1997-06 Jeep Wrangler | Consumer Guide Auto

Compact SUV; Built in USA

2-door convertible

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $4,000 – $15,500*

1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

1997 Jeep Wrangler

1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport

1997 Jeep Wrangler interior

1997 Jeep Wrangler X-Ray

Pros:	Optional antilock brakes 4WD versatility Maneuverability
Cons:	Acceleration (4-cylinder) Fuel economy Noise

True Wrangler fans don’t fret about its flaws. For other potential owners, the great strides made in safety, ride quality, and refinement in this generation bring Wrangler closer than before to serving as an everyday vehicle.

Overview

Dual airbags went into redesigned Wranglers, introduced in early 1996 as ’97 models. A revised suspension that did away with the leaf springs was also new. Appearance did not change so much, except for installation of round headlamps. Three trim levels went on sale: SE, Sport, and Sahara. The new canvas top, with plastic windows, folded more like a traditional convertible’s roof. A hardtop with full metal doors and roll-up glass windows was optional. Wheelbase was again 93.4 inches, and overall length was identical to that of the earlier model. Powertrains were as before: a 4-cylinder engine in the SE, and a 4.0-liter inline six for both the Sport and Sahara. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 3-speed automatic optional. Command-Trac 4-wheel drive was standard, and antilock brakes were optional only on the Sport and Sahara.

Yearly Updates

1998 Wrangler
Wrangler received no changes for ’98.

1999 Wrangler
Changes included rotary climate controls (replacing sliding levers) and standardizing the 19.0 gallon fuel tank. Previously, it had been an option.

2000 Wrangler
Child-seat tethers were added to the rear seat, and the 6-cylinder engine earned modifications aimed at smoother operation. The Sport’s standard AM/FM radio added a cassette player, and the Sahara exchanged a cassette player for a CD player. The optional tilt steering wheel in SE and Sport was now the same leather-covered unit that was standard in Sahara.

2001 Wrangler
Wrangler models got standard intermittent windshield wipers, a revised center console, an optional subwoofer, and a plastic instead of metal Add-a-Trunk storage compartment for 2001.

2002 Wrangler
The new X model joined the lineup for 2004. Sport, Rubicon, and X also get a standard CD player this year.

2003 Wrangler
The previous 4-cyl engine is replaced with a dual-overhead-cam 2.4 liter shared with Jeep’s Liberty SUV. This new engine makes 147 hp. The 6-cylinder is unchanged, but optional on both engines is a new 4-speed automatic transmission. Also new for ’03 are redesigned front seats, LATCH-type rear child-seat anchors, and an available rearview mirror with temperature and compass display.

2004 Wrangler
In 2004, a tilt steering wheel became standard on the Wrangler.

2005 Wrangler
The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission marks 2005 for Jeep’s Wrangler.

2006 Wrangler
Jeep’s compact SUV revives the Golden Eagle moniker as an option package for 2006. This package includes Tire and Wheel Group AAS plus spare-tire cover, unique interior and exterior trim, and badging.

ohv I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	2.5/151
Engine HP	120
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	140

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 6-speed manual	19/20 17/18

ohv I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.5/151

Engine HP

120

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

140

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
6-speed manual

19/20
17/18

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	2.4/148
Engine HP	147
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	165

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed manual	19/20 17/19

dohc I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.4/148

Engine HP

147

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

165

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

19/20
17/19

ohv I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	4.0/242
Engine HP	181-190
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	222-235

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 3-speed automatic	15/18 15/17	19.3 15.2

