1997 Jeep Wrangler tj review from North America
"If you own one keep it to get back the money you've sunk into it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I am very happy with my jeep and hope to have it around forever. There are many classic problems with them.
The paint peels off the mirriors, The plastic panel on the inside of door will develop a crack especially in cold climates. With all jeeps the radiators are made of plastic and will maybe make it to 40,000 miles. The stock headers are made of iron and cracked around 70,000 miles so if you notice a sound similar to your muffler falling off that's it. The gas tank recall never gave me any problems. The rear wiper died early on. It seemed like every 30,000 miles the power steering box would blow a seal. I had the box replaced and no problems since.
The biggest problem didn't hit until I had 90,000 miles. The intake manifold will eventually develop a leak. A freind of mine who works for a chrysler dealer took my intake manifold off and milled it down. After a while they warp. This happens to wranglers and cherokees.
I have replaced lots more parts mostly due to preventive maintanence. I would never by another wrangler just to go through all the problems again.
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All 1997 Jeep Wrangler reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 6 4.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 23000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Chrysler wrangler |
| Date of Entry | 2nd October, 2004 |