America is good at creating icons, and the Jeep Wrangler is as immediately recognisable as Elvis or Eastwood.

Launched to the UK in January 1993 the Jeep Wrangler’s bloodline can be traced back to the original American Army Jeep of 1941, making it a vehicle whose form is born out of function.

The chunky styling and no-frills interior accurately conveys its off-road potential which, in America at least, is one of its biggest assets. But like many icons the Jeep Wrangler has found itself appealing to buyers because of what it represents more than what it does.

So you’re more likely to find one cruising the King’s Road than braving the Brecon Beacons.

During its 11 years on the UK market the Wrangler hasn’t changed much. The introduction of round headlights and improved quadra-coil suspension in March 1997 were the most significant enhancements. Early examples from 1993 now change hands for a couple of thousand, but in these you can expect to see the signs of 10 years’ motoring. Spend a few grand more and a mid-1990s example is within your reach: provided it has been regularly maintained it should still have plenty of life left in it.

The first choice a buyer needs to make is which engine to go for.

Jeep offers the Wrangler with just two: a four-cylinder 2.5 litre or a six-cylinder 4 litre. Dependent on age the 2.5 litre produces 114-121bhp, the output falling slightly on later cars due to emission regulations and the desire for improved economy.

Having a relatively large displacement of 2.5 litres in just four cylinders means this isn’t the smoothest unit in the world, and with just enough power it’s also a pretty unexciting drive. A better buy is the 4 litre unit which, with around 50% more power, is also much smoother and more pleasing on the ear.

If the larger engine raises concerns with you about fuel economy then maybe the Wrangler isn’t the car for you anyway. Neither engine averages better than about 20mpg, but at least the 4 litre puts a grin on your face.

Second choice is whether to enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring with the soft top or stick with a hard-top model. Jeep is virtually unique in offering a soft top on such a large off-roader: the Wrangler’s nearest rival is a Land Rover Freelander softback — but you won’t find one of those with a 4 litre engine nestling under the bonnet.

The standard hard-top Sahara model offers superior weather protection over the soft-top Sport, but it’s still not going to win prizes for noise suppression or sophistication.

In contrast the Sport model seems to rejoice in its lack of refinement, and once you’ve fiddled and faffed removing the soft top the car does look good. On a sunny day with the stereo on you’ll never regret buying one. A removable fibreglass hard top can also be bought for the convertible.

On the road the Wrangler Jeep drives as it looks. It bounces macho-style over potholes and speed bumps, and the ride is the opposite of refined. Get it off road and the large fat tyres, great ground clearance and unfussy engines come into their own. Despite a relatively modest kerb weight of about 1,500kg it also impresses with a maximum towing capacity more than enough to handle a horse box or jet ski.


Convertible: Soft-top (Sport) and hard-top (Sahara) models available since 1996. With the soft top anticipate draughts, wind noise and water leaks. Second-hand hard-top models are now worth about £300 more than soft tops

Power steering: Check by turning from lock to lock while listening for groans or creaks

Exhaust: Despite great ground clearance check the system for signs of off-road damage

Towbar: If a towbar is fitted try to establish what it has been towing: a jet ski shouldn't put you off, but a heavy burger
van should

Wheels: Steel rims on many models, but they do suit the look of the vehicle. Beware of oversized alloys that can compromise off-road ability and on-road handling

Optional hard top: A worthwhile extra on Sport models; check window seals for signs of leaks and catches for damage

Total UK sales of all Jeep Wrangler models: 4,601

Bonnet latches: Exposed bonnet hinges prone to flaking paint and corrosion

Suspension: Pre-1997 models had agricultural leaf-spring set-up that does nothing for ride comfort

Turning circle: Poor turning circle can make parking and city driving difficult

Engines: Both 2.5 litre and 4 litre are strong and understressed, but check for regular servicing as clean oil is essential for longevity

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