EDMUNDS.COM 2004 JEEP WRANGLER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
It has a stiff ride, offers about the same noise isolation as a motorcycle and has a soft top that''s a nail-buster to operate, but if you''re dying for a cheap convertible or an off-roader that can go just about anywhere, it''s hard to beat the Wrangler.
Pros
Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons
Soft top a handful to manipulate, difficult ingress-egress, slow steering, bouncy suspension on the street.
What''s New for 2004
An AM/FM/CD stereo and a tilt steering wheel are now standard on all models. A new aluminum wheel design is standard on Sahara models and optional on Sport models. Right-hand-drive versions are also available for fleet utility service. A Columbia Edition option package is also new for 2004.
Overview
Introduction:
The quintessential off-road icon, the Wrangler began as a vehicle for military use and has retained its no-nonsense utility while slowly evolving into a practical and popular means of transportation. This Jeep has never lost its drive-me-hard-through-the-slop attitude, despite refinements for more enjoyable daily commuting. And don''t forget, it''s one of the least expensive convertibles around. If it''s been a few years since you''ve experienced this Jeep''s cabin, prepare to be pleasantly surprised; the ''ute''s interior has undergone continued refinement over the years making it more civilized than you might expect. A new electrochromatic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display (standard on Sahara, and optional on Sport and Rubicon trims) was added last year, along with a new four-spoke steering wheel. Last year''s list of upgrades also included an additional power outlet on the dash; new front seats that offer an extra smidgen of rearward travel and better head and back support; and a fold-and-tumble rear seat that can be more easily removed. The Wrangler does have its quirks -- rear visibility can be a challenge and its highway manners could be described as primitive at best. Removal and installation of the soft top requires superhuman levels of patience, and once in its place be prepared for obtrusive flapping at speed. Design flaws aside, the Wrangler is about what you would expect it to be -- a tough, no-frills off-road machine that delivers cheap thrills and little refinement.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Wrangler comes as a two-door sport-ute in five trims: SE, X, Sport, Sahara and the Rubicon. The SE is a real stripper with carpeting and high-back vinyl bucket seats its most notable standard features. The X trim adds a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, cloth upholstery and fold-and-tumble bench seating in back. The Sport trim''s features list includes a full-length center console, foglamps and full doors with roll-up windows. Step up to the Sahara trim, and you''ll be treated to amenities such as black body side steps, body-colored fender flares, carpeted floor mats, premium cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control and air conditioning. Rubicon trim foregoes some of the nicer amenities in favor of hard-core off-road features like black fender flares, diamond-plate side sills, heavy-duty axles, front and rear differential lockers and 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels. Options available across the line are a hardtop (included are full doors with roll-up windows and a rear-window wiper and defroster) and a lockable rear storage box. You can also get a Columbia Edition package with alloy wheels, special fender flares and two-tone seats.
Powertrains and Performance:
Base SE models are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This engine kicks out 147 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque, and is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission. All other trim levels are powered by a more vigorous 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder that cranks out 190 horses and 235 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with this engine, but a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for all models, except automatic-equipped four-cylinders (1,000-pound maximum).
Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Rubicon models, optional for all others. ABS is optional on X, Sport and Sahara models, and the rear seats are equipped with child-seat anchors. In government frontal impact crash tests, the Wrangler earned four stars for both driver and front passenger protection. In offset frontal impact tests conducted by the IIHS, the Wrangler received an "Acceptable" rating, the second highest of four.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior blends nicely with its exterior in terms of functionality and ruggedness; you''re not going to find any soft-touch plastic or supple leather, but the cabin''s look is clean and most controls are easy to use. Maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 46 cubic feet for the hardtop, 47.2 for soft-top models.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Nobody will mistake the Wrangler for a smooth-running family sedan; it''s very much a truck, thanks to its high step-in height, slow steering ratio and abundant wind and road noise. On the street, its petite size and tight turning radius make it a blast to maneuver, but it can get a little scary to drive and control at freeway speeds in high crosswinds. However, there''s no denying its performance off-road. The Wrangler''s suspension allows for an incredible amount of wheel articulation that''s further aided by steep approach and departure angles. For the ultimate in four-wheeling fun at a reasonable price, this is the obvious choice.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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