Used 2004 Jeep Wrangler Consumer Reviews
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It's the Genuine Article
My first GP, a 2004 Jeep Wrangler SE 4 cylinder, 4WD, with soft top and hard doors, has been reliable, versatile, and just plain fun. It's a blast for all seasons ... goes anywhere in the snow (though ice is always tricky) ... doesn't leak in the heaviest of rain ... pulls my 16 ft. boat up a bumpy ramp with ease (especially using 1st gear in 4WD low )... and doesn't need air conditioning (just take the windows out on a hot day or lower the top). However, I do suggest that you keep both hands on the wheel in windy and rainy conditions because of the short wheelbase and wider tires. There's plenty of heat in winter and you can adjust the vents to cover your needs. It has comfortable seats too.
Hey! It's a Jeep!
I'll be honest. You gotta want a jeep to own a jeep. This is the funnest vehicle you'll ever own. It's at home off road or at the mall. The newer jeeps ride a lot better that the older ones due to coil-over shocks in the front. Accessories galore! This is the one vehicle that you can truly personalize. My advice for jeep buying: Buy the full doors, the 6- cyl., oversized tires, and both hard and soft tops. These are all the "should-a-gots" that plague jeep buyers remorse. Mine averages 13/16 mpg on pavement and about 20mpg off- road! Jeeps are fun! Oh yeah- and insurance is CHEAP!
- SportMSRP: $9,90095 mi away
- Unlimited Convertible SUVMSRP: $16,495111 mi away
- Sport Convertible SUVMSRP: $11,500116 mi away
best jeep ever made
I have owned many jeeps including, cj 5, cj7, scramblers and a wrangler. the rubicon is by far the best of all. coil springs improve the ride over the earlier models.I got the upgraded sound system, which is great. the ride on the street and off road is better then any jeep i have ever driven. The rubicon is worth ever penny.
Have fun while driving
I have had this car for about 3 1/2 years now and I have not had any major problems. Very reliable and rugged vehicle. Excellent in the snow, dirt, mud. The rugged tires will get you out of any situation. Jump curbs, logs, boulders. Anything! Basically as far as off road capability you couldnt ask for anything more. The jeep is not a very great in the highway. Its noisy, rough ride (you will feel every bump), and will cost you a lot in gas. (be prepared for that)
04 jeep wrangler sport
First thing is first i LOVE my jeep. If you dont like bumpy and loud buy a dumb cadillac if you want good gas mileage buy a stupid civic. But if you like wondering on and off road at anytime and having a blast while doing it. then look no further. the sound bar is awesome. ive only had mine stuck once that was in snow that had been plowed 2 days before and was up over my hood and i have a 3 inch suspension lift with 33" BFG A/T.. you can be driving on the street one minute and the next climbing the side of a mountain. no other vehicle can do what a jeep does. i guess you have to be a jeep person to be in love with a jeep as much as i am.
MY FIRST WRANGLER
I needed a 2nd vehicle that could get me off road for fishing. Something dependable and good on gas. I have a luxury SUV (gas guzzler), and I really did not want to take that fishing! I chose my 2004 TJ with 28,000 miles with brand new 31" tires, chrome 15" wheels, Soft top manual 5 speed. I can get to 75 MPH on the highway, but past 76 it starts to get a little rough! I am in 80-90 degree weather with no AC, but I take off the upper soft top doors, the side windows, and role the back windw and I get a cool breeze! AC not needed! For more power and better fuel mileage I am adding a cold air intake and replacing the exhaust system! This has become my daily driver and I love this thing!
I love it!
I used to own a 95 Wrangler! Wow, what a difference! (in comfort!) This is a fun truck that gets a lot of attention (when it's nice and clean-with those tires really shiny!) Haven't put it's off-road capabilities to the full test yet, but Jeep's never let ya down!
