I have the inline 6 and am amazed at the low end powewr this thing has. I rarely get above 2000-2500 rpms. I love the ride and handling, the coil spring suspention at all four corners is great. The vehicle feels very solid, on and off road. The sound bar is a definate must, if you want to hear the stereo (unless you install aftermarket system...) The heater is great, don't mind these cold Ohio winters with the blast oven going. The trac-loc rear end is super, I'm sure there are better aftermarket lockers, but I'm not an axle mech. 4X4 operation is smooth and easy to use. I come from the less is more school, and used to swear by manual hubs, but I love not getting dirt on those rare times when I need the front axle.

My warranty expires in MArch of '00, so i'm taking her into the shop for much of these, so we'll see... The first to second shift is not smooth, easy to grind second. Coffee anyone? Dealer told me the 2nd gear syncro is the first to go bad, otherwise the ax tranny is very stout. My oil pressure gauge doesn't read pressure on initial start-up, takes just a few seconds to come up. At times, pressure gauge hits the 80 psi mark but then drops down to a more normal pressure. Happens mostly when driven cold. Going back to tranny for a second, comes close to a broom handle in a mop bucket for feel. The '97 models do not have a passenger side airbag disconnect, some of us have to haul our kids around (when the wife won't allow me to go alone) I've got the 30 inch wheels and five hole aluminum wheels, they are pitting or something under the clearcoat. The soft top is very noisey, especially on windy days.

I bought mine used, from a family that had leased it for their son. He went off to college, and couldn't take it with him. I bought it on the day their lease expired, so I got to name my price. We settled @ $14,400 for a '97 sport, 6cyl, 5spd,and 20k miles, w/ sound bar (factory), tires and wheels, trac-loc rear end, 3.55 gearing, 19 gallon gas tank (standard is 15), heavy duty alt, and battery, ect, ect...

I would strongly recommend this vehicle, depending upon your situation. My wife drives a Dodge Ram 4x4, so we have a vehicle for hauling, and family trips. This is a great commuter/ off roader, but if you have a family, it would make a better second vehicle. I havent yet dealt with the factory on the complaints, so I can't comment on the serevice side of things.

Even though I'm settled down, it's still nice to get noticed by the females who seem to love a fireman in a bright red jeep.

Similar Products Used:

'96 cherokee, same engine, lots of power, can't compare. '89 Ford Bronco, Both great vehicles, but again, no way to compare.

The top comes off!! what more do u need?
Timeless styling and a great first car. Lots of fun
and friends like it. Very maneuverable

The ride is not exactly comfortable. The seats do not recline. You feel every pothole. The carburator engine makes sounds powerful, but it only sounds that way

I got this car as my first car from my parents. When i first saw it I immediately fell in love.The top was down, it had a new black paint job.. It had this unspoken character that other cars just dont have. I have had slight problem sith it. The heating valve does not seem to be functioning and does not let any heat into the car, which was bad because the winter has been cold this year. the wipers are not working and the speedometer is kinda not working either.. but that's my fault. I recently installed an aftermarket radio myself, and managed to disconnect some wires in the process.. however i will fix it this weekend. No major mechanical problems, which is surprising since this is a 13 yr old car. I got this car to learn to drive and learn to fix inevitable problem while having some fun. I would recommend this as a first car more than anything because ir u hit a tree or do something stupid to fix it, its a pretty simple car and many parts like fenders and hoods can be easily found in many mail order catalogs. It fits everywhere and is very maneuverable. Not too fast, but when its warn and the top is down, nothing can beat it

Similar Products Used:

