1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0 from North America

Summary:

The Wrangler is a fun vehicle to own and drive

Faults:

At about 5,000 miles the power steering fluid leaked. The repair was covered under the warranty.

At about 10,000 miles I noted the gages did not read correctly. A recall was in effect for this. The dealer handled the reapir at no cost to me.

At about 32,000 miles the fan belt was warn. I replaced it myself, at a cost of about $12.

At about 80,000 miles the 'Check Engine' light came on. I replaced the rear oxygen sensor myself at a cost of about $75.

At 98,000 the engine is hard starting when it is cold. I think the fuel pump is failing.

General Comments:

I think the Wrangler handles very well. It is an excellent off-road as well as a street vehicle.

I think the road noise is excessive.

I feel the gas mileage could be better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2002

1997 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Great jeep and I'm very happy with it

Faults:

Rebuilt transmission ax-15,bolt broke off in manifold, zippers broke on windows, top is tearing, changed oil sensor, changed O2 sensor, fenders faded, paint on hood is fading, drive-line outpost rusted onto transmission inner post due to faulty dust boot. I use a grease fitting now.

General Comments:

Jeeps are made for 4x4 in conditions where other people can't go. There not you family vehicle and should be used for what it's intended for. If you go off road parts are going to break. From what I have read no one really mentions about being off road. 4x4 means that, off road use capability. Buy a car or minivan if you don't use it for that purpose and if you do go off road your going to break more parts. That's part of the game and the price you have to take.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2002

1997 Jeep Wrangler Base 4 banger from North America

Summary:

Great if your outdoorsy and don't mind a bumpy ride... lotsa fun

Faults:

So far, I've only had to replace the power steering pump and had a good tune up. The soft top has just about had it, but it's 5 years old and I didn't baby it. The paint on the drivers mirror mount is peeling, but that's a cheap fix. Just yesterday the sway-bar connect on the drivers side popped out...gotta, but a new boot and pop it back in. Engine is a little underpowered, but runs fine. I haven't even had to do brakes or tires yet other than rotating them. Goes anywhere in the snow... I love the thing...can't beat it in the summer especially!!!

General Comments:

Just keep changing the oil, don't expect it to handle like a Porsche or ride like a caddy because that's not what they're made for. With proper care this vehicle is just as rugged as the old ones, but have better rust protection (go look at any CJ).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2002

1997 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Great ride for fun, but not comfort

Faults:

Oil seal leakage.

Oil sensor replaced.

Radiator has started to leak A 57,000 MPH.

Original soft top lasted five years with proper cleaning.

Steering squeaks in the cold weather.

Air circulation to fan is poor, anytime over 50 mph. Basically stops circulating.

General Comments:

Wa Wa Wa, all these people crying about how their jeeps leak, have no power, and basically fall apart in a short period of time. Could some of this be to there lack of basic maintenance. Oil changes, transmission fluid, inspection of these parts before they break. HmmI wonder. If you buy a Jeep you should not expect a plush, comfortable ride. These vehicles were not made for comfort.

As for the plastic parts involved with most of the factory Jeeps, most people are aware of higher quality after-market stainless steel replacements. Check it out!

I've had a few problems, don't get me wrong. But overall the 97' models seem to have most of the previous problems taken care of.

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

Review Date: 31st July, 2002

6th Oct 2004, 19:28

I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler and keep up with all maintenance. The only problems I had was with the oxygen sensor that made it buck (20,000 miles), replaced the radiator (50,000 miles.), catalytic converter (52,000), and brakes (54,000). Of course its noisy, the CD player skips when you go over bumps, its not cozy warm in the winter with the rag top, the rubber weather stripping wears out on the soft-top doors, the fender flares fade to a grey, the zippers wear out on the soft-top doors, etc. With all that in mind, I must say that I still enjoy it because it's fun to drive and helps me get through the NE Penna. winters and love going topless during the summers. Would buy another one!

7th Oct 2010, 11:09

Jeep weren't meant to look pretty or sound pretty or ride pretty. I keep my Jeep the way it should be. Half broken, but still working, covered in mud.