Fun but costly
You can take this vehicle anywhere, mountains, beach, the desert sands. But you need to be willing to purchase fuel more often than passenger cars, many trucks, and other SUV type vehicles because fuel economy is not it's strong point. Also, doing routine maintenance is much more important on one of these than most vehicles due to the blow - your - mind cost of making repairs. If you are not a person who religiously follows the suggested maintenance schedules, do not buy this vehicle. Having said that, I have to confess my next new vehicle will be the jeep wrangler unlimited willy addition. In May 2018, I bought a new unlimited jk sport. Needless to say, I'm hooked on jeep. You will be too despite the higher costs of operation and maintenace.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my Wrangler!
This jeep is awesome. My only complaints are that it is slow to pick up speed, limited cargo space, and interior could be designed more modernly perhaps with an aux input factory installed. It is fun and easy to drive. Handles well in the mud, snow, ice, rain, etc. The floors have plugs you can take out if you leave your top down and it gets rained in. Its super easy to clean the interior if it gets wet or muddy. So far, i've had to replace my timing belt and gas sensor. other than that, i havent had any problems out of mine.
Good to go
I have modded my Rubi, but even in stock form it had out perform a very modded "Sport." Go Rubi. it has better axles (Dana 44 front and rear) and a 4:1 T-case, and drives selectable diff locks. The best way to describe a Jeep is; When looking at what they are designed to do, nothing in the world can compare. When it comes to everything else, they leave a lot to be desired. They do not ride great and they are not roomy, but they are a convertible for the summer, 4wd for the winter and just a whole lot of fun to drive.
Unlimited Offroad
My third Jeep without a single problem. The offroad capabilities are second to none. I drive on black diamond trails. The trails only a Jeep can handle. The Unlimited Wrangler has a smooth ride and handles well on the road. I would recommend to anyone.
Timeless Machine
If you are looking for an all out performer in its class this is this vehichle for you! Excellent quality, decent ride quality in town & on the highway. Will go almost anywhere you point it offroad. It is an icon dating back to the original Willys.Soft top is adequate, but not that easy to put up.If your'e looking for a convertible with ease this is not it.
LIMITED USE BUT FUN
I had a great time tooling around Maui for a week in a Wrangler Sport. It's great fun but be aware of the limitations if you're buying this for an everyday driver. This is not a car based SUV like a RAV4 but rather a full time rear drive, live axle truck. It's extremely capable but rough around the edges. For the right people, that is a positive.
Why We Divorced our Jeep
My wife and I greatly enjoyed driving this vehicle - however, it was truly a Love-Hate relationship. Over the period of 18 months, we had this Jeep back to the dealership for steering column thud over bumps (fixed, but not until after they replaced portions of the rear suspension), clutch master cylinder failure making smooth starts impossible (fixed), water leaks from hood hinges (could not duplicate problem - not fixed) and two trips to attempt correction of "pre-ignition" (first time fixed, second time told to take to another dealer). Although we did enjoy our Jeep, we knew with only 18 months of ownership that we would never keep it past its warranty expiration.
bring back the islander
This is my second wrangler, had a '90 Islander previously. No other vehicle is as versatile or fun to drive, especially summertime with doors off. Perfect for carrying my boards to the beach. this vehicle is not for everyone though, I commute 90 miles a day in it, wind is loud on the highway when I have the soft doors on. Gas mileage isn't that bad, I get close to 20mpg.
jeep sport
Best 4 wheel I ever had for off road. Great grocery getter. As lite as it is you would expect better highway mpg's
Poor Quality Costs the company
The Jeep Wrangler has been the icon vehicle since its introduction in WW2. My first experience as a Jeep owner has been a bad one. The manual trans is hard to shift and pops out of gear constantly. It also occationally wont shift into a gear for whatever reason. I took mine to a dealer 4 times and Jeep "can find a problem". I also have the dual top version. Believe it or not the Hard top leaks worse than the soft top in a car wash. I was actually told by Jeep that "convertables leak" and I shouldn't go through car washes. I have had several convertables, and the Wrangler leaks like there is a window open.
Jeep Rubicon don't be left behind!
Its the best one built yet!