Nothing compares to this car.. its in a class of its own

It is not a SUV, does not look like one, does not have a CD changer, with Sahara markings and trim removed it looks like an offroad Jeep, it is a strong runner (5 speed manual, 4.0L straight six), looks like a REAL JEEP, has round headlights, gets a lot of friendly nods from off-roaders, loves to romp in mud bogs and get rockbashed on off-road trails only Jeep Wranglers will fit in (i.e. "Jeep Squeeze" 80 miles east of San Diego - had to fold in mirrors to fit thru - no Ford Excursion or HumVee compatible), mud bogger tires make a lot of noise especially at freeway speed (drives cell phone users nuts), other cars stay away (Jeepers had many dents, scratches and bashes from severe offroad use) and is the ultimate fun vehicle.
4.0L engine has mega-torque, fuel injection does not falter even on severe angle assaults on rocky trails, gas mileage decent at 60 mph (18-19mpg), air conditioning works great even in 120 degree desert heat, does not overheat (engine and a/c run continuously in 120 degree desert trail run - Jeepers idled with a/c on for over an hour and temp remained in high normal range). Sahara model comes standard with heavy duty radiator, alternator, etc - you don't have to upgrade later when you realize you need these goodies. 97 and later Wranglers articulate very well and do not require extensive after-market suspension mods to tackle more advanced off-road trails. If you install lift kit, lockers, etc, you will have an off-road bruiser that is hard to beat. Heater works great (even in 34 degrees below zero in Helper, Utah. Great daily driver in Steamboat Springs, Colorado during winter snow season. Short turning radius makes it ideal urban assault vehicle in San Francisco - Jeepers can fit in spots only a VW Bug can get into (high bumpers and strong frame keep BMW's away in parking spaces). AMC based 4.0L six is indestructible.
It's a Jeep Thing.

It is not a daily driver for someone who wants ultimate comfort. It is not an SUV (thank goodness). Putting up softtop is like pitching a tent. It is quirky and requires the same sort of hands-on owner maintenanc that a Harley owner enjoys doing. A/C was inop from factory, problem with dash gauges and other minor problems. Major problems caused by severe off-roading (bent axle, flooded F.I. sensor, power steering pump got real noisey after severe rock-crawling, tilt-wheel mechanism went out due to rock-crawling, etc). Had to shop for Jeep dealer who knew what he was doing. Local "Beach Cruiser" San Diego Beach dealer is a joke. Left parts off Jeepers when Jeep returned to me. Took this dealer 4 visits to diagonose A/C problem. Intially I took Jeepers to Arizona Jeep dealer and he said problem was evaporator but I was on road and did not want to wait rest of day to have problem fixed. I opted to take to local San Diego dealer and he said evap was not problem. After 4th return visit and call to factory rep in LA local dealer said "Guess the Arizona dealer was right, it was the evaporator".

97 Sahara came with A/C, Dana 44 rear, 5 speed, softtop, 30 inch factory wheels (destroyed by offroading).
Paid $21,000. Should have bought in NY/NJ area where deals are much better. San Diego dealers mark prices up. Best deal at L.A. dealer who has largest Jeep inventory on west coast and has dealer sponsored Baja Race team. If I were looking for a 97 - 2000 Wrangler now I would buy a used one from an owner who never overroaded. Problem is that used Wranglers go for almost as much as a new one. Prices are better in areas where Wranglers are scarce. Do not buy in Southern California, Denver area or anywhere where a Wrangler is cool to drive and practical because of weather/driving conditions. Scottsdale, Arizona Jeep dealer had 97 Wrangler Sahara marked for $18,500 (40,000 miles) last month. If you want a Wrangler do some internet research first. Go to and search for 'Jeep' and start hitting the multitude of owner and after-market sites. After-market off-road shops can offer tons of advice on buying the Jeep that will fit your needs. The Wrangler owner responses above indicate a lack of research before buying. "4 cylinder does not have enough power on mountain grades", "noisy", "Top heavy", "no cargo room", "no place to lock things". If they would have gone to Wrangler owner sites they would have know pluses/minuses before buying. I have rear seat out of my Wrangler and installed large aftermarket security locker that works great. If I want to haul anything I take out locker. Trips to Home Depot can be made if you install after-market trail frame (looks like P/U contractor style over the cab/bed carrier. This frame will handle 4x8 sheets of whatever with not problem. These mods do not make Jeepers the vehicle of choice for the country club set but it is a Jeep as in 'utility' and "off-roading'. Join a 4x4 off-road club and you will really get into Jeeping. Check them out on the internet. My 2WD is an AMC Pacer.

