1997 Jeep Wrangler SE review from North America

Radio no longer works.

Rear manifold bolt broken (recall).

Catalytic converter shattered internally (under federally mandated warrant until at least 70,000 miles).

Transmission had to be rebuilt in 2000.

Low acceleration power.

Black plastic trim has faded and turned gray (not good when your car is normally parked in a garage).

One of the bolts that attaches the back seat snapped.

The weather stripping leaks, and the cloth half of the doors pool water where they wrap around the reinforcement bars. This happens anytime it rains.

The metal half of the doors have started to rust from the water retention.

There is a constant squeaking noise that happens any time the jeep is idling.

The transmission is starting to go out again. The Jeep lurches on initial acceleration.

The panel vents no longer work for heat or A/C.

The fuel gauge never reads correctly.

The zippers on the windows regularly become separated.

The radiator had to be replaced due to poor design and leakage.

There seem to be a lot of Jeep owners, especially from the 1997/98 models that have a lot of problems. I would strongly recommend you not buy one of these vehicles, unless you like to spend money, and work on cars. These Wranglers will probably spend more time in for repair then out on the road.

In addition, the fuel consumption on the highway for this vehicle is horrible, even in the city it isn't very good.