Faults:

Leaking axles, signs of premature rust, premature sun fading on black trim on fender and bumpers.

General Comments:

I am writing this from the context of having purchased the Jeep new and kept it only 3 years before trading it in with only 33k miles. As such, not much had gone wrong with it. I remember on the test drive that I was HORRIFIED at the squirmy handling at first. Until I realized that it was probably just me not used to the vehicle and the tires were brand new and not heat cycled. The handling got MUCH better after just 100 miles or so. I came to feel that it handled rather nicely after a while.

Rubicons had just come out then, so it was pretty rare. I took it off road a few times and guys commended me for not babying it and for using like it was designed to be used. I took it on the deep sand beaches of Ocracoke, NC without deflating the tires and it plowed through with no problems. I hooked my 4x8 trailer to it several times, using it to haul wood, mulch, camping gear, etc. I think the Rubicon gearing made it adept at towing vs regular TJs.

I live in a city and used it mainly on the street as my main commuter and winter car. Without ABS you had to be careful in the snow/ice when braking because the short wheel base allowed it to pivot rather quickly and you could lose control. Traction, however, was unbeatable. Rubicons are lifted a little so getting in and out can be tricky. I'm 6'0" and still managed to get my pant legs dirty sometimes getting out.

Nothing beats its versatility in the city, country, or anywhere really. If you want a convertible but also need a car for the snow and maybe outside adventures and light towing, what else is there?

I traded it in on a Commander Limited after only 3 years because I was getting married and felt a larger Jeep was needed. So, it was basically still a new car.

I always planned on getting another Wrangler, but have not done so yet. I did notice some premature rust forming on the chassis that surprised me. And in the years since have learned that rust in the frame is an issue and many I have seen have rust underneath and on the body. Head gaskets are also a big problem with the 4.0 6 cylinder engines. I know at least 4 other Jeep owners who had to replace head gaskets and/or engines due to failure. So, I am not convinced of the engine's long term durability. I prefer the look of the TJ generation Wrangler over the current models, but don't want to deal with rust or engine problems. So I am hoping the new 2018 models will be more improved.

Faults:

Windshield motor squealed badly at less than 1000 miles after purchase.

Stock tires are a joke. Replaced with BFG All-Terrains followed by Cooper STT tires.

I should have gotten A/C and the heavier rear axle. The Dana44 is good for larger tires and I don't plan on going larger than 31" because it's a daily driver. A/C is for when I leave Alaska.

Rust on full metal doors near window flame = painted on a Monday with a hangover?

No oil pan skid plate.

Like all REAL Jeeps, the windshield is a catchers mitt for stones and the Wrangler is as aerodynamic as a brick.

Driver's floor mat shot in less than 5 years.

Too easy to change the spark plugs and there's no distributor:)

General Comments:

This is a super vehicle! Far better than that plastic Wrangler with 4 doors and mini-van motor known to me as the JoKe/JK. This TJ Sport I'm blessed with has metal bumpers, an AMC in line six (torque at lower RPMs for better four-wheelin'), 31" Cooper STT tires with a limited slip in the rear and an Aussie locker in the front (had help with it's installation).

The only fault I can find with the thing is that it needs a supercharger and A/C along with an oil pan skid plate.

All-in-all, a good buy on the market and the 2003 to 2006 Wrangler is the one to get because of interior refinements, better mirrors and hardtop and the Rubicon package and IT'S METAL.

It's nice having a stick shift with cruise control: what a concept!