Similar Products Used:

1957 Willys Overland Wagon, 68 Ford Bronco, 1965 I/H TravelAll, 1946 Jeep Willys Flatfender

Extreme off road capabilities.
Convertible 4x4 (very rare).

Interior is a little cramped.
No power windows or locks.

I traded my Ford Explorer on this cause I always wanted a Jeep. In 96 I got the Ford because the Jeeps were going through redesign and no one wants to buy a first model year. Notice the problems ohers had with the 1997 model. I agree with the post the post below about comparing apples to oranges. This is not an explorer or a pathfinder, etc. This IS offroad capable (read: can handle way more than speed bumps without modification). You don't buy this instead of other SUVs unless you want to go offroad or enjoy the ruggedness of Jeeps. I miss a lot of the more luxorious options I had on my Explorer (power locks & windows, leather seats), but I wouldn't trade my Jeep for it. Besides the aren't many convertible 4x4s left on the market. As far as value, someone posted below saying it is low when buying used. This is true, but this means that it is high when buying new (i.e. HIGH RESALE). I've seen 1 year old wranglers selling for around the price I just payed for mine new. AND IT LOOKS TOUGH, too.

Similar Products Used:

1996 Ford Explorer

Undeniably cool... admit it!
NEVER could get it stuck, and I tried.
Friends love to go off roading with me!
Resale Value when time to sell.

Kinda slow, but I had the four.
Top a bear to mess with!
Gas guzzler
Resale value if you try to buy used! But worth it...

Bought a 1990 used, my favorite car in the world! Moved out of parents house, and took the Stratus, Dad kept my Jeep. No other car in the world could make a 46 year old go "off roading" with his fifteen year old son in the back yard. No, I'm serious... he owns seven acres, and he now has a use for it!I really do miss that car, it was by far my favorite, but unfortunately, I could not afford two cars, and couldn't imagine driving the Jeep everywhere! I take alot of long trips, constantly rack up miles. Gas and insurance would have been too much for me! Sorry Jeep!!!
But, at least my Jeep has a good new home, and Dad is taking it to a Jamboree in the Spring! I'll be there for sure!

Similar Products Used:

Jeep Cherokee 1994

Best offroad capability of any stock vehicle, except maybe the Land Rover Defender 90.

Road noise
Poor Freeway speed
Limited Luggage space
Smallish windshield

A fun vehicle with a specific purpose. No apologies needed from Jeep for providing such a great offroad vehicle. I have taken it thru places I would never consider with an run of the mill SUV type.

In the next few months I will be excitedly adding new offroad bits and pieces. First up a Warn winch and Hi Lift Jack.

Very manueverable at low speed. Turning radius of a subcompact. I'm pretty happy with my stock suspension for slow speed 4x4ing.

My complaints above relate to highway issues. I knew these were considerations from the start. I am still annoyed when losing speed up mountain passes.

I installed a large expedition roof rack built by Wilderness Rack knowing that getting all the camping and biking goodies to the trailhead was going to be a challenge. I'd like to see Jeep offer something like this as an option out the show room door. With the roof rack loaded the Wrangler gets a little more lateral sway going. With it I don't feel up to swerving in and out of traffic.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this vehicle. It is a lifestyle choice. As an outdoor status symbol only, it is not polished enough to be worthwhile. However, it complements beautifully the outdoor sports that I consider important and part of a worthwhile existence. I am one of those people you see driving a Jeep who looks like he is having more fun because he is having more fun.

Ultimate 4X4(under $50K)
Built like a tank
Resale value is excellent as long as you don't trash it.
MADE IN THE USA!!

