honestly, this one gets pretty gruesome sounding. Inflators may potentially rupture due to the degradation of the chemical used to inflate the airbag. If this occurs, metal fragments could injure the occupant during airbag deployment, resulting in serious injury or death.
This serious issue led to the recall of 4,319,513 different Jeep Wranglers. But aside from this, reliability ratings and overall safety for this year of production were lower than usual, further solidifying an argument against buying a Jeep Wrangler from 2012.
Conclusion
Personally, we have plenty of positive things to say about the Jeep Wrangler, and we are absolutely not alone there, as this is one well-loved machine! But that doesn’t mean that every production year is without some of its flaws, and some are pretty severe. We hope this quick guide gives you an idea of some years to look out for, and others to avoid!