New Unlimited
I have just finished the break-in period (300 miles) and it definetly seems quieter and smoother than the standard wrangler. The gas mileage is going to be hard to get use to since my last ride was a 4 cyl Ford Ranger. I opted with only the 4 speakers instead of 7 and I'm satisfied with the sound. It is a fun ride and I'm enjoying it tremendously. I will write an update after more time on and off the road.
Every Car Should be This Fun!!!!!
Don't get this if you have a 2 hour daily commute or need to carry 5 people all the time. Get this if you want to grin from ear to ear every second you are behind the wheel. Nothing in the world compares to this! This is the only convertible you can buy that will carry a Dog, your wife, luggage and pull a boat all at the same time. Hell, you could to all that and cross a 3 foot deep puddle.
Lots of fun, surprisingly practical.
Downshift the 4 cylinder early for power, 3rd gear is good for 75 mph, don't be afraid to spin the engine up. It is a twin cam after all. Used thusly, the engine is plenty peppy. Expect 20 mpg town, 24 hwy. Five speed tranny is notchy and vague, a real antique. The later 6-speed is better. I've got aftermarket sliding glass side curtains on the stock low cut doors. Much quieter and more convenient than zipper plastic door windows. The low cut doors make for a good arm rest (since a Wrangler has none). Get a center console for the same reason. Seats could use more lumbar for 400 mile days.
2004 Jeep Rubicon
Although I think Jeep is a great product, but the Jeep Rubicon can't be a Jeep it's to perfect. Feels like a dream driving it. Beefy tires, factory lift, Dana axels, locking difs. and more! Of corse it's a Jeep and that means modifications! But it is one of the most excellent investments I have made in quite sometime. GO JEEP! ALSO if you live in the New Mexico area please be wise and do not buy your Jeep (or anything) from Casa Chrysler/Jeep located in Albuquerque. This company is un-trustworthy.
Lousy gas mileage
Bought the vehicle new. First fill-up got 18mpg. 2nd fill-up 16mpg. 3rd fill- up 14mpg. 4th fillup 12mpg. After that, between 11 and 12 mpg. Driving conditions same throughout. Received all sorts of excuses for poor mileage from 3 different dealers. Only vehicle I've ever driven that slows down when put in neutral going down hill. Traded it off after a year. Based on performance (lousy gas mileage) and dealerships unable or unwilling to correct whatever the problem was, would never purchase another Jeep product.
Nothing better than a Jeep
This is my third Wrangler I've owned. By far, it is one of the most fun vehicles produced today. Top off in the summer, 4WD in the winter. Fuel economy is terrible, but you can't expect much out of a tank with a tent. New top design has made it one of the quietest Wranglers yet.
love it
This is my third jeep(cj then yj then tj) and they keep getting better. The ride is much improved and it is much quieter. Some people who complain about that are in the wrong vehicle-it is a rugged off-road vehicle after all. Of course the mileage is not great- no real 4-wheel drive vehicle gets high mileage. There is nothing like the wrangler on the road today. If you want a unique and fun vehicle, this is it.
I can't believe I finally did it!
I have a buddy who has a Sahara and I loved to drive it. I had talked about getting a Jeep for over a year. Well, my car died and I finally did it. I wanted the Sahara, but they didn't have any on the lot, so I got the X with added A/C, tinted rear windows & upgraded wheels/sound bar. I live in New Orleans, so the ride on the streets can be a little bumpy, but it is a blast to drive! If you've ever thought about it . . . Just do it!!
Jeep Rubicon
Its like the commercial- you never had so much fun going 3 mph. All Jeep CJ, YJ, and TJ will go just about anywhere. The Rubicon, with lower gearing, taller tires, and locking (in low 4wd) heavy duty axles goes everywhere. Dont buy it if bumpy bothers you. Hook up with Jamborees and Camp Jeep and you'll get every dollar of fun.
my jeep
i love my jeep. i have never owned a vehicle that is more fun to drive or more reliable. easy to maintain and upgrades are unlimited if you have the budget for them. a huge support group is available on the web for all jeep related issues.
First Jeep
This has been the most enjoyable vehicle I have purchased in years. It does great on the highway and performs very well in all traffic situation. Off road it is nearly perfect . So far it has not been stuck or bogged down. We are looking forward to going off road alot more next season. We have installed F and R steel bumpers, purchased a winch & exterior light guards. The last addition to our Rubicon will be a 2"or 3" Skyjacker lift kit.
My 4th Jeep
This is my 4th Jeep. I tradeded in my '02 Cherokee Overland for a Rubicon. My CJs/Wranglers have been the most dependable vehicles I've owned. They're simple and easy to work on. As long as you know what your're getting into, I can't see how you'd be disappointed. The Rubicon is designed for off road use, although it rides fine on the highway. Because of the gearing, it's not the quickest horse out of the gate however. If you want more car like performance, choose a traditional Wrangler. One tip: always keep up with the drivetrain maintenance.
04 Sport 5-speed
Positives. I've never owned a convertable and you CAN NOT beat going topless in a Wrangler. It zips around town with ease once you get used to it being a bit bumpy. I've yet to take it off-road so I can't comment on it just yet. Negatives. I drive about 80 miles (90% e-way) a day and this is my only vehicle. Now, I'm pretty rugged and outdoorsy but this isn't a e-way car. They tend to be blown around quite a bit and seem to get a bit squirlie above 65-70mph. I've also got issues with the tranny. When the vehicle is running and the tranny is in neutral it sounds like a couple marbles rolling around. The tranny is also clunky and doesn't shift smoothly.
Shop around
I love my Jeep. The Khaki is awsome! LOve the ride. HATE the gas eco. what are they thinking. MOST OF ALL shop around and be picky. South Point in AUSTIN is not the place to buy, they are very sneaky and try to ri[p you off at every angle. I have lots of car buying experience being an auto buying and they were a great challange for me. But the Jeep itsself is great. Go with hard top the soft tops rot pretty quick and are noisey. Besides the hard top you can take off and throw on a bikini top.
Awesome to drive
A fun and exciting ride! Not really a family car but for driving pleasure,it is so awesome. The power, the handeling, and the feeling of a jeep is so unique that it is beyon words.
Just get one
This is a very fun "I always wanted" kinda ride. What a blast. And tons of jeep clubs all over the country.
A Blast To Drive
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.
Stuck with a Lemon
Would be fun to drive if I could get it to shift properly. I've been driving standard shift vehicles for 36 years. I've been getting a Loud "clink" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 2nd to 3rd gears. The service tech at the dealership told me that Chrysler changed transmissions in the 2003 & 2004 Jeeps. That they can not be fixed becase they all do it. It certainly takes the enjoyment out of driving it.
Rubicon after two years.....
Still very impressed with my Jeep. I lifted 3" (Rubicon Express) and put all sorts of plates underneath. Other than that it is stock and so far has gone everywhere I wanted to go. I have been on several 4 rated trails and have never been stuck. The lockers are great! I have only had one small mechanical problem with the front locker and the dealer fixed it in one day.
Jeep Rubicon
Surprisingly quiet, smooth ride in a rugged vehicle-an improvement over my old Wrangler Sport-only highway moise is the big treaded tires. Good, basic tried and true vehicle. Excellent off road capabilities-probably hte best stock vehicle ever built for orr-road, but not a bad daily driver, either. A little difficult to get kids in back with only one lifting seat, but otherwise fine. Lots of cuhy refinements over prior models.
It's a Jeep
Bought used in 2008 with 66000 miles. Had my X for over 2 years now and never a problem. My wife says it rides rough but it's a Jeep. Can't think of anything more fun to drive than a Jeep Wrangler X with the top down, except in a rain storm (had that happen) and here in Texas it's often too hot to keep the top down. This is my first Jeep and it's a great vehicle! I'd recommend a Wrangler X to anyone who wants to have fun while driving, you won't be disappointed!
