2002 Jeep Wrangler Review
2002 Jeep Wrangler Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+36
Used Wrangler for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons
- Soft top a handful to manipulate, difficult ingress/egress, slow steering.
What’s new
A new "X" model is introduced, combining the potent 4.0-liter inline six with affordability. Sahara and Sport models receive upgrades, including hard doors with roll-up windows. New optional wheels, increased output from the climate control system and an improved premium sound system round out the changes to the tough and ready 2002 Jeep Wrangler.
Edmunds says
The 2002 Jeep Wrangler 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. That said, the Wrangler also offers a visceral motoring experience like no other and the off-road ability of a mountain goat.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Alabama.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Alabama
$236/mo for Wrangler SE
Wrangler SE
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Wrangler continues to be the quintessential off-road icon. This Jeep 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. The Wrangler has never lost its drive-me-hard-through-the-slop attitude, despite improvements for enjoyable daily commuting. And it's one of the cheapest convertibles around. Available in SE, Sport, Sahara and new X trim levels, the Wrangler fits into several budgets.
The SE is the lowest-priced Wrangler, but feels it with a distinct lack of power (a 2.5-liter inline four with only 120 horsepower is all she wrote at this level) or ABS. The Sahara is the priciest of the bunch and comes loaded with the 190-horsepower 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear tow hooks, fog lamps, AM/FM/CD stereo, Convenience Group (with lockable storage, and dual cupholders) and alloy wheels. Newly standard for the Sahara are meaty 30-inch (outside diameter) tires, full doors with roll-up windows and speed control (though we don't imagine a Wrangler as an ideal long-distance cruiser).
In between the SE and Sahara are the X and Sport models. The X fills the previous (and huge) price gap between the bare-bones SE and the more powerful and well-equipped Sport. Fitted with the muscular inline six and cloth seating, the X gives the essentials to those folks who can afford more than the SE but can't make the more than $4,000 jump to the Sport.
Those who do choose a Sport will enjoy this year's upgrades that include the full doors with real windows, fog lamps and tow hooks front and rear.
Nobody, however, 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 severely high winds.
Its performance off-road is unparalleled. The Wrangler's Quadra-Coil suspension allows for an incredible amount of wheel articulation as well as steep approach and departure angles. And the abundance of aftermarket parts to modify the Wrangler makes it enormously popular with the rock-crawling crowd.
The Wrangler does have its quirks -- rear visibility can be a challenge and taking off and putting on the soft top requires superhuman levels of patience. Once the top is on, be prepared for obtrusive flapping. Ordering the Sahara with the Dual Top Group option gets you a hardtop with tinted glass and a folding/removable soft top for a multitude of configurations -- though transitioning from one to another can be a daunting task.
Despite the top's packaging flaws and Wrangler's raw-edged nature, this Jeep is fun to drive, cheap to buy and terrific in its element.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Jeep Wrangler.
5 star(58%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(2%)
97 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
50 - 50
Craig Erhard, 04/13/2002
2002 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Here is the real truth about Jeep
Wranglers. Either you love them the
second you sit in it and you never want
to get out, or you hate it. This
vehicle isn't made for everyone, and
that is why I love mine so.
Don't listen to all the stories about
Wranglers flipping. The only reason
Wranglers flip is because of
irresponsible drivers. This is not a
sports car or … sedan, so don't drive
them that way and you will be fine!
Give a wrangler a try, I LOVE MY
WRANGLER!
4 out of 5 stars
Fun in the sun
Fireman Steve, 03/16/2009
2002 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
For the most part, this is a fun vehicle to own. Keep in mind, however, that for some, a vehicle is a long term investment and you have to think about where you will be at 5 or even 10 years down the road of life. If you don't plan on taking many long trips, needing space for cargo, or many passengers, and if you can afford the gas, go for it. It is exceptionally fun to take the top … down, go off road, and also handles great in the snow. If you have a family, take a lot of long trips, or feel the need for a smooth ride going to and from work, you may want to consider something a little bigger. I have had a Jeep Cherokee in the past which has many of the same capabilities as the wrangler.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Jeep Country
its.a.jeep.thing, 12/19/2007
2002 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
It's a Jeep things, either you love it or you hate it. Where I'm from, the mountains are everything. My 2002 Wrangler X took me everywhere through the mountains. Going along with 10 - 20 other Jeeps through the mountains & the mud made my weekend full of excitement. The short wheel base making it easier to get over hills & through mud. Although taking it through woods & mud & sand & … water has tore some things up on my Wrangler, everything was simpley fixed by me! [& "me" being a girl!] Some people may choose not to use their Wrangler as an everyday vehicle, but it was my "everyday vehicle". Sure, gas mileage wasn't the best, but having my Wrangler was worth every penny.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Fun, thy name is Jeep!
Badpork, 03/30/2010
2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
This is my first Jeep and I love it! Got a good deal on a used Wrangler Sport with only 54,000 miles on it and it's everything I expected. Yep, the ride is stiff, gas mileage around 16 mpg and there's a good bit of wind noise but that's what you get with a Jeep! You wouldn't buy a horse and then complain about no air conditioning, would you? Enjoy it for what it is, a fun, go anywhere … vehicle that you can modify as much or little as you want. You can get it muddy, run over bumps, drive through ice and water and if you take care of it, it will get you where you want to go. Fill the thing with gas and go find an adventure!
2002 Wrangler Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,305 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 46.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
People who viewed this also viewed
3.4 average Rating out of 8 reviews. |
Starting at $39,630 |
4.4 average Rating out of 8 reviews. |
Starting at $50,695 |
4.8 average Rating out of 8 reviews. |
Starting at $36,495 |
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2002 Jeep Wrangler info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Lexus NX 300 2021
- Used Chevrolet Bolt EV 2018 For Sale
- Used Chevrolet SS 2015
- Used Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2019
- Used Dodge Challenger 2010
Shop similar models
- Used Toyota 4Runner
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Corsair
- Used Volkswagen Tiguan
- Used Volkswagen Tiguan-limited
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2013
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2019
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2015
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2014
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2018 For Sale
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2011
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2017
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2012
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2010
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Mclaren 720S
- 2023 Porsche Panamera
- 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
- 2023 BMW X6
- Ram Promaster Windows
- Kia Sportage Plug In Hybrid 0 60
- Lexus RC 300 For Sale
- M X3
- 2025 BMW M4
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2023
Research other models of Jeep
- Wrangler 4 Xe
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- 2023 Grand Wagoneer L
- 2023 Jeep Gladiator
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 Grand Wagoneer
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler 2023
- Grand Wagoneer L For Sale
- Jeep Grand Cherokee4Xe
Research similar vehicles
- Porsche Cayenne
- 2024 Jeep Wrangler
- Genesis GV80 Price
- Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
- Buick Buick Enclave
- Acura MDX
- Chevy Trax Car
- Ford Escape
- Dodge Durango Hellcat
- Compass Jeep Trailhawk
Other models
- New Lexus RZ for Sale in Bourbonnais, IL
- Used Mclaren 675Lt-Coupe in Paterson, NJ
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Cocoa, FL
- Used Saturn S-Series in Layton, UT
- Used BMW X6-M in Olathe, KS
- New Mini Countryman for Sale in Trenton, MI
- Used Ford Edge in Center Line, MI
- Used Subaru Ascent in Cumberland, MD
- Used Bentley Continental in Conover, NC
- New GMC Sierra-2500Hd for Sale in Ukiah, CA