2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0 Litre 6

Summary:

Best Convertible on the Market

Faults:

Right after I got it I had the thermostat replaced under warranty, because it was running too cool.

Had the heater fixed about 6 months after I got it, other than that no problems just normal maintenance.

General Comments:

The Jeep Wrangler 9T(TJ) rides well for such a short wheelbase.

4.0 Litre 6 cyl. engine develops the torque down low, where you need it off road.

The Sailcloth Soft top is a big improvement over my 99's soft top. It is much quieter than before.

Love the seating position, up high. I would appreciate more length in the seat track, because I am tall 6 foot 4, and would like more room.

I love Wranglers because there are so many aftermarket items for them, that you can make your stand out, and be exactly what you want it to be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2003

2002 Jeep Wrangler X 4.0 6-cylinder

Summary:

Don't waste your money

Faults:

Check Engine light comes on about once a week; started at 1000 miles and dealer can't find the problem.

Instrument panel and clock only come on when they feel like it.

Awful grinding noise when turning the wheel in 4-wheel-drive.

Belts squeal embarrassingly loud; dealer can't find the problem.

Steering suddenly goes loose.

Loud clunking noise when shifting; dealer can't find the problem.

General Comments:

I live in Maine--in the winter, if there is more than an inch of snow, I always get stuck. 4-wheel drive is no help because the vehicle is so light!

Although mine has a hardtop, which adds weight, forget about trying to drive on windy days. A cop actually pulled me over on a windy day because he thought I was driving drunk.

Wranglers are horribly overpriced; they are made of cheap parts, yet cost a fortune to replace.

I shouldn't be having all of these problems at 6000 miles.

Due to an accident, I had to have the back window replaced in my hardtop--it cost me $800.

Pathetic power in my 4.0 6-cylinder engine; can't imagine a 4-cylinder Wrangler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th June, 2003

14th Jul 2003, 13:49

Well, I must say that I find what you said to be a little hard to believe. I had a 2000 sport with the 30"wheel and tire package. I too live in New England and after having one of the worst winters on record, I can honestly say that I never once got stuck in the snow. I've been up to Maine on numerous occasions to the Moosehead Lake region as well as Bethel during severe snow storms and was able to negotiate snow covered roads, sometimes with as much as a foot of snow, with no problem. As for the noise in your steering column when you steer in 4 wheel drive, make sure you're on gravel, snow, sand or ice when you use it, otherwise you'll ruin your front differential, never use it on dry pavement. I've had numerous problems with mine (hence the reason I don't own it anymore) but I'll stand by the performance that it gives. And about the engine, I found it had overwhelming power, especially down low where you need it. I'm surprised this wasn't noticeable, especially since you previously had a Montero. I've driven the sport and full size and although the full size is great off road, I didn't feel the overwhelming low end power that was found in the jeep.

View 6 more comments

2002 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5L I4

Summary:

A multi-use performance bargain

Faults:

After taking the Wrangler to Utah last summer, I found that the finish on the dashboard started to peel. It was probably a mix of sand and water that created friction when rubbed against the dashboard that caused it to peel. However, since the Jeep was under warranty, the dashboard was replaced free of charge.

General Comments:

My Wrangler is wonderful. I've driven it from the Atlantic to the Pacific and it hasn't caused me any problems. I took it off-road driving in Utah, down the Shaeffer Trail at Canyonlands National Park. The Wrangler handled that with ease.

It's true that the Wrangler is a gas-guzzler. However, it's the cheapest truck that I could find that can act as a convertible, go off-road driving, drive city-streets, clear you out of snow-drifts with 4WD and still protect you from the cold winds and wet snow of Northern Ontario. It's the most economical adventure vehicle there is out there.

My Jeep was factory-made as per my specifications. I opted out of the back-seats package. When you don't have those back-seats, you have a huge space that can be filled with back-packs, or moving boxes etc. Those back-seats don't look like they offer you much leg-room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2002