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1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
Date Published: 2/20/08

1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
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Price Range:
$3,600 - 19,800

Class:
Compact SUV
1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 6-cylinder Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 1
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 1
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 31
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
1997-2006 JEEP WRANGLER BUYING RESOURCES
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1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler Review
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.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Jeep Wrangler: Wrangler received no changes for '98.
1999 Jeep Wrangler: Changes included rotary climate controls (replacing sliding levers) and standardizing the 19.0 gallon fuel tank. Previously, it had been an option.
2000 Jeep 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 Jeep 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 Jeep Wrangler: The new X model joined the lineup for 2004. Sport, Rubicon, and X also get a standard CD player this year.
2003 Jeep 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 Jeep Wrangler: In 2004, a tilt steering wheel became standard on the Wrangler.
2005 Jeep Wrangler: The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission marks 2005 for Jeep's Wrangler.
2006 Jeep 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.
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