Gas mileage

Mine is a 1999 Wrangler Sport
-Chile pepper red w/ tan soft top
-4.0L auto
-a/c
-factory cd player w/ sound bar
Sticker was $21,250 bought it brand new off the showroom floor from CARMAX for $18,200.

Folks, you have to look at this vehicle differently because it is just that- Different.It is not a Ford Explorer or a Pathfinder nor was it ever designed to be.It is the most fun a person could have driving it around.Here in Florida the top is off about 75% off the time and it is the ultimate convertible. It is an oversized toy that doubles as a street legal vehicle.

I would not recommend it if you:
-drive more than 30 minutes to work
-like to drive over 70mph
-carry lots of stuff with you (not much room and anything of value will probaly be missing when you return.)

I would recommend this vehicle if you:
-have a sense of adventure
-like you car to make a statement about your personality
-can live without all the luxuries like pwr window,lock, etc.
-would rather enjoy the freedom to cruise down the road with the wind in your hair than locked up behind the glass of your Explorer.

The best thing to compare it to is a Corvette- No room, rough ride, sucks gas, a blast to drive and wouldn't own anything else!

To sum it all up - It's a Jeep thing and you wouldn't understand.

Great off road, fun in the summer, reliable engine, plenty of power, almost anything can be added to enhance performance

Should be used as a secondary car, terrible on highway, bad mileage, cramped conditions, exhaust manifold cracked in only two years

I love my jeep and hate to part with it, but I need more room. Great for college kids wanting to hit the beach.
MY WRANGLER:
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, 5spd, a/c, soft top, all options
55,000 miles(only regular service except for exhaust)
Add Ons:
Viper Motion Sensor Alarm
Clarion CD player
Eclipse Speakers
Smittybilt Brush Guard
Hella 500 lights
American Racing AR136 rims 15x8
Pirelli Scorpion A/T 31" tires
K&N air filter
Borla Headers
Borla Stainless Exhaust(A must)
Bestop Tinted Windows

Similar Products Used:

Owned:1977 CJ-7, 1991 Explorer EB, 1993 4Cly TJ, 1991 Jeep Cherokee Sport

Much nicer ride than older models
Short turning radius
Excellent ground clearance

Golf clubs won't fit without folding rear bench seat
Chrysler ablsolutely stinks.
Doors need to be slammed shut (hardtop)
Seat belt gets in the way of the door, and/or gets caught on door lock post

Really not worth the $$$ unless you are serious about off-roading. Definitely not a good choice for your only vehicle.

Special ordered SE hardtop in 1996 - took 3 months to get.
Windshield cracked Jan. 1997 due to stress on frame in cold weather. Went through 4 windshields in less than 3 years (all replaced under warranty).
Recall repair on fuel sending unit made the fuel guage less reliable (light goes on at 1/3 tank left).
Finally went through Arbitration process and got nowhere. Sold it to someone else.
I will never purchase another Daimler-Chrysler product.

Similar Products Used:

1988 Wrangler

Strong engine (4.0L), climbs almost anything, looks cool, Versatile (soft top, hard top, soft doors, hard doors)

Noisy, still cold in winter (yes, better than before), shifting could be smoother (1st to 2nd needs better synchronizing)

I love my Jeep!! It has treated me well. I will however say that this vehicle is not for everyone. In the summertime you can remove the top and doors which is great. In the wintertime you can install the hardtop and hard doors.

Drawbacks are that there is little room to haul anything. The Passenger seat is the only one that folds forward to let folks in. I would not recommend it as an only vehicle.

Problems encountered...

Broken windshield (s) (GET Glass coverage with your Auto policy). The windshield is very $$$ if you need to pay for it yourself (a flat rectangular piece of glass, go figure). The replacement windshield now has a chip in it. This time I have coverage.

Fuel guage sensor unit needed replacement. Now works fine.

Airbag sensor needed replacement.

I would rate the Wrangler overall as a 3 because it is fun and lets me be frivolous. For value, when compared to other vehicles for the money, I give it a 2

Similar Products Used:

GMC Jimmy 1989