The Jeep Wrangler
This page contains an introduction, year by year changes from 1997 to 2006, links to our reviews, and technical details. You may also want to visit our page on the original Willys Jeep, the CJ series (several years reviewed at the end of the page), the 1975-76 Jeeps, and our new 2007+ Jeep Wrangler page.
Introduction (by John Brennan)
Do you want freedom? The freedom of the open road- or the open trail! The wind tearing at your hair...that's what owning a Jeep is all about, for the most part. Freedom. The freedom to unleash that caged animal that dwells within your brain - to charge headlong down the reckless path of doom knowing that 3,500 pounds of American steel and know-how will protect you from financial and bodily ruin. That is what Jeeps are all about. So what if you live in the suburbs and the closest thing your Jeep has seen to off-road is a friend's dirt driveway - you have the freedom to go anywhere you want!
There are also those of us who love the feel of mechanical things, and who are not in love with the ever-more-common insulation between the driver and the machine. Drive a Toyota Corolla, and it's soft and gentle, rarely showing that it is, in fact, relying on steel; it feels more like it's made of velvet and soft plastic. The Wrangler is clearly still a machine, from its long-throw, clanking shifter to its unashamedly loud and torquey straight-six engine.
Jeeps give their owners the freedom to fantasize, even if their lives are a little, well, mundane. Originally designed as a wartime workhorse for the army, the Jeeps versatility is very well-suited for off-road recreational activities- it can take you to that secluded lake (you still have to supply the scantily clad companion) and it will also get you to your nondescript, boring job every day (depending on its age and maintenance level).
Jeep driving tip: For those who hope to indulge in making fantasy become reality, a bone-jarring mud-spackled off-road journey is a turnoff for all but the most perfect of companions. Try a romantic, quiet pace of solid trails to get her in the mood before you get to that secluded spot. Or, drive her to the Jeep in a 'Cuda convertible.
Yes, never forget that there have been several really good ideas for cars that have died off. The car-boat actually worked- not as good as a car, not as good as a boat, but if you live on a secluded, bridgeless island not too far from shore, it'll do. The car-plane can still be seen in some areas of the world - when the collectors who own them decide to take them out. But alas, they get terrible gas mileage, handle badly on road and in the air and you have to put the wings on once you get them to the airport. These are ideas in versatility that did not work.
Now consider that the shark has roamed the seas, virtually unscathed by evolution. Sharks swam with the dinosaurs, but time has not changed them because they are the perfect killing machines. Their versatility and ingenuity of design have made them lasting members of the world community. And so it is with Jeeps. They have undergone so few changes simply because change has been predominantly unnecessary to them. Some refinements, to be sure, but a Jeep is a Jeep. Compare Corvettes in 1955 to Corvettes in 2000. You have to know that those are the same car. But a child can pick out a 1955 Jeep as a Jeep if he knows what they look like this year. They just have staying power because they were designed by visionaries who were not interested in style, only in function.
There are drawbacks, to be sure. As with any off-road vehicle, there are many more moving parts, increasing the need for and cost of repairs as the vehicle ages, and lowering fuel efficiency. With the Wrangler, having a removeable roof and doors and a fold down windshield increases your freedom, but it also makes squeaks, drafts and road noise an inevitability. It also compromises safety somewhat- a major issue in the off-road market.
While some behomoths attempt to compensate for this by sheer useless size, Wrangler simply is what it is. If you don't like it, you can't handle it anyway. It's not about safety- it's not even about the ride. It's about the dream. The American dream. So strap yourself into that bad boy - smile at the companion and say, "Buckle up - I'll take the mud off at the lake, baby!"
Reviews
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport and 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon reviews.
Changes: the 1997-2003 models
The changes to the Jeep J-series were significant enough to prompt Chrysler to skip directly from the 1995 to 1997 model year.
Air conditioning became available with all engines. Tires and wheel wells were enlarged. Shocks (dampers) and tires have been upgraded. The old AMC 2.5 liter engine was boosted to 120 hp, 140 lb-ft of torque. A new cam and valve springs provide a smoother idle, more low-end torque, and quieter operation. Aluminum pistons and new rings reduce noise and vibration.
The old AMC 4.0 six was upgraded to 181 hp and 222 lb-ft. It also got new pistons and cam, along with a stiffer block. The valve cover was isolated and a main bearing brace was added. The result is an engine which moves the Jeep quickly and with much torque, but which is not really strong enough for the heavier Grand Cherokee.
Transmissions are either 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (up to 2002). All have part time 4WD with low and high speed ranges. The transmission feels heavy duty, and has a long throw and clutch action. If you like Jeeps, you'll be glad they did not mess too much with the transmission feel.
Raising or lowering the soft top requires less than one-third the time it did on earlier models, and sealing is better. The hard top is 15 lb lighter and has quick release latches.
Overall weight is 3073 to 3210 lb. Ground clearance is at least 8.3 and at most 10.1 inches. Power steering is standard.
2003 changes
In 2003, a number of additional changes were made, including vibration-free rear view mirrors, an optional auto-dimming compass/thermometer-equipped interior mirror, replacement of the ancient AMC 2.5 engine with the Chrysler 2.4 (for 25 extra horses), and the replacement of the even more ancient TorqueFlite three-speed automatic with a current four-speed automatic. The five-speed manual was updated with a synchronized reverse gear and better shift quality in cold weather. New seats have more rearward travel, and a new, more easily removable fold-and-tumble rear seat has child seat anchors. New standard corner pods (see review for illustration) replace the optional sound bar, and also provide interior lighting. There are also new colors, and a new three-ply soft top.
Detailed 1997-2001 Jeep Wrangler information
- Specifications - numbers and stuff
- Interior/Exterior Design
- Powertrain - engine, transmission
