2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive and just as fun to look at

Faults:

From the day we picked it up there has been an annoying noise coming from the transmission when the clutch is out and it is in neutral, the dealer said it was normal but every independent mechanic we talked to says it isn't normal.

Also on frigid mornings it doesn't like to start.

Other than that its a great SUV.

General Comments:

Fun to drive and just as fun to look at.

The convertible feature is great to have on the hot summer days and warm summer nights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2001

26th Apr 2001, 15:52

I have a 2001 that makes that annoying sound when in neutral as well. Has anyone else had this "problem"?

12th Jun 2001, 16:28

Mine also makes a little knocking noise when it is in gear (I have an automatic).

12th Jul 2001, 21:36

I have the same problem with my 2000 Jeep Wrangler. It has a diesel, rattling type of sound with the clutch up and in neutral.

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2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L inline 6 from North America

Summary:

The truth about Jeep's

Faults:

Presently nothing has gone wrong with the vehicle. Runs like a champ, and has the familiar Jeep "growl" at higher RPM's.

General Comments:

This vehicle is a world apart from my previous 90 model Jeep Wrangler. The new suspension is incredible. It still has the familiar tightness, but it flexes and has a lot more wheel travel.

For all of you who are reading the "whiners" complain about a stiff ride. Please note: If you are looking for a vehicle that handles like a Cadillac, this is not the one. On the interstate, every bump in the road will be felt.

I ramped my 90 Wrangler off of sand dunes, rocks, <insert obstacle here>. This 2000 Jeep's suspension has the same integrity. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, can beat a solid axle for ruggedness. Like the Toyota trucks? Just wait until you bottom out that "independent" front suspension, and find out that 10 inches of "ground clearance" is now 2 inches. Want a big rugged Ford, Chevy, Dodge truck with a big V8? Just wait to see what happens to that 4500 to 5000lb curb weight, and long wheel base in the mud, sand, or on the trail. I don't care how much horsepower those V8 engines have; when both axles are buried up to the hood antenna, then all that power doesn't mean a thing.

Is it loud? It is deafening if you are comparing it to your previous car. I personally would not trade that wind noise for the latest model Lexus. If you are more concerned about the noise, then get a hard top. At 70-75 mph, it will be significant, but still comfortable.

These vehicles are NOT intended for soccer Mom's to ferry kids back and forth between practice. They are not intended to give a smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride. They ARE intended to be the single most rugged, indestructible, off-road vehicles ever produced. I keep reading all of the "engine" and "transmission" problems that others are having. I personally find it hard to believe that the engine that was produced in the early 40's is now all of a sudden a problem child. EVERY, and I do mean EVERY Jeep that you see on the road without the V8, has either the INLINE 4, or 6 cylinder engine that has been produced for 6 decades now. My last Jeep Wrangler had 180,000 miles on it, and not one serious mechanical problem.

Thanks

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2001

21st Jan 2001, 13:18

Did I hear an echo?

I read your survey/opinion with aligned thoughts. I recently purchased a 1999 Wrangler Sahara. I had heard nothing but comments about "Jeeps" being hot in the summer, cold in the winter, noisy, fuel inefficient and the list goes on.

Frankly, I find this vehicle quite different. As far as climate control, the heater/blower in this rig keeps me quite comfortable here in North Idaho. I generally get a little too warm if I don't keep the blower turned down. With the A/C and removable top feature, who can complain about not having the perfect options of controlling air flow and cooling?

As far as comfort/seating, the contour bucket seats are very comfortable compared to a lot of rigs I've owned in the past, plenty of firm cushioning and support. At 6'2" the leg room and head room are very adequate. I can actually wear my hat if I choose to, without having it come out looking like a beret, and I'm talking about with the top up, not down!

As far as ride/handling is concerned, I enjoy the feel of the road. The suspension is quite firm but certainaly not "bone jarring" and the handling is responsive and tight.

With the I-6 engine, I can negotiate the passes quite easily in 5th, with acceleration if need be, something I had not been able to do in my last two 4 cylinder vehicles.

Gas mileage I must admit was a bit on the low side at 15.7 with 70 percent/30 percent around town and highway miles respectively, but in comparing that with my worst mileage vehicle at around 10 mpg and my best at near 22, I'll live with it.

I suppose I have to look at it this way, if I had wanted exceptional mpg's, I'd have purchased a gas/electric hybrid, for comfort, probably a full size luxury sedan, but hey, I want to have fun and adventure in something that's both affordable and off-roadable... I'll stick with the "Jeep".

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