2001 Jeep Wrangler Review
2001 Jeep Wrangler Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons
- Soft top can be tricky to operate, difficult entry/egress, slow steering, limited storage space.
What’s new
The 2001 Jeep Wrangler gets a number of improvements. All models benefit from a new four-ply soft top that reduces wind and road noise at speed. Deep tint windows are now standard on the Sahara hardtop and optional on Sport and SE models with the solid-shell roof. Two new center console designs are available on all models, as is a premium subwoofer. The add-a-trunk feature and removable side steps have been redesigned to improve functionality, and a new instrument cluster, low-pivot steering column, rearview mirror, airbag cutoff switch, child seat-tether anchors, and multifunction headlight/wiper stalk are standard across the entire model line. The ABS system is upgraded; intermittent windshield wipers are now standard, and the 4.0-liter inline six now meets LEV requirements in all 50 states. Sienna Pearl Coat, Amber Fire and Steel Blue exterior colors have been added, while Medium Fern Green and Desert Sand have been dropped.
Edmunds says
It 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 2001 Jeep 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 2001 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$244/mo for Wrangler SE
Wrangler SE
vs
$184/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 Spartan utility while slowly evolving into a practical and popular means of transportation. The Wrangler has never lost its drive-me-hard-through-the-slop origins, despite improvements for enjoyable daily commuting. And it's one of the cheapest convertibles around.
Available in SE, Sport and Sahara trim levels, the Wrangler fits into several budgets. Our favorite model is the Sport, with a gutsy 4.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 190 horsepower and 235 maximum foot-pounds of torque. It can be hooked to either the standard five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission and comes equipped with an AM/FM/cassette stereo and a carpeted cargo area.
The SE is for people who don't mind a lack of power (a 2.5-liter inline four with only 120 horsepower is all she wrote at this level) and no ABS. The Sahara is the priciest of the bunch, and while it gets you the same 4.0-liter engine as the Sport, the Sahara?s 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 Heavy-Duty Electrical Group are among its official features.
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 (though the new-for-2001 four-ply soft top helps reduce aural irritants). 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 incredible amounts of wheel articulation, resulting in 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, and a terrific multipurpose tool.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Jeep Wrangler.
5 star(63%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Last purchase of a car 2001
Jack Phillippe, 10/27/2015
2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
First, I have purchased Jeep's in the past and have overwhelmingly been totally satisfied. When I purchased my 2001 Jeep Sport Wrangler, I knew it would be the last car purchased by me because of my age. I'm now 78 Years of age and can afford a new model if I wanted to but it wouldn't be a wise investment because of my age. I love my 2001 Jeep and found over the years that all it … cost me, besides and oil change once a year (my millage now is only 5,500) and the price of gas. It performs wonders in snow and was my main reason for buying it. I'm the only one in my neighborhood who doesn't have to dig out because of a snow storm. It is a go-anywhere car. There were two early recalls when I first purchase it. I wouldn't purchase any other car on the market if I were to buy another car----period.
" I still own the 2001 Jeep Wrangler and it still runs fine with little expense. I'm adding information, this in the year 2017" - Here we are in 2020 and my 2001 Jeep wrangler is still performing at its best with little expense. I believe I purchased a miracle. I can only repeat my praises for 2001, I still have it and very glad the day I purchased it!-- it just turned twenty years old.
DITO 2018
4.63 out of 5 stars
My favorite ride
taggart, 09/23/2010
2001 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this Jeep new in 2001 in Georgia. I have driven it twice to Moab Utah from Georgia once pulling a trailer with a Goldwing on it The little 4 cyl is a great engine. I have been on the highest rated Jeep trails here in Moab and this Jeep is a stock Jeep no lift kit. By far this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It may be a bit noisy at 75mph but hey, I have been in bad snow … storms and downpours and always felt very secure. The Amber Fire paint job still looks great and at 120,000 it still preforms as it did when new. I replaced the rag top at 100,000 as well as the front brakes. It is simple to tune up and real fun to drive. I am totally into jeeping out here in the desert.
5 out of 5 stars
Most Versatile, Fun, Sexy, Reliable Vehicle Ever Built
jamesdoolin, 10/24/2011
2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
I bought my Wrangler new in June 2001 and now have 193,000 miles as of Oct.2011
Still runs STRONG. I've used it to pull a 28' foot parasail in open fields. I own a boat rental business and have been pulling and towing 5000 pound trailers for years even though its only rated to pull 2500.
Can take a while to stop with 5000 pounds behind you though :)
I use my Wrangler for advertising, … I've got a large removable neon sign hanging between the roll bars in the back! Love to take the top down and the doors off and blast my music! Did a little 4x4 early on and it can handle it. Ice, snow, beach, no problem. Wranglers are great fun, if you don't like em then you're not fun. I'll keep mine 4ever.
4 out of 5 stars
Sweet 16 and still rolling
Christopher L, 02/11/2017
2001 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Humans aside, not many things hold their allure after 16 years. Furniture, TVs, Cell Phones & Computers, and clothing are few examples of items that we'd rather part with after a long run. Most of the time vehicles fall into this category as well. From time to time though a few slip through the cracks and become timeless friends that make us smile when we turn the key. Such is the case … with the Jeep Wrangler. Part truck, part convertible, fully modifiable is is this little machine that started life on paper as a mode of transport for soldiers is now a part of the land scape in modern cities and suburbans. My particular Jeep is a 01 SE base model example. It's previous owner graced this Jeep with optional AC, rear sound bar, 31 inch tires, 1 inch body lift and color matching fenders. A feature only found on Safari models that year. Fitted with half doors and a soft top has made winter morning and evenings a bit nippy, but in typical fashion the Chrysler equipped heater and blower are far more the adequate of keeping it's occupants warm. The AC too blows cool enough to fend of summer heat waves. Rust, a word often associated with Jeeps seems to have missed my unit as its frame and underbody are free from such assaults. Careful and methodical attention to salt and mud will assure the next 16 years are equally rust free. Finally, the expensive bits, engine, wiring, transmission and transfer case all operate well. Despite having only a three speed transmission with overdrive, my Jeep with the 2.5 litter inline 4 returns a whooping 30MPG on the highway and a respectable 18MPG in the city with stop and go driving. A four speed automatic would have been a preferred feature to even out shifts in traffic and getting up to speed. If sourcing a Jeep for yourself, attempting to snag a five speed manual would be ideal if more time will be spent in urban trekking than rock crawling. Other items that leave me longing are squishy breaks that do get the job done, but have you a bit more concern then confidant and a lack of cruise control on all but the Safari edition. Still, if removing the chances of ever getting stuck in light to medium snow while being able to enjoy convertible driving in the summer checks your boxes, then the Jeep Wrangler may just be the vehicle for you.
2001 Wrangler Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,890 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $244/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
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 RestraintPoor
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