2003 Jeep Wrangler: Road Test
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2003 Jeep Wrangler ▼
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- MSRP: $16,215 -$24,810
- Invoice: $15,126 -$22,576
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Our road test for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Jeep Wrangler from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler help you decide if a 2003 Jeep Wrangler is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Most Wrangler buyers choose a 6-cyl model, and they get adequate acceleration with either transmission. Test Sahara with last year's 3-speed automatic did 0-60 mph in 9.8 sec. Expect the long-overdue 4-speed automatic to help it better that time and be a more-relaxed highway cruiser, too. New 4 cyl is more refined than the 6 cyl, and though it's somewhat sluggish away from a stop, it has adequate merging and passing response and narrows the acceleration gap between the SE and other Wranglers.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.8 |
Wranglers are fairly heavy and certainly not aerodynamic. Test 6-cyl manual-transmission Sahara averaged 15.2 mpg, even in mostly highway driving; test 6-cyl/automatic-transmission Rubicon averaged just 13.0. No opportunity to measure fuel economy with new 4 cyl, but expect it to be more fuel efficient than the old, which basically matched the 6 cyl in our tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Standard 15-inch tires provide relatively compliant passage over bumps, but absorbency suffers with the larger wheel-tire combinations. Bigger issue is short wheelbase and off-road-ready suspension, which trigger abrupt vertical motions even on apparently smooth roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Very maneuverable at slow speeds. But body lean is prevalent as speed increases, and rugged suspension causes skittish cornering on bumpy pavement. Steering less precise than typical passenger vehicle's, and Rubicon's tall tires make it feel sloppier on-road than other Wranglers. New 4-wheel discs deliver fine pedal modulation, enhanced stopping power. ABS aids control, but ABS and 4-wheel discs should be available on all models.
QUIETNESS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3.5 |
Sparse insulation, so highway wind noise is loud in convertible, especially top-up. It's less brutal with hardtop, but copious tire noise drums through.
CONTROLS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Logically grouped, easy to see and reach. Good outward vision, though plastic side and rear windows prone to scratching, clouding. Driver's elbow can hit center-console armrest when shifting manual transmission. Solid workmanship, durable materials. Soft-top operation is a time-consuming adventure of zippers, fasteners, and struts.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
No excess elbow room. Terrific head clearance with either top. New seats firm, supportive, but feel lower to floor than the roughly one inch Jeep says they are, so shorter drivers may pine for Wrangler's previous higher, in-command positioning. No door armrests. Entry/exit requires big step over doorsill.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Two adults fit without touching shoulders, but knee room is tight and seat isn't very comfortable. Difficult entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
A few grocery bags fit behind back seat, which folds or removes more easily for '03 to create steamer-trunk space. Optional Add-a-Trunk unit provides locking compartment.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 5.7 |
Wrangler isn't comfortable, but few vehicles have more personality or better off-road ability. All versions have strong resale value, but initial prices can be relatively steep--the Sport quickly tops $22,000, and Sahara starts above that. Positioned just above the 4-cyl SE, the X delivers 6-cyl power for lower cost than a Sport model.
Total Score
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 32 | 30 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 32
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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