1997 Jeep Wrangler SE review from North America

I purchased the Wrangler used from a Ford dealership here in PA outside of Philadelphia.

The majors including the engine and transmission have performed very well.

There have been a few notable issues with the "other" components:

Exhaust Manifold studs snapped.

Oil Pump went bad at 80,000.

Transfer Case Squeak (easy fix with a squirt from WD40 under the car)

Transfer Case/Transmission Seals.

Radiator.

Harmonic Balancer.

Cabin blower resistor (which I am told is a chrysler issue)

Passenger front seat wire snapped to lift seat riser for rear passsenger entry.

I had to replace the worn sport bar covers.

After heavy rain, I do have a leak in the front passenger side floor. Extremely annoying!! I'm working on adjusting the weather seals on the door.

Soft Top actually broke on a highway- very freaky experience. I advise after 70,000 miles of heavy use, replace the top!! I purchased a black soft top BestTop with tint and it has been amazing!

Some notes:

Handles well in tight situations.

Cabin is small which permits easy access from all sides.

Steering remains tight even at 106,000 miles.

I have a 4 cylinder and gas is pretty good compared to other 6 cylinder Wrangler owners. You have to drive smartly and not fly the "brick" down a freeway with high winds. You will hear that I6 sing Cha-ching!

If you don't have cloth seats, buy the neoprene custom fit seat covers- they work wonders!

All in all, it's a vehicle that can pass for daily use and at the same time draw people's attention!

If you are looking to purchse a Jeep Wrangler, new or used, you have to throw out teh idea that you will be buying a car with the comfort level of a Ford Escape and the open air freedom of a Mini Cooper. This vehicle can't even be labeled as an SUV to me b/c if you ask anyone who owns one they will tell you a Jeep is a brand onto itself and to purchase one brings sacrifices as well rewards. It's a stiff, rough ride on and off road and I love it! I seem to be able to go about 6 months without any major repairs and them something happens that needs me to open up the wallet.

Bottom line is that once the Jeep "itch" bites, you'll have a hell of time convincing yourself to purchase any other car that doesn't have a jailhouse grill.