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2003 Jeep Wrangler Full Review
Date Published: 10/01/08
2003 Jeep Wrangler Review
Jeep's tradition-bound compact SUV gains a new engine and transmission and available 4-wheel disc brakes for 2003. Wrangler is available with a soft top and plastic side windows or an extra-cost hardtop with glass windows. The base SE model has a 4-cyl engine, which this year is a 147-hp dual-overhead-cam 2.4 liter shared with Jeep's Liberty SUV. It replaces a 120-hp overhead-valve 2.5. X, Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon models continue with a 190-hp inline-6 cyl. Manual transmission is standard. A 4-speed automatic is optional; it supplants a 3-speed automatic for '03. All Wranglers have Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Rubicon and optional on Sport and Sahara for '03; the SE and X stay with rear drums. ABS is available on all but the Rubicon and SE. A 30-inch tire package is standard on Sahara, optional on Sport. Rubicon is intended for severe off-road use and comes with 31-inch-equivalent off-road tires, front- and rear-locking differentials, and special low-ratio gearing. Also new for '03 are redesigned front seats, LATCH-type rear child-seat anchors, and an available rearview mirror with temperature and compass display.
Competition
Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
News
In something of a surprise, Jeep says it's adding a Wrangler pickup for 2004. Called Scrambler, it revives an idea from the early 1980s that proved a sales dud, so we wonder why Jeep would want to try it again. Regardless, the new Scrambler is built on a stretched Wrangler chassis with a 4-foot-long cargo box but seating for two only. Jeep promises short- and long-wheelbase versions with 4- and 6-cyl engines, but hasn't provided further details. We expect those soon enough, though, so keep checking back.

The Scrambler suggests Jeep is going all out to boost interest in its classic SUV. Wrangler could use the help, as sales have been waning for several years, including a 6.5-percent drop in 2002.

A fully redesigned Wrangler has been rumored for 2006, but we think '07 is now more likely. Whenever the replacement appears, it should have the same general size and format as today's model, plus modernized styling on a modified version of Jeep's Liberty chassis, so Wrangler finally gets all-independent suspension. The new platform appears first under a second entry-level Jeep, the new car-like Compass, expected by 2005. (See Liberty "News" for more details.) Besides lower development and production costs, the Liberty connection will allow the next Wrangler to be built in the same modern plant. That should benefit assembly quality, never a strong point with the old factory that builds the current models.
2003 Jeep Wrangler Road Test
Pros Cons
Maneuverability Fuel economy
Off-road performance Noise
Ride
Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
27
Average Score
47
High Score
62
2003 Jeep Wrangler Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/05/2003
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
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
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Dual front airbags, roll bar.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, tachometer, front carpeting, mini floor console, cupholder, variable-intermittent wipers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, outside-mounted spare tire, P205/75R15 all-terrain tires.
X adds to SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, folding rear bench seat, rear carpeting, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P215/75R15 all-terrain tires.
Sport adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full metal doors w/roll-up windows, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hooks, outside-mounted full-size spare tire.
Sahara adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
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.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, deep-tinted rear glass, bodyside steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Rubicon adds to Sport:
Powertrain
Front and rear locking differentials.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full storage console.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: full-metal doors w/roll-up windows.
Off-road suspension, LT245/75R16 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Pkg. 22/23N
SE
$1,350
$1,188
AM/FM/cassette, easy-entry front passenger seat, folding rear seat, rear carpeting.
Wheel Plus Group
X
$1,110
$977
AM/FM/CD player w/subwoofer and tweeter, P225/75R15 all-terrain tires, full-size spare tire, alloy wheels.
ADC Convenience Group
SE, X
$165
$145
Full storage console, additional cupholders, courtesy and underhood lights. SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
SE, X, Sport, Rubicon
$825
$726
Sahara
$515
$453
Sahara includes Dana 44 rear axle.
DSA Limited-slip rear differential
X, Sport, Sahara
$285
$251
Requires full-size spare tire. Sahara w/manual transmission requires 4-wheel disc brakes.
