2005 Jeep Wrangler Review
2005 Jeep Wrangler Review





+75
Used Wrangler for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons
- Soft top a handful to manipulate, poor ergonomics, difficult ingress-egress, slow steering, bouncy suspension on the street, can't get ABS on the Unlimited.
What’s new
A Rubicon version of the Unlimited joins the lineup. All 2005 Jeep Wranglers get a new six-speed manual transmission to replace the old five-speed unit. The Sahara version of the Wrangler is dropped for 2005.
Edmunds says
It has a stiff ride, offers about the same noise isolation as a motorcycle and has a soft top that's a nail-buster to operate, but if you're dying for a cheap convertible or an off-roader that can go just about anywhere, it's hard to beat the 2005 Jeep Wrangler.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$225/mo for Wrangler SE
Wrangler SE
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Jeep Wrangler.
5 star(59%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
133 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Used Jeep
Tinker, 09/20/2010
2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
Bought it used and I am loving everything about it. The only thing that I have had a problem with is the zipper with the back window coming off.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive
bill pierce, 05/26/2010
2005 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
This is my first jeep, so I didn't know what to expect. Every chance I get the rag top and doors come off. The mileage is what was listed on the factory window sticker. I get 15 to 19 mpg with my jeep, and I do not baby it. With the 6 cyl engine it has all the power I need. I tow a small boat and also an 8 ft trailer on occasion. I tow it behind my motor home which is very … convenient. I recently towed it to Big Bend where I spend 4 days of off roading. Performance was exactly what I expected. I would certainly buy another.
4.5 out of 5 stars
The Mud
ArmyDoc115, 05/05/2010
2005 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
I absolutely LOVE my Jeep! This is the 4th I've owned. The 1st was an 85 CJ. There is nothing like a Jeep. Period. They're absolutely a BLAST to drive, they look amazing, get attention everywhere, and the 4.0 6 cyl is unstoppable. If you're concerned about gas mileage, a Wrangler isn't for you. The fun factor and satisfaction of the Jeep is a worthwhile payoff in my book. I average 13 … mpg, but I don't care because I LOVE my Jeep. I can haul my Harley in the trailer on the highway. Not fast, but I can do it! Road noise, loud top, stiff ride. So what! It's a Jeep, what do you expect? It's all part of the experience. Unlimited possibilities to customize it and make it YOUR Jeep.
5 out of 5 stars
It's a Jeep thing, and now I understand
JeepRubi101, 07/25/2005
2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
I never really "got" the Jeep until I bought one. The gear ratio is low and very easy to shift. You can literally crawl without doing ANYTHING just by having the axle locks on. It's a thing of beauty. If you're just considering a Jeep, I suggest test driving it. I'm willing to bet that you too will understand the saying "It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand"
2005 Wrangler Highlights
SE
Base MSRP | $18,070 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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