Current And Former Jeep Owners Share The Top 40 Jeep Wrangler Pros And Cons

Jeep Wranglers (and Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds) have their good points — and their bad points.

Basically, it all comes down to the fact that Jeeps are just different. They’re not your typical run-of-the-mill vehicle.

As the owner of several Wranglers through the years (and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited too), here are the Jeep Wrangler pros and cons, as I see it…

Jeep Wrangler PROS: Good Things

On the plus side, here are 20 reasons you might want to own a Jeep Wrangler:

1. 4×4 capabilities — can handle any road anywhere
2. Height advantage over most cars — greater visibility
3. Classic design / unique look
4. Can be personalized & customized to your liking — lots of options & aftermarket items
5. Unique styling serves as both an SUV and a convertible
6. Good heating system — in the winter months, it heats up fast… even with the rear window removed
7. A simply constructed vehicle that’s easy to repair — a fun DIY project vehicle
8. Short wheelbase, powerful drivetrain, body size & tight turning ratios all great for off-roading
9. Small size and lightweight — makes it easy to swing into tight spots
10. Great vehicle for all seasons of the year
11. Rugged and durable — lasts for many years & many miles
12. Handles well on pavement, mud, sand, snow, water, etc.
13. Appeals to adults & teens alike
14. Durable interior made for weathering the elements
15. Fun to drive — turns every drive into an adventure
16. Relatively low price / good value
17. Excellent resale value — Jeep Wranglers hold their value better than most other vehicles
18. Parts are plentiful and cheap for repairs
19. American made
20. Jeep Wrangler owners have a fraternity of friends for life — as evidenced by the Jeep Wave

Jeep Wrangler CONS: Not So Good Things

On the flip side, here are 20 reasons you might not want to own a Jeep Wrangler:

1. Awkward to get into — requires high step in
2. Slower acceleration, especially on highways
3. Limited storage space — for luggage, groceries, etc.
4. Noisy — road, wind, engine, and tire noise
5. Firm suspension results in a stiffer, bumpier ride
6. Rear visibility can be a challenge with the top on
7. Tall, boxy profile is not aerodynamic — meaning greater wind resistance & wind noise
8. Less than ideal front seat positions for taller drivers
9. Everything is an “option” — carpet, steel doors, rear seat, etc.
10. Outdated appearance of gauges and switches
11. Slow steering
12. Most are only 4-seaters (comfortably), and it’s difficult to get into the backseat
13. Small, narrow, doors
14. Rear-view mirror is in the line of forward vision for taller drivers
15. Cramped rear seating
16. Lack of side mirrors when you take off the doors
17. Uninsulated roof
18. No lockable trunk/cargo area
19. Poor fuel economy (typical of SUVs)
20. Less practical as a daily driver — due to gas mileage, ride comfort, and road noise

So, Is A Jeep Wrangler The Right Vehicle For You?

One thing’s for sure — you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it!

Your first test drive in a Wrangler will help to clarify things a lot for you.

And you should know… while some things are listed as “negatives” (such as slow acceleration, stiff suspension, and slow steering), these are precisely the features that make the Jeep Wrangler a great offroad vehicle.

For example, you don’t want quick, responsive steering when you’re rock climbing or even just wandering on an off-highway trail.

In fact, it may just be that (even against your better judgment, and even though your instincts are telling you that a Wrangler is not a practical purchase) you may be one of the lucky ones who manages to derive enough pleasure from owning a Jeep Wrangler to make it worth it in the end.

On the other hand, if after exploring the best things and the worst things about owning a Wrangler you still can’t decide, then make your own list of every vehicular need you have and highlight any that the Jeep Wrangler cannot provide. Then test drive it… again.

Whatever you do, don’t get a Jeep Wrangler on an impulse buy!

Instead, after weighing these Jeep Wrangler pros and cons, you should:

• Do your own homework — research what other experts and owners like (and don’t like) about the Jeep Wrangler.
• Test drive it …more than once.
• Test drive other vehicles a few times as well — and compare those to the Jeep Wrangler.
• Talk to former Jeep Wrangler owners — see what’s on their list of Jeep Wrangler pros and cons and why they sold theirs.

The Bottom Line…

In my opinion, you should do yourself a favor and at least give the Jeep Wrangler test drive.

Or, better yet, rent a Jeep Wrangler before you buy one! (We did.)

Then make your own list of Jeep Wrangler pros and cons.

Have kids? Or plan to drive with kids in your Jeep? You want to read this: Jeep Kids & Safety Issues