ohv I6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

4.0/242

Engine HP

181-190

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

222-235

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
3-speed automatic

15/18
15/17

19.3
15.2

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 6-cylinder

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4

40%

Fuel Economy - 4

40%

Ride Quality - 1

10%

Steering/Handling - 3

30%

Quietness - 1

10%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 3

30%

Room/Comfort Front - 4

40%

Room/Comfort Rear - 2

20%

Cargo Room - 6

60%

Other

Value - 3

30%

Total: 31

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Wrangler 2-door convertible

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4

80%

Front Passenger Injury - 4

80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	71
Injury	73
Theft	156

2000 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 06/02/2000
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 14,460	$ 13,868	$ 560
Sport 2-door convertible	18,725	16,898	560
Sahara 2-door convertible	20,655	18,596	560
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, Command-Trac part-time 4-wheel drive, dual front airbags, power steering, reclining front vinyl bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, dual outside mirrors, fender flares, skid plates, 205/75R15 all-terrain tires, styled steel wheels
Sport adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/cassette with rear sound bar and speakers, digital clock, rear carpeting, 215/75R15 all-terrain tires
Sahara adds: tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, full storage console, courtesy and underhood lights, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD player, front floormats, fog lights, bodyside steps, spare-tire cover, heavy-duty suspension, front and rear tow hooks, 225/75R15 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Pkg. 22N/23N	SE	$1310	$1114
AM/FM/cassette, rear sound bar w/speakers, high back bucket seats, folding rear seat, rear carpeting.
Pkg. 24D/25D	Sport	525	446
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, intermittent wipers, Convenience Group, full-size spare tire.
Convenience Group	SE, Sport	165	140
Full storage console w/cupholders, courtesy and underhood lights.
Powertrain
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
3-speed automatic transmission		625	531
Trac-Loc rear differential		285	242
Requires full-size spare tire, 5-speed transmission.
Dana 44 rear axle	Sport, Sahara	595	506
Requires full-size spare. NA with antilock brakes. Includes Trac-Loc rear differential.
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Antilock brakes	Sport, Sahara	600	510
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Hard top	SE, Sport	755	642
Hard top	Sahara	1160	986
Includes full metal doors with roll-up windows, rear wiper/washer, deep-tinted glass (Sahara), rear defogger (Sahara), cargo light.
Soft and hard tops	SE, Sport	1395	1186
Soft and hard tops	Sahara	1800	1560
Includes hard doors.
Full metal doors w/roll-up windows		125	106
Air conditioning		895	761
Cloth/vinyl reclining front bucket seats with rear seat	SE	745	633
Cloth/vinyl reclining front bucket seats with rear seat	SE w/22N/23N, Sport	150	128
SE includes rear carpeting.
Convenience Group 1	SE, Sport	245	208
Includes tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, intermittent wipers.
Cruise control	SE, Sport	300	255
Cruise control	Sahara	250	213
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Rear defogger for hardtop	SE, Sport	165	140
Requires Heavy Duty Electrical Group.
AM/FM/cassette	SE	715	608
Includes rear sound bar with speakers.
AM/FM/CD player	SE	840	714
AM/FM/CD player	SE w/22N/23N, Sport	125	106
Includes rear sound bar with speakers.
Front floormats	SE, Sport	30	26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Theft-deterrent system		75	64
Add-A-Trunk lockable storage		125	106
SE requires rear seat.
Deep-tinted rear-quarter and liftgate glass	SE, Sport	405	344
Includes rear defogger. Requires hardtop.
Bodyside steps	SE, Sport	75	64
Fog lights	Sport	120	102
Requires Heavy Duty Electrical Group or air conditioning.
Engine block heater		35	30
Spare-tire cover	SE, Sport	50	43
NA with full-size spare tire. NA with SE when ordered with optional tires.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Heavy-duty shock absorbers	SE, Sport	90	77
SE requires optional tires.
Heavy-Duty Electrical Group	SE, Sport	135	115
Heavy-duty battery and alternator. Std. Sahara.
Front and rear tow hooks	SE, Sport	60	51
225/75R15 white-letter all-terrain tires	SE	470	400
225/75R15 white-letter all-terrain tires	Sport	425	361
225/75R15 white-letter all-terrain tires	Sport w/Pkg. 25D/24D	310	264
SE requires full-face steel or alloy wheels.
Full-size spare tire	SE, Sport	115	98
Full-size spare tire	Sahara	215	183
Five alloy wheels, full-size spare, 30×9.5R15 outline white-letter tires. Sport includes heavy-duty suspension. NA with optional tires or 5-spoke alloy wheels. Deletes spare-tire cover on Sahara.
Tire and Wheel Pkg.	Sport	785	667
Tire and Wheel Pkg.	Sport w/Pkg. 25D/24D	670	570
Tire and Wheel Pkg.	Sahara	360	306
Five alloy wheels, full-size spare, 30×9.5R15 white-letter tires. Sport includes heavy-duty shock absorbers. Deletes spare-tire cover on Sahara.
Full-face steel wheels	SE	230	196
Requires optional tires.
Alloy wheels	SE	495	421
Alloy wheels	Sport	265	225
Requires optional tires.

