2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 6 litre

Summary:

Great, but the failure of the second gear is devastating

Faults:

I bought the Jeep Wrangler Sahara new in Mexico and have used it for general transport daily and for sporadic off-track field work in very difficult terrain, for nearly 6 years now. For the first 5 years I had no problems with the vehicle except for routine replacement of worn parts.

Last year the second gear began to snag and the vehicle became undrivable. The agency changed the clutch and the relevant part of the gear box. 3 months later the same fault appeared, this time with an indication of a fault on the dash board. The problem was not solved until someone suggested a sensor that was causing excessive acceleration during the gear change. They changed the sensor and had to change the clutch and relevant part of the gear box again, and also this time the "crucetas" (in Spanish, I don't know the equivalent in English)

Now, 6 months later, the same fault is there again, there is no indication on the dash board, the second gear started grinding really badly and I returned it to the agency immediately to prevent further damage.

I am really disappointed, this was an investment for life and I depend on the vehicle for my work (I am a biologist). Until last year I was really happy with the vehicle.

General Comments:

I loved it until the second gear started to fail. It coped with very difficult conditions, mud, rocks, steep inclines and driving rain, everything, very well. Its small size permitted me to force my way through very narrow and disused trails and is also an advantage for city parking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th April, 2008

2005 Jeep Wrangler X 4.0L 6 cylinders

Summary:

The best Car Ever

Faults:

Nothing yet!!

The fuel economy is not good though.

General Comments:

My Jeep is Awesome, I never thought that it would have its amazing off road capabilities.

On Road its fun to drive.

I Will never get rid of it.

THE BEST car I have ever had. I'm looking forward to buy another Jeep.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2006

16th Aug 2006, 11:27

Fuel economy will never be good from an off road oriented vehicle.

But let me get this straight...

You bought a wrangler and didn't think it had the balls to go offroad?

Wow.

3rd Oct 2008, 11:25

But... why would you buy a Wrangler not intending to go offroad...?

14th Oct 2008, 20:23

And yet... I would think that the list of vehicles that could handle potholes, snow, ice, carry more people, carry more cargo, are smoother, are quieter, get better gas mileage, and cost and depreciate less would be pretty comprehensive. Jeeps are best off-road and it's there that they perform better than all comers. Otherwise it would seem like any decent SUV or perhaps Subaru would be a better choice. But I like Jeepers who stay on pavement too. They're the best source for nice clean used Jeeps that have "never been wheeled". But of course it's your choice what you drive and like. You don't even need a watertight rationale for ownership. If you like it, buy it. Jeep on, dude.

15th Oct 2008, 07:23

I was in the automobile business for over 30 years (now retired from the business). I sold Jeeps back when the Wrangler (YJ) was introduced (back in 1986, as 1987 models). I worked for a Jeep dealership when Chrysler bought AMC, and over the years since worked in dealerships that sold many competitor's models, as well as in Jeep dealerships.

I will say there are smoother riding SUVs out there. There are SUVs that get better fuel economy. There are roomier and quieter SUVs as well. But as far as versatility, ruggedness, reliability and resale value go (but why would you want to sell?) the Wrangler still tops my list as the best compact SUV, with real off-road capability.

If you are looking for comfort and luxury in a mid-size SUV the Lexus RX models top my mid-size (not for off-road) list.

But if you go off-roading or rough roads are part of your commute a clean late model Cherokee is nearly as rugged as the little Wrangler (I said nearly - in my book nothing beats the Wrangler).

Another compact worth looking at is the new Suzuki Grand Vitara - especially since they've put a more powerful V6 in it for the new model year.

Of course Toyotas RAV4 is a nice little cute-ute, but not for the rough going.

I haven't driven the new Honda CR-V, but I was not impressed with the last one I drove back in 2004.

I'm no longer in the automobile business, but I'm still an enthusiast, and the Jeep Wrangler is still tops on my list.

One more thing - Wrangler's hold their value very well - they do not depreciate rapidly like most vehicles.

7th Jan 2009, 10:18

I should have said I just purchased the Jeep in Sept.