The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic SUVs of all time. From its boxy body to incredible performance, it packs plenty of benefits that make it a fitting vehicle of choice for people with adventurous spirits. Not all of them, however, are the same. With this, it is crucial to know the best year for Jeep Wrangler.
To date, the best Jeep Wrangler year is 2018, which delivers smooth handling and incredible fuel efficiency. Other notable options are the 2015, 2011, 2010, 2003, 1996, 1990, and 1980 models.
Read on as we talk more about these models, as well as what you can expect from each of them.
The Best Years for Jeep Wrangler
Buying the latest Jeep Wrangler can be expensive. If you want a more affordable alternative, go for a second-hand Jeep or an older model. If you are clueless about what to pick, below are some of the most notable years that should be on your radar.
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1980
The classic design of the 1980 Jeep Wrangler is one thing that attracts the attention of many people. It is an oldie but goodie, especially for those who like an SUV that stands out. It comes with a removable top, making it perfect for the summer. Once it is cold, the hard cover will help keep you warm.
Aside from the military-style body, the powerful engine is another notable feature. It was ahead of its time during the year of its introduction. Plus, it has a two-seat interior that offers superior comfort.
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1990
Since its introduction, Jeep Wranglers were known for their impressive handling in the toughest environments, but speed has not always been its strongest suit. With the introduction of the 1990 model, things changed, as it was known for its acceleration. Thanks to its four-cylinder engine, it has made a reputation for its power.
Even if it is powerful, the 1990 edition was a beloved commuter car. It was not just for outdoor excursions but also for daily drives. It has a compact engine that also reduced the size and weight of the SUV.
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1996
The old Jeep Wranglers may be known for their aesthetics, but not for their safety. A lot of them have braking issues, especially on asphalt and rocks. Nonetheless, the 1996 edition is a great choice because of the upgraded safety features. Braking is no longer sluggish, which is a significant improvement.
Another issue that this model addressed was rolling over. You can be more confident in driving it even in rolling terrains and other challenging environments without worrying about its safety.
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2003
Known as a trend-setter, the 2003 Jeep Wrangler has set the bar high. It is the year of the introduction of the Rubicon, bringing classic features to life to create a stand-out SUV. It has circular headlights, among other features that you can find in the older Jeep models.
The off-road handling capabilities were also significantly improved in the 2003 edition. It has upgraded innovations, making it a safe and comfortable alternative. It also has a four-coil spring suspension, which delivers superior shock absorption, making sure of your safety even on the roughest terrains.
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2010
Whether it is around town or in steep terrains, the 2010 Jeep Wrangler has impressive off-road handling. It has a fold-down windshield and removable doors, among other classic features. It also has a body-on-frame chassis and soft top.
Looking beyond the aesthetic, it has many features that contribute to its performance. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which is capable of generating up to 202 horsepower. You can choose from a four-speed automatic or manual transmission. Plus, it is known for its roomy interior, which can sit up to five people.
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2011
If you are looking for an SUV that delivers incredible off-road performance, it is hard to go wrong with the 2011 Jeep Wrangler.
It isn’t suitable for highway or city driving, but it is a beast when used in challenging environments, which will unleash its power. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine, so you can be confident that it can tackle different situations.
A lot of the old Jeep models are known for having a rough ride. The 2011 edition has addressed such, incorporating new technologies that make it smoother even on rough roads. Aside from the upgraded suspension, tons of customizations are available to prevent being bumpy.
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2015
With the 2015 Jeep Wrangler, you can conquer the roads that others fear. No need to worry about steep terrains and rough conditions, as this model will guarantee superior performance and comfort. It remains one of the most capable in the company’s SUV lineup despite the emergence of newer editions.
There are two main options for this year’s model: two-door and four-door. Regardless. They have an exceptional engine and top-of-the-line drivetrain. Plus, it has some of the most modern technologies you will find in Jeep SUVs.
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2018
Amongst the years that are mentioned, the 2018 model is perhaps the best Jeep Wrangler. From the interior to the exterior, performance to style, this model has everything that you will need in an SUV. Plus, it has state-of-the-art technologies that guarantee a safe and comfortable experience on the road.
The fuel efficiency of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is one of its best assets. From the city to the highway, it has impressive mileage. It also has great handling and is easy to control, making it ideal for any driver. To top it all, it has the same iconic style that made many people fall in love with Jeep Wrangler SUVs.
Qualities You Will Find in the Best Jeep Wrangler Years
To determine some of the best Jeep Wrangler models, below are some of the things we considered:
Iconic Style
One thing that attracts most people to Wrangler is its legendary boxy styling. Through the years, there have been several iterations, but the core remains the same. It is still beautiful, guaranteed to be a head-turner.
Powerful Engine
The engine is the heart of every SUV, including the Jeep Wrangler. Find one that is fitted with the best possible engine. Understandably, the older models will often have less developed engines because of the obsolete technologies during the time of their introduction.
Make sure that the engine can deliver optimal performance whether for on-road or off-road driving.
Unparalleled Comfort
Your comfort will have a huge impact on your overall experience when riding a Jeep Wrangler. A roomy interior is a must, so you can move around easily. More so, it should have great stability, so you won’t feel bumpy, especially when riding on rough roads. Look at the suspension to determine its ability to handle shock.
Superior Safety
Off-road driving can be unsafe, especially for inexperienced riders. Good thing that many of the Jeep Wrangler models pack state-of-the-art safety features. The team spent years in research and development to come up with the best innovations. From braking to stability, their SUVs promise a safe ride.
Innovative Technologies
Look at the technologies present beyond safety. Newer models are more advanced, offering features like infotainment systems that will elevate your driving experience. They also have the best mechanisms for braking and handling, among other things. New techs can make an SUV more expensive, but they will be worth every dollar.
What About the Years to Avoid?
Despite the Jeep Wrangler being an incredible SUV, there are some years that you might want to avoid, including the following:
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1987
With its high center of gravity, the 1987 model had a bad reputation. It is prone to rolling over, which makes it unsafe, especially when you are navigating uneven terrains.
Being one of the earliest Jeep Wrangler models, it is devoid of top-notch technologies that can ensure your safety. Most people buy this model because it is old school and looks cool, even if it has dismal performance.
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2007
Off-roading is one thing that the Jeep Wrangler is known for. Nonetheless, the 2007 model was a disappointment for some users. It has a horrendous performance on rough terrains, even if it is commendable when it runs on smooth roads. You might need to invest in some modifications to make it more capable of handling tougher environments.
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2012
A quick online research will reveal that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one of the worst models to date. It suffers from different problems, including being uncomfortable, especially during rides on rough roads. More so, it has stability and control problems, which can be frustrating to drive. Other common problems include bad acceleration and engine overheating.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking of buying a Jeep Wrangler, some of the best years to look at are 1980, 1990, 1996, 2003, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2018. They are not only iconic and stylish, but they also pack some of the most advanced features. From safety to comfort, these models have everything that you will need for the ultimate off-road experience.