2001 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 09/28/2000
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 14,890	$ 14,343	$ 585
Sport 2-door convertible	19,155	17,543	585
Sahara 2-door convertible	22,435	20,462	585
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, dual front airbags, roll bar, power steering, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, variable intermittent wipers, dual outside mirrors, skid plates, 205/75R15 all-terrain tires, styled steel wheels
Sport adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/cassette with rear sound bar and speakers, digital clock, rear carpeting, 215/75R15 all-terrain tires
Sahara adds: air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, full storage console, AM/FM/CD player, front floormats, fog lights, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside steps, front and rear tow hooks, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 31

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

2002 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 03/30/2002
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 15,305	$ 14,298	$ 610
X 2-door convertible	18,485	17,316	610
Sport 2-door convertible	20,280	18,544	610
Sahara 2-door convertible	23,650	21,644	610
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, dual front airbags, roll bar, power steering, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, variable-intermittent wipers, skid plates, 205/75R15 all-terrain tires
X adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, cloth upholstery, folding rear bench seat, rear carpeting, AM/FM/cassette w/rear sound bar and speakers, digital clock, 215/75R15 all-terrain tires
Sport adds: full metal doors w/roll-up windows, fog lights, tow hooks, outside-mounted full-sized spare tire
Sahara adds: air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, full storage console, AM/FM/CD player w/upgraded sound system, front floormats, theft-deterrent system, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside steps, 30×9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels

2003 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 06/05/2003
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 16,215	$ 15,126	$ 610
X 2-door convertible	19,235	17,999	610
Sport 2-door convertible	21,045	19,225	610
Sahara 2-door convertible	24,635	22,420	610
Rubicon 2-door convertible	24,810	22,576	610
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, dual front airbags, roll bar, power steering, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, variable-intermittent wipers, skid plates, outside-mounted spare tire, P205/75R15 all-terrain tires
X adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, cloth upholstery, folding rear bench seat, rear carpeting, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, P215/75R15 all-terrain tires
Sport adds: full metal doors w/roll-up windows, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, tow hooks, outside-mounted full-size spare tire
Sahara adds: air conditioning, cruise control, full storage console, AM/FM/CD player w/upgraded sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, front floormats, theft-deterrent system, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside steps, 30×9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels
Rubicon adds to Sport: front and rear locking differentials, 4-wheel disc brakes, full storage console, off-road suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, (Deletes full-metal doors w/roll-up windows)

2004 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 10/01/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 16,635	$ 15,508	$ 610
X 2-door convertible	19,700	18,422	610
Sport 2-door convertible	21,685	19,795	610
Unlimited 2-door convertible	24,385	22,198	610
Sahara 2-door convertible	25,275	22,990	610
Rubicon 2-door convertible	25,450	23,146	610
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, dual front airbags, roll bar, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, variable-intermittent wipers, skid plates, outside-mounted spare tire, P215/75R15 all-terrain tires
X adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, cloth upholstery, folding rear bench seat, rear carpeting, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock
Sport adds: full metal doors w/roll-up windows, fog lights, tow hooks, outside-mounted full-size spare tire
Sahara adds: air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, full-length floor console, upgraded sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator , map lights, front floormats, theft-deterrent system, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside steps, 30×9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels
Rubicon adds to Sport: front and rear heavy-duty locking differentials, 4-wheel disc brakes, full-length floor console, off-road suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, (Deletes full-metal doors w/roll-up windows)
Unlimited adds to Sport: 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, full-length floor console, 10-inch-longer wheelbase, front floormats, 30×9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels

2005 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 06/09/2005
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 18,070	$ 16,814	$ 660
X 2-door convertible	20,380	19,041	660
Sport 2-door convertible	23,240	21,179	660
Unlimited 2-door convertible	23,995	21,966	660
Rubicon 2-door convertible	27,465	24,939	660
Unlimited Rubicon 2-door convertible	28,465	25,944	660
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, dual front airbags, roll bar, power steering, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, mini floor console, cupholder, folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, carpeting, skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, P215/75R15 all-terrain tires
X adds: 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, cloth upholstery
Sport adds: air conditioning, full metal doors w/roll-up windows, full-length center console, upgraded sound system, deep-tinted rear windows, fog lights, front and rear tow hooks, 225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires
Unlimited adds: Trac-Loc axle, Dana 44 rear axle, 4-wheel disc brakes, 10-inch-longer wheelbase, 30×9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels, (Deletes upgraded sound system, deep-tinted rear windows)
Rubicon/Unlimited Rubicon adds to Sport: front and rear heavy-duty locking differentials, 4-wheel disc brakes, 10-inch-longer wheelbase (Unlimited Rubicon), off-road suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels

2006 Jeep Wrangler	Pricing Effective: 05/26/2006
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 2-door convertible	$ 18,390	$ 17,105	$ 660
X 2-door convertible	20,650	19,287	660
Sport 2-door convertible	23,540	21,446	660
Unlimited 2-door convertible	24,295	22,233	660
Rubicon 2-door convertible	27,930	25,353	660
Unlimited Rubicon 2-door convertible	28,930	26,358	660
Price Note: