At 5,000 miles, the exhaust manifold broke off, and the engine sounded like a tank.
The gas level was marking at empty when I had a full tank at 45,000 miles.
The idle speed varies greatly and I have to rev up the engine frequently to keep the engine running at 55,000 miles.
No one seems to be able to fix this problem.
Even after an alignment, the car still pulls to the right.
I have started using premium unleaded gasoline to try and prevent the backfiring and knocks in the engine.
The vehicle is difficult to drive in even the smallest amount of wind.
Any time it rains, the four wheel drive must be engaged in order to have any type of control over the vehicle.
The slide control for the heating and cooling system has broken.
The back bench seat is constantly making rattling noises and vibrating up and down.
There is a significant amount of noise made by the power steering unit.
The seat belts began to stick at 40,000 miles and are usually hanging limp on the floor, or caught in one of the doors.
The jeep is a joy to drive off-road, however any jaunt down a paved highway should be considered a calculated risk. I find myself waiting by the roadside if there is any type of windy conditions or rain on the horizon. The design of the vehicle is simply too light and the front windshield acts like a sail to carry you away in the lightest of winds.
The seating is abhorrent and if you must sit in these chairs for anything more than an hour you'll surely be hurting the next day.
Leaks have prevailed in this car since delivery and have become something to be expected after an evening shower.
The fuel mileage is also a crime, and the engine has begun to backfire and knock as well.
My 1997 Wrangler has 51,000 miles as of August 2002.
It is a six cylinder, standard transmission, and I have had no problems. It handles well in rain and snow though I'll admit strong winds can be problematic. I only use 4 wheel when several inches of snow lie on the road or when off road. The Jeep handles well on major highways as long as I remember it's not a sport car. The handling is far better than my previous Jeep a 1984 CJ-7.
We have long cold winters in upstate NY. I have been in many winter storms and summer thunder storms. The Jeep is always outside. No garage. It is a soft top and so far it has never leaked. I am replacing the side windows this fall since the plastic is becoming opaque. I believe the main top has about two years left.
The seats are very comfortable. I have driven for 7 hours without back pain. I generally can't last longer than two or three hours in most cars.
97 6 cyl. Fuel sender replaced, oil pressure sensor replaced, air bag (cosmetic) replaced, and steering wheel replaced - all under warranty. I have had a little water on the right floor, seems to be condensate from A/C that doesn't drain well at interstate speeds. I have learned to stop every couple hours and aim it down hill to drain water from drip pipe on the firewall. Dealer looked it over, but couldn't find an elbow to fit. Under hood air must keep it from draining at 60-80mph on open interstate. Fuel mileage was 20 new and still 20 with 62,000+, 3.55 rear end. Great in wind and much better in rain since I replaced original GSA's with AT/S at 55,000. Love to drive it and regularly drive 7 hours at a whack then get out and mow the yard. It drives the way I like to drive. Wife has '98 GC, and daughter drives a '96 Cherokee. I prefer mine.
You should not use 4 wheel drive in the rain. That is only for snow or loose gravel. Don't complain when you blow out your transfer case, universal and CV joints.
The original reviewer probably would've been better served with a different type of vehicle.
As a long-time Jeep owner, I would like to say that Wrangler's can be fantastic vehicles for some people, and all wrong for others. If it is wrong for you don't buy it, and if you do - don't blame the vehicle if it isn't a quiet and comfortable as your neighbors Camry.
The Wrangler is not meant to be a mini-van or family sedan or family SUV. It's not a sports car, touring car, or substitute for a Lexus. It is not the ideal commuter vehicle, as the Wrangler is rough riding, noisy, cramped, and bad on gas.
The soft-top takes time to put up & down with its combination of snaps, zippers & velcro fasteners. (this task can be very rough on the fingers especially on a cool day).
That being said, the Wrangler is a highly capable off-road vehicle, which is also a fun run-about in the city, in the suburbs, and anywhere where the roads are bad, and the weather is worse. It is ideal for parking in tight spots.
There really is no vehicle that I know of that is so versatile in that it makes for a great winter vehicle here in New England, and a fun summer vehicle - top down if you so desire!
It's great for running errands, whether in the middle of a snow storm or on a warm summer's night.
As for the small back seat - it is perfect for my daughter's baby seat, and it does fold to give you more cargo space when you need it.
The problem is that some people buy a Wrangler for the wrong reasons - whether it be image, or thinking it is a suitable substitute for the primary family vehicle.
It can be a great vehicle for a college student, easy to park, good in the snow and fun. But as I stated earlier, it should never be confused with a mini-van, or a family SUV.
I've owned a number of Jeeps over the years, YJ's, TJ's, even a Liberty. My personal favorite is the Wrangler YJ. In fact I currently own a 1995 Wrangler YJ -Yes it rides like an ox cart, is noisy and gets lousy MPGs.
But it is very durable, reliable, and versatile.
If I only owned one vehicle, the Wrangler might not be the most practical choice, but as a second vehicle, few could do so many things so well.
To sum it up - before you buy a Wrangler - make sure it is the right vehicle for your needs, if it is, you will love it!
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site