1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Wet-weather traction
- Maneuverability
- Acceleration (6-cylinder)
- Antilock brakes (optional with 6-cylinder)
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Cargo room
- Instruments/controls
- Wind noise
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
- Ride/handling
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
The popular Wrangler sport utility debuted in May 1986 to replace the ancient military-style CJ. A fuel-injected, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard on base and low-budget S Wranglers, as well as those with the Islander and Sahara option groups. A carbureted 4.2-liter inline six was optional on all but the S version and standard on the top-of-the-line Laredo. All 6-cylinder Wranglers could get a 3-speed automatic transmission to replace the usual 5-speed manual gearbox. Part-time 4-wheel drive was standard and both soft and hard tops were available. For 1990, soft-top Wranglers got locks for their half-steel doors. Hardtop versions gained a rear wiper/washer.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Jeep Wrangler 6-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Jeep Wrangler:
Wranglers got a big performance boost in 1991, via a newly available 6-cylinder engine, using fuel injection and making 180 horsepower instead of the prior 112. The 4-cylinder engine added six horsepower.
1992 Jeep Wrangler:
Rear shoulder belts went into 1992 Wranglers, attached to a newly extended rollbar, but the 4x4s changed little otherwise.
1993 Jeep Wrangler:
Wrangler became the first mini 4x4 to offer antilock braking, available only on 6-cylinder models.
1994 Jeep Wrangler:
An automatic transmission became available with 4-cylinder engines late this year. A center high-mounted stoplamp was installed.
1995 Jeep Wrangler:
S and SE Wranglers returned for a final outing. No 1996 Wranglers went on sale, but a redesigned model arrived during that year, as an early '97.
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration and drivability are only adequate from the initial 6-cylinder engine; gas mileage mediocre. Meager is the word for acceleration from the 4-cylinder engine. Performance got a welcome boost from the fuel-injected six of 1991. Jeep claimed a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 9.7 seconds, versus 14.3 seconds for the old carbureted 6-cylinder engine. A stiff suspension makes for jarring travel over most surfaces. The Wrangler's narrow stance and short wheelbase promise good maneuverability, but demand conservative cornering speeds. Climbing aboard isn't so easy, as it's a tall step over the doorsills. Once inside, you get a cramped rear seat and tiny cargo area (unless the rear seat is tilted out of the way). Tall people have ample head room all around to sit comfortably upright. Once aboard, you can expect to be assaulted by road noise and wind buffeting--whether the top is up or down. Gauges and controls are strung across the dashboard in a haphazard manner.
Value for the Money
Seriously consider how you would use the vehicle, and if the compromises in on-road ride, handling, and fuel economy are worth it in the end. Also look at an Isuzu Amigo, which lacks the Jeep's classic image but feels just about as tough, as well as the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick, with their friendlier ergonomics. But none of those rivals have a muscular 6-cylinder engine like Wrangler's. We don't recommend any mini 4x4 as a daily driver, but plenty of people love them.
Seriously consider how you would use the vehicle, and if the compromises in on-road ride, handling, and fuel economy are worth it in the end. Also look at an Isuzu Amigo, which lacks the Jeep's classic image but feels just about as tough, as well as the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick, with their friendlier ergonomics. But none of those rivals have a muscular 6-cylinder engine like Wrangler's. We don't recommend any mini 4x4 as a daily driver, but plenty of people love them.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Jeep Wrangler 6-cylinder Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Jeep Wrangler includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Jeep Wrangler .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission will not engage when first started, chances are the torque converter is draining down. A check valve in the fluid line leading to the transmission cooler should remedy the problem. (1993) If the transmission won't upshift for about the first quarter mile in cool weather, it is probably due to defective cast-iron seal rings in the governor drive. (1992-94)
Oil leak:
The rear main seals on 2.5- and 4.0-liter engines are prone to leakage if the vehicle is operated in dirty conditions. (1991-95)
Transmission leak:
Automatic-transmission fluid leaks from the speed sensor in the transmission. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $375 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $690 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $690 |
| Exhaust System | $255 |
| Radiator | $355 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $180 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $185 |
| Universal Joints | $130 |
Our price chart for this generation Jeep Wrangler details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $4,100-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| 1994 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $3,700-4,500 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 1993 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1992 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1991 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1990 | |||
| Wrangler 6-cyl. | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Wrangler S 4-cyl. | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Jeep Wrangler include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 153.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | -- | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 43.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.0-20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines went into 1990 Wranglers: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or an optional carbureted 4.0-liter inline six. The six was standard in the Laredo edition, and available in all except the Wrangler S. Either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 3-speed automatic might be installed (except on the Wrangler S, which was stick shift only). All Wranglers had on-demand 4-wheel drive. A 180-horsepower 6-cylinder engine with fuel injection replaced the prior carbureted six for 1991, when the 4-cylinder gained six horsepower by switching from single-point to multipoint fuel injection. For 1994, an automatic transmission could be installed in 4-cylinder Wranglers.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 150 | 117-123 | 138-139 | 5-speed manual: 19/20 3-speed automatic: 17/18 |
5-speed manual: 18.1 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv I6 | 4.0 / 242 | 180 | 200 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 3-speed automatic: 15/17 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 14.6 |
| ohv I6 | 4.2 / 256 | 112 | 210 | 5-speed manual: 16/20 3-speed automatic: 15/16 |
5-speed manual: 12.9 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Jeep Wrangler include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Wrangler |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1995 Jeep Wrangler directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91 in 15 states and Washington, D.C.:
Front-disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for extensive period in "salt belt"; can eventually compromise structural integrity, allowing wear surface to separate from hub.
1990-92:
Front brake hoses can wear due to contact with splash shields.
1990-94:
Plastic fuel tank's sending-unit gasket can crack, resulting in fuel and vapor leaks.
1990-95:
With some rear shell roof racks made for use with aftermarket Bestop hardtop, cockpit cover may not stay latched and could separate from the roof rack.
1991-93 w/manual shift:
Salt corrosion between starter solenoid wire and battery feed may short these connections.
1994-95 w/manual transmission:
Parking brake can release without warning.
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