2004 Jeep Wrangler Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The 2004 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, but if you're dying for a cheap convertible or an off-roader that can go just about anywhere, it's hard to beat the Wrangler.
Pros
Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons
Soft top a handful to manipulate, difficult ingress-egress, slow steering, bouncy suspension on the street.
What's New for 2004
An AM/FM/CD stereo and a tilt steering wheel are now standard on all 2004 Jeep Wrangler models. A new aluminum wheel design is standard on Sahara models and optional on Sport models. Right-hand-drive versions are also available for fleet utility service. A Columbia Edition option package is also new for 2004.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Delayed Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Had this Wrangler Sahara for over 5 years. A very FUN car to drive, although not the comfortable one. Had hardtop and added U-haul hitch. Very classic looking. Small, but very easy to park and making turns. Very noisy with high speed, but that is expected with a Jeep. Never had any engine or mechanical related problem. I also love the tires with "Wrangler" brand (from Goodyear), as well as the high ride with this Jeep. Sahara line is well equipped. I only wish the sound insulation is little better. My hardtop is great, but removing it is difficult. People either love this or hate this car. There is no middle ground. (just as you never go to South Pole to see winter, not summer
Favorite Features
"Wrangler" brand tire, reliable build, tinted glass, classic appearance, able to remove anything, hardtop, doors, even windshield, many after-market products, cheap but still a headtuner
Suggested Improvements
roof rack is almost impossible, better noise insulation, better fuel economy (although this car uses regular gas), make easy to remove hardtop, poor quality of windshield wiper (jumps and noisy)
Jeeper 4 Life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I've had 4wd pick-ups and other vehicles, but this is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it. It's boxy, bouncy, and loud - but if I wanted a Cadillac I would have bought one! I've got a 2" lift, 33" MT mud tires (great for off-road, but I'll be switching to Silent Armors when these are worn out) and lots of chrome accessories. Did I mention I got the electric lime green color? I can always find her even in the most crowded parking lot.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive is #1, but I also love the utilitarian look and that if it rains while the top is off, it just needs a brief wipe-down and I'm good to go!
Suggested Improvements
I'm short and I'd really like more seat adjustment options so I'm not so close to the airbag. The console could be higher so I could actually rest my arm on it, with the cup holders moved somewhere other than where the shifter needs to be in 2nd gear.
A Blast To Drive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
A rugged 4WD and almost a roadster in one! Handles great, and couldn't be more fun to drive. Other than some HVAC problems, it's been very reliable. My last Jeep was an 86 CJ-7 and this is like driving a Lexus compared to the CJ.
Favorite Features
Looks, top down driving, how it handles. Jeep personality.
Suggested Improvements
Very poor fuel economy for size of engine and vehicle, although it is heavy and solid. Not easy to put top up and down.
Wrangler Unlimited a Good Value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I am happy with the Wrangler. That being said, I knew what to expect from this vehicle and I live in an area where there are plenty of places to take it off-road and sometimes our weather here makes having a 4x4 a definite advantage as well. If you want a vehicle that can take you to and from work or to the store and you live in the city, then the Wrangler probably isn't for you. However, if you want a fun versatile vehicle that is reliable and can haul and tow and get you unstuck from places that other SUVs won't dare to venture, then you may want to consider it. For the small price difference, consider the Unlimited. It has more room and better towing capacity and road manners as well.
Favorite Features
The Wrangler is rugged, reliable, classically styled, has decent torque, and its off road capability instills confidence. It is easy and inexpensive to maintain. It has comforts not seen in past Wranglers: auto dimming mirror with compass and thermometer, a CD player, and a 7 speaker sound system.
Suggested Improvements
I average about 15.4mpg in the city and 18.5 on the highway. The cruise control wants to downshift from 4th to 2nd gear if it encounters a hill, which shoots the RPMs up to around 4,500 or so at 60mph. I have to manually disable overdrive if I want it to shift into 3rd instead of 2nd.
great jeep
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have had this Jeep for 1 1/2 years. So far I love it. It is great in the mud or snow and I don't even have a lift on it. It is marginal at interstate speeds. Rough riding but that is expected. You learn to love it. The worst part is that the engine is underpowered. I added a Banks Cold Air Intake and that helped out a lot. I hope to put a cat-back exhaust system on soon. Great fun in the summer with the top and doors off.
Favorite Features
Removable top and doors, 4WD, fun factor
Suggested Improvements
More power, please! Better fuel economy.
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