1994 Jeep Wrangler SE review from North America

Well it's still early, but it appears to have a weak synchro 3rd to 4th gear, and possibly a bad carrier bearing in the rear end.

Everything else appears to be in fine shape.

I had to go back to my Wrangler YJ roots, so I sold my 2004 Liberty Limited and searched for a clean rust-free 1995 YJ Wrangler. I previously owned a '95 Wrangler SE with the "Splash" graphics, so I was pleasantly surprised to find another one-owner example in exceptional shape.

The body and interior are in nearly new condition. The vehicle runs and drives excellent. I noticed a little noise coming from the rear-end, as well as a little "snick" on the 3rd to 4th upshift.

If you shift slowly, you do not get the "snick", so I assume it's a weak synchro. (Not uncommon in Jeeps).

The only cosmetic flaw on the vehicle is very minor- a small "stress crack" inside the driver's door by the vent window (also pretty common in Wranglers).

The vehicle is "Poppy Red" with a light gray interior. It looks more like it has 30k miles on it rather than 130K plus.

The 4.0 liter engine starts and runs flawlessly, and it drives very well.

I expected to have to repair a few things since it is a 10 year old vehicle, with fairly high miles on it.

I also expect it to be a fine little Jeep, once the repairs are done.

I've also owned a 2003 TJ Wrangler Sahara, and although the TJ's ride much smoother than the YJ's. I personally prefer the old AMC designed, leaf-sprung, kind of crude, with an ox-cart ride YJ.

They are simple, easy to work on, and you know that you are in a Jeep. The dash and instrumentation scream "Jeep", rather than "Chrysler Mini-Van". You can disassemble the dash to replace bulbs etc. in 30 minutes or less, using only a phillips head screw driver.

Sure the TJ's are great looking vehicles and they have "real Jeep" round headlights, but don't write-off those old rugged rectangular headlight YJ's. They are true Jeeps through and through, and are not very far removed from the beloved "CJ" series.

The 4.0 liter in-line six is as close to bullet-proof as you can get, and it moves the little Wrangler along very smartly.

Sure Wranglers are noisy, rough-riding, a bit cramped, and a bit thirsty. But they sure are fun!