2004 Jeep Wrangler: Road Test
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2004 Jeep Wrangler ▼
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- MSRP: $16,635 -$25,450
- Invoice: $15,508 -$23,146
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Our road test for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Jeep Wrangler from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler help you decide if a 2004 Jeep Wrangler is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Most buyers choose a 6-cyl model; they get adequate acceleration with either transmission, though automatic tends to upshift too soon, downshift too late for best throttle response. Unlimited weighs 250 lb more than Sahara, doesn't feel appreciably slower. Sluggish off the line, the 4 cyl has adequate merging and passing response, is smoother than the six.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4.7 |
Wrangler is fairly heavy, 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. Unlimited averaged 15. No opportunity to measure with 4 cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4.1 |
Standard 15-inch tires provide relatively compliant passage over bumps, but absorbency suffers with larger wheel-tire combinations. Bigger issue is short wheelbase and off-road-ready suspension: they trigger abrupt vertical motions even on apparently smooth roads. Unlimited's longer wheelbase improves ride quality some.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4.3 |
Very maneuverable at slow speeds, but body lean prevalent as speed increases. Rugged suspension causes skittish cornering on bumpy pavement. Unlimited has less-jittery road manners, but still far from carlike. Steering less precise than typical passenger vehicle's, and Rubicon's tall tires make it feel even sloppier on-road than other Wranglers. Four-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping power, but pedal modulation poor on all versions. ABS an important safety feature that should be available on all models.
QUIETNESS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3.8 |
Sparse insulation. Lots of wind noise with soft top, somewhat less with hardtop, but copious tire noise drums through. Unlimited has extra sound deadening, but conversation at highway speeds still requires raised voices.
CONTROLS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Logically grouped, easy to see. Good outward vision, though plastic side and rear windows prone to scratching, clouding, and power mirrors unavailable. Driver's elbow can hit center-console armrest when shifting manual transmission. Solid workmanship, durable materials. Soft-top operation a time-consuming adventure of zippers, fasteners, struts. Unlimited's longer convertible roof even more cumbersome, though "sunroof" feature a nice idea.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
No excess elbow room. Terrific head clearance with either top. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for shorter drivers, and there is no height adjustment. No door armrests. Entry/exit requires big step over doorsill.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4.3 |
Two adults fit without touching shoulders, but knee room tight and seat isn't comfortable. Unlimited leg room only marginally better. Difficult entry/exit on all.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.8 |
A few grocery bags fit behind regular-length models' back seat, which folds or removes to create steamer-trunk space. Unlimited's cargo bay a useful 13 inches longer. Optional Add-a-Trunk unit provides locking compartment, but is unavailable on Unlimited.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5.6 |
Wrangler is an uncomfortable, unrefined throwback. But few vehicles have more personality or better off-road ability. All versions have strong resale value, but prices are relatively steep. The Sport quickly tops $22,000. Sahara starts well above that. Positioned just above the 4-cyl SE, the X delivers 6-cyl power for reasonable cost. Unlimiteds add precious cargo space and slightly better on-road feel without sacrificing much off-road prowess.
Total Score
| SE, man. | Sahara, man. | Rubicon w/hardtop, auto. | Unlimited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 32 | 30 | 37 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 33
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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