2008 Jeep Wrangler Rankings

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The 2008 Jeep Wrangler ranks 16 out of 26 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on an analysis of 54 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler offers superior off-road capabilities in a rugged package. However, it sacrifices on-road handling and comfort.

The Wrangler is a rugged SUV designed to be most comfortable and capable off the pavement. Consequently, the Wrangler's weaknesses are in its on-road performance, but that may not matter to some buyers. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman explains: "People put up with it, because Jeeps represent freedom and nonconformity. In a Jeep, you're not like other people." Since the Wrangler was completely redesigned for 2007, the 2008 model remains virtually unchanged, with the exception of a few new features and options. In 2007, Jeep added a four-door model, the Unlimited, to the Wrangler line. It competes with rugged midsize SUVs such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Hummer H3. The 2007 model is a Best in Class winner for SmartChoice Retained Value and was named 4Wheel & Off-Road's 4x4 of the Year.

The Wrangler comes in three trim levels -- the base X, the Sahara, and the top-of-the-line Rubicon -- in either a basic two-door or an Unlimited four-door version.

* "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
* "...the Wrangler Rubicon's strengths constitute its primary weaknesses in routine city-suburban commuting, where it is least efficient, least comfortable, and generally less than enjoyable." -- Washington Post
* "We can't forget that most of the Wrangler's wrongs are necessary to make other things right. Of the 77 vehicles calling themselves 'SUV,' try finding even one that the Wrangler won't walk all over when the pavement ends." -- Automotive.com

Wrangler Performance - 7.1 (Good)

Reviewers emphasize that serious off-road drivers will love the 2008 Wrangler; others, decidedly, will not. Consequently, the little Jeep ranks around the middle of its class for performance. The Washington Post finds its suspension and huge tires "lousy for pavement driving, where their ruggedness often translates to a brutally bumpy ride." Still, not many SUVs can match the Wrangler's off-roading prowess. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the Rubicon model's best-in-class ground clearance. continue
Wrangler Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler line includes the four-door Unlimited, which is the largest Wrangler ever. Reviewers love the fact that the redesign preserves the classic Wrangler elements -- which ranks near the top of its class for its rugged styling. "So, yes, the exterior is dramatically new -- but there's no mistaking it's still a Wrangler," says Truck Trend. "As it has since its military debut 65 years ago, the body wears more exposed hardware than a Home Depot." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why reviewers have complaints about the confusing rear liftgate and optional three-piece Freedom Top, or check out our Photo Gallery. continue
Wrangler Interior - 6.1 (Mediocre)

Reviewers find that the 2008 Jeep Wrangler's interior is improved over the pre-2007 generation, but they still say it's not up to par with the competition. Consequently, the Wrangler's interior ranks near the bottom of its class. "The Wrangler's role as the rugged one makes a great excuse for de-emphasizing the details," says Automotive.com. "Watch for the manual locks and crank-up windows, the tyranny of hard plastic, limp levers here and there, and doors that feel molded from petrified cardboard." Continue with our Interior Review to learn why the X base model is one of the most sparse SUVs on the market when it comes to standard features, or check out our interior photos. continue
Wrangler Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

Both the two-door and Unlimited four-door versions of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler do extremely well in federal government crash tests. Jeep also provides a number of accident avoidance features as standard equipment. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn why rear visibility could pose a hazard. continue
Wrangler Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

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