Great Multupurpose Vehicle
I have owned other Jeeps but this was my first Wrangler. I promised my wife a convertible some day and she loves the Jeep. Great purchase. It is not the most comfortable ride for long highway drives but it is acceptable. It is hard to get the kids in their car seats. The fuel economy is not what it should be based upon existing technology. IT IS a fun vehicle, and a great short distance commuter. It handles the back roads and off-roads with equal ability. If you're afraid to get a scratch on it buy a Lexus and stay on the highway. IF you want a ride for bad weather, hunting conditions, and off-roading recreation...the Wrangler is a good fit.
Could be soooo good, if Daimler cared...
I use this Jeep as intended. I tow, regularly go off roading and drive the wheels off the thing. The build quality is awfull! I have had problems with the water pump, several vacuum hoses, the steering, the transmission, the stereo/subwoofer,and the wiper motor. The dealers can't really fix the stuff because the replacement assemblies are the same poor quality units the Wrangler is built with. The finish on the body, hatch hinges, wheels is not durable at all. The fuel economy is poor for a small SUV. Never better than 16 mpg. With all this time the manufacturer has had to develop this vehicle, you still need the aftermarket to make it right.
rubicon's got some problems
i'm having transfer case problems at 451 miles out of the dealer. aft drive shaft, and speed sensor seal. been waiting a week to get the parts. i've read several reviews with the same problem. havn't even taken it off road yet, just to and from work. t case was nearly out of fluid, jeep won't replace it, that's great customer service for ya. i can only hope this is the last time i have problems, or i'll just let that t case leak all the way down until it burns up, then they'll be getting me one.
I Love this vehicle
I have owned Jeeps my whole life and people ask me why I love them so much. They complain about the ride being too rough and it eating too much fuel. To me, however, a vehicle should be practical and fun to drive and that is what I love about the Jeep Wrangler; they are awesome off-road, sporty enough to drive around town, not to mention there are myriad configurations for the roof which is awesome since I live in Hawaii. But the thing I love the most is the fact that they haven't changed all that much in the past, once again proving the old mantra "if it aint broke don't fix it."
check it out
a little gutless 4 all the hype..after market chip,exaust,air brought it up to expectation...now a lift will be a killer road worthy,trail worthy,daily driver
Jeep Rubicon
My new Rubicon almost immediately destroyed my life - my wife, and oldest son were constantly trying to take it away from me. I broke down and bought a second Wrangler for them to fight over - a 2003 Sport. I bought my first Jeep back in 1977. They have sure come a long way since then. Both my Jeeps are hard tops - they are asy to remove and the heater and A/C both work better. Gas mileage is unjustifiably poor - the excuses don't cut it. My bigger, heavier Suburban with a much bigger engine gets better mileage than either one of the Jeeps and there is nothing aerodynamic about a Suburban. Expect 15-17 TOPS!
WOW
This is by far the most fun vehicle on the road today. This is NOT a commuter car, this is a drop the top weekend convertible that can go anywhere. Chrysler has kept this vehicle true to it's heritage. This was a suprise b-day gift from my wife - THANKS T.
Great performance & Fun to drive
Runs like a car, attractive interior desing, great performance. Not good in fuel economy.
Crappy American car is VERY FUN
i have always hated american cars. especially those made by chrysler, but this jeep has been very fun for offroading purposes. it gets poor gas mileage but if you only use it for offroading it is great.
lemon
front end constantly shakes when on highway. every time you hit a bump or pot hole front end shakes viliontly. have had car in the shop twice and know body can find any thing wrong with the vehicle. at 40k shouldn't have any problems with a car that is built right.
Ruby my Jeep
New rear end unexpectedly @ 8000 miles. The new air lock broke while backing up a very small incline and one back wheel spun. Unable to unlock rear lock, towed to nearest dealer and warranty covered it. For a jeep built for off road, I was surprised by how little it took on road to break it. So far so good @ 9000 miles.