1997 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 from North America

Summary:

The original Jeep is great if you understand what it is for

Faults:

The catalytic converter was replaced by the dealer due to a recall resulting from a history of internal separation. I had to replace it again at 60,000 miles. The original radio failed. No other problems except for routine items.

General Comments:

The Wrangler is still what it was originally, military hardware converted for civilian use. The upgrades in 1997 have made it more user friendly. It is still designed for off-road driving, however, and rides a bit stiff on pavement. For example, it still has straight axles instead of independent suspension. If you want a car-like ride, you need to look for another vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2001

1997 Jeep Wrangler SE 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

An American icon at an econobox price

Faults:

Left turn signal no longer self-cancels.

Poorly grounded ECU (electronic control unit) left me stranded once.

Catalyst in catalytic converter vibrated loose while driving off-road.

General Comments:

Convertible in summer, 4x4 in winter.

Hose-able interior is great if you have dogs.

Throw away the back seat - if you need to carry passengers then maybe this is not the vehicle for you.

Ride quality is vastly improved from early generation Wrangler and is actually better off-road due to increased wheel travel.

Heater provides plenty of heat for Oregon winters, but might not be sufficient for extremely cold climates.

4 cylinder provides plenty of zip around town, but performs poorly at highway speeds.

Excessive fuel consumption (14 to 16 miles per gallon average) due to antiquated engine design.

Soft top is time-consuming to put up and down. How fast can you pitch a tent?

If Toyota still made the old FJ-40 style Landcruiser, I'd be driving one. Presently, however, the Jeep Wrangler is the only vehicle of its kind.

At ~$15,000, it's the only real off-road-able vehicle in its class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th June, 2001

1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0 six cylinder from North America

Summary:

Don't be deceived by its cute looks!!!

Faults:

Broken exhaust manifold!!!

Leaking steering gear box!!!

Rear wiper motor on hard top.

Front wiper motor.

Turn signal mechanism on steering wheel.

General Comments:

I will never drive a Chrysler product again. First and last car from Chrysler ever.

Funny how the catalytic convertor has an 80,000 mile/8 year warranty and the exhaust manifold has a 24,000/2 year warranty. Makes real sense.

The thing is a piece of junk when it comes to maintenance. Fun car to drive, but not fun when always in the shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th June, 2001

20th Jul 2001, 18:23

You said the warranty on the exhaust was only 2/24. The factory warranty is 3/36.

You also might like know that the warranty was extended on the exhaust manifold on the 2.5. They did not have to do this. I respect them for it.

30th Oct 2002, 09:50

I can't believe this. Every compliant That I have read regarding the Jeep Wrangler is so freakin true!!! I too have had the same problems..

1) 30,000 busted manifold (broken manifold studs. This happened on three separate occasions. (30,000, 68,000, 80,000) I'm just waiting for the next time.

2) 36,000 Catalytic converter craped out.

3) 65,000 Catalytic converter craped out again.

4) 90,000 Catalytic converter craped out again.

5) 97,000 Catalytic converter craped out again (most recent) How many times does one need to fix this crap.

6) 72,000 Radiator exploded under normal conditions. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere.

7) Unexplained loss of power. Comes and goes literally on a daily basis. Been going on since about 20,000 miles.

8) 100,000 Busted water pump. Possibly the first normal repair.

9) Oh Yeah, I almost forgot.. I've had three Oxygen sensing units installed on this piece of junk.

This is probably the most stressful vehicle I have ever owned. I have never abused it. Its been driven under normal conditions.

Chrysler... You should be ashamed at the crap you are passing on to your customers. A word of advise "If you want to own a jeep, you need to posses to things: 1. A full time mechanic 2. your own ASE certification. Lord knows your gonna need it.

Don't wast your money!!! Buy a Toyota truck or something if you want a 4W/Drive.

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