Dana 44 rear axle
Sport, Sahara
$310
$273
Requires 4-wheel disc brakes when ordered w/limited-slip differential.
Special axle ratio
X, Sport, Sahara
$0
$0
Safety
Antilock brakes
X, Sport, Sahara
$600
$528
Sahara, Sport w/automatic transmission require limited-slip differential.
4-wheel disc brakes
Sport, Sahara
$0
$0
Requires limited-slip differential, Dana 44 rear axle.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Hardtop
SE, X, Rubicon
$920
$810
Sport, Sahara
$795
$700
Includes full metal doors with roll-up windows, rear wiper/washer, deep-tinted glass (Sahara), rear defogger, cargo light.
Soft top and hardtop
Sport
$1,435
$1,263
Sahara
$1,675
$1,474
Rubicon
$1,560
$1,373
Includes full metal doors.
Full metal doors w/roll-up windows
SE, X, Rubicon
$125
$110
SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
Half metal doors
Sport, Sahara
$0
$0
Air conditioning
SE, X, Sport, Rubicon
$895
$788
Folding rear seat
SE
$635
$559
Includes easy-entry front passenger seat, rear carpeting.
Cloth upholstery
SE w/Pkg. 22/23N
$110
$97
Vinyl upholstery
X, Sport, Rubicon
$0
$0
Steering Group
SE, X
$190
$167
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel. SE requires Pkg, 22/23N.
Cruise control
SE, X
$300
$264
SE/X w/Steering Group, Sport, Rubicon
$250
$220
SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
AM/FM/cassette
SE
$715
$629
AM/FM/CD player
SE w/22/23N, X, Sport, Rubicon
$125
$110
Upgraded sound system
Sport, Rubicon
$295
$260
Includes 7 speakers, tweeter, subwoofer. Std. Sahara.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Sport, Rubicon
$220
$194
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights.
Front floormats
SE, X, Sport, Rubicon
$30
$26
Smoker's Group
Rubicon, SE, Sahara, Sport, X
$30
$26
Ash tray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system
Sport, Rubicon
$75
$66
Add-A-Trunk lockable storage
Rubicon, SE, Sahara, Sport, X
$125
$110
SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
Deep-tinted rear glass
X/Sport/Rubicon w/hardtop
$240
$211
Sport/Rubicon w/soft top and hardtop
$365
$321
Tinted soft-top windows
X, Sport, Rubicon
$125
$110
Bodyside steps
Sport
$75
$66
Engine-block heater
Rubicon, SE, Sahara, Sport, X
$35
$31
Spare-tire cover
SE, X, Sport
$50
$44
SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P225/75R15 all-terrain tires
Sport
$310
$273
Front and rear tow hooks
SE, X
$60
$53
Full Face Tire and Wheel Group
SE
$700
$616
X
$425
$374
Full-size spare tire, P225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, full-face steel wheels.
Ecco Tire and Wheel Group
SE
$965
$849
Sport
$575
$506
Full-size spare tire (SE), P225/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels. SE requires Pkg. 22/23N.
Canyon Tire and Wheel Group
Sport w/automatic
$670
$590
Sport w/manual
$850
$748
Five alloy wheels, heavy-duty shock absorbers and rear axle, Dana 44 rear axle (w/manual transmission), 30x9.5R15 all-terrain white-letter tires. Std. Sahara.
Full-size spare tire
SE, X
$115
$101
2003 Jeep Wrangler Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Wrangler 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 93.4
Overall Length, in. 155.4
Overall Width, in. 66.7
Overall Height, in. 70.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3235
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 47.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 41.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.1
Rear Head Room, in. 40.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 ohv I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /148 4.0 /242
Horsepower @ rpm. 147 @ 5200 190 @ 4600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4000 235 @ 3200
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 18/20 16/19
4-speed automatic 18/19 16/19
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jeep Wrangler 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Rollover Resistance 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 7/70,000 $100 deductible per visit.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive
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