2003 Jeep Wrangler Consumer Reviews

I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY JEEP

Written by: Laurie on 07/26/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Jeep - everything about it. Only thing that I have recently encountered is something called the "death wobble"... pretty scary, but I think we finally got it in order after replacing the track bar and steering stabilizer and found that there was 45 pounds of pressure in one tire and 36 in the other (was that way when I purchased it - unbeknownst to me). In any event, so far it is back to being "my baby".

Favorite Features

Everything.

Suggested Improvements

To be able to finally conquer the death wobble.

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My first Jeep

Written by: Jason on 07/10/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

When I was a kid in the 70's my dad had a couple of Jeeps and I have always been a fan. I finally had the opportunity to purchase a new Jeep in 2003. I have had absolutely no buyers remorse. It is my primary vehicle but when ever I have the chance, I take it off road. The first time I took it off road I knew I was getting exactly what I wanted. The first snow fall was the second time I knew I had made the correct purchase. The only problem I have with my Jeep is I have no excuse for missing work during our Pennsylvania winters.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are its 4WD ability and the fact that it is a convertible.

Suggested Improvements

Free service.

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love my Jeep but...

Written by: bitharvest on 07/03/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler X Freedom Edition 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

We have owned 3 Wranglers, and 15 other Jeeps. This one is great in the sunshine and the snow, and can be loads of fun. That said, I must say that the gas mileage is horrible (10-13mpg around town); that as soon as it rains it's all over the road; and that the paint quality is the worst I have ever seen on any vehicle, including late '80's GMs. My jeep is babied (hand washed, waxed, etc.), and the paint is still peeling off. Our two grand Cherokees purchased around the same time do not share this problem, so this is something exclusive to Wranglers. Yes, it's a lot of fun, but I wish that Chrysler would have made the Wrangler with more love!

Favorite Features

Top down driving, ruggedness, the way it handles in the snow, body style. The engine runs like a champ, my ABS brakes (that they don't offer anymore on the X), dealership experience, and the fact that it is a Jeep!

Suggested Improvements

Better MPG and better paint. Also, traction/stability control that one could turn on and off would be a blessing in the rain. More comfortable seats for long drive would be good too!

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Jeep Rubicon: 3 Years Later & Loving It!

Written by: John on 05/09/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

After 3 years of ownership and more than 35,000 miles of driving in every type of weather, terrain, on-and off-road condition, I have to say that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has impressed me as the best built and most capable Jeep that I've owned to date--this one makes Jeep #6. For a Jeep, the ride is comfortable and the seats allow greater adjustment over past models. The suspension is firm and well matched for both on road handling and off-road articulation. The hard top and soft top are both made well and equally quiet when driving at highway speeds. The sailcloth soft top is holding up much better than my previous soft tops from earlier TJ models. This one's a keeper!

Favorite Features

The dual lockers are truly what makes the Rubicon unique from my other Jeeps. Put it in low 4wd, hit the button and hang on because it's going wherever it's pointed!

Suggested Improvements

I liked the Goodyear MT/Rs when they were new. They are tough off-road tires! However, as they wear, they became dangerous on wet surfaces. This prompted me to switch to the new Cooper STTs that have siping for better rain and wet surface traction. The STTs also do very well off-road.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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BUY A RUBICON!

Written by: SK on 04/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Excellent truck, horrible on gas, easy to do work yourself, pulls large objects with ease (trees, vehicles stuck in mud). Eats gas though and be ready for frequent tire rotations. Also eats starters if you take it mudding.

Favorite Features

Front and rear lockers, transfer case gearing, axle gearing, rock guards, rear disc brakes, NO ABS (don't need it on rock crawling) and aggressive puncture resistant tires convertible in the summer & unstoppable snow beast in the winter.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo system is adequate but that's it. And uh, make the starter able to put up with mud use.

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Wanted one for a long time

Written by: Bob Nukis on 02/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

For years I've wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler, before it became a Wrangler. When the CJ's were around I thought about purchasing one, but with a wife and growing family it was impossible. Once the kids were out of the house I worked very hard at finding the ideal Wrangler. I like the four wheel drive, the style of the body, the simple things about it. The Wrangler changes on occasion, but you'll alway remember a JEEP before the companies who want to be like them. JEEP Wrangler one of Americans best, and will be around for many years to come. Will the wannabes, probably not. Funny how a WWII JEEP turned into one of America's favorite recreation vehicle. Take that wannabes.

Favorite Features

Tight turning ratio, convertible top, hard doors, soft top. 4.0 engine, 5 speed transmission, comfortable seats, overhead speakers, stock radio CD player.

Suggested Improvements

Keep the 4.O engine, 6 speed transmission, kiss, don't make it car-like. Easier top removal. Optional bigger back up lights under the back bumper. By doing this anyone can haul a boat. Build this feature into the fuse box and holes in back bumper, like the front bumper fog lights. "Secure Alarm".

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I love my Jeep

Written by: Tyler on 01/31/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Jeep Wrangler. I love the feel of driving it along with just being in it. It gives you a sense of power because you can sit above the rest of the traffic. I have modified mine to fit 36" tires with 6.5 inches of lift. It works wonders offroad.

Favorite Features

I love the offroad capability of my Jeep Wrangler.

Suggested Improvements

I think they should come out with a more offroad capable Wrangler. It should be like the Rubicon, but with more lift, more power, and 33" tires standard on 15x8" wheels. Also stronger axle shafts inside the axles.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Tomb Raider edition

Written by: Frank on 01/20/2006

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Happy with everything except disappointed with the engine performance. It seems that the engine will backfire on a downshift once and a while. The Jeep dealer told me that someone else was complaining about it and that it was bad gas. So I've tried different gas stations and It's still a problem. I suspect it's a fuel management issue and is normal for very long straight inline six design.The horsepower is lacking for the size of the six and how much gas mileage you get out of it. I bought the Jeep for the power but 4 cylinder cars passed me in the Rockies. Technologically It seems behind the times, related to engine performance. Need some R&D for a factory installed supercharger.

Favorite Features

The classic look of the Jeep. It's the most rugged compact SUV available, very confident when headed for the mountains or when in snow/mud. It's great for finding those small parking spots without having to think about cars damaging your bumper. It's easy to work on since it's not too complex.

Suggested Improvements

Add more technology to the engine to improve gas mileage versus performance. Fix engine hesitation during a down shift with a five speed manual. Add a defrost option with a recycle mode as well, so I don't have to breath the smog. On Tomb Raider edition the screws loosen on bushwacker fenders.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Only in a Jeep

Written by: Brian Smith on 11/30/2005

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is the first Jeep I have ever owned, and I can't believe I have never had one before now. The slogan, "only in a Jeep" is so true. I have been places in my factory Jeep that I would have never dreamed to take a vehicle. I love this thing. No issues with this at all.

Favorite Features

Hard top/soft top. 4X4.

Suggested Improvements

Little better gas mileage.

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Unbelivable!

Written by: JohnBoy1248 on 03/09/2005

Vehicle

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Although this is my second Jeep Wrangler I still can not believe how capable this Jeep is! No matter what the weather or where you are this Rubicon has no problem taken you where you want to go. Classic Jeep interior and exterior lets you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Interior comfort is not that of a BMW 7 series, but it it a Jeep it is built for functionality and fun. The most capable Jeep EVER built!

Favorite Features

Go anywhere design, build quality, ability to take abuse and throw it right back at you!

Suggested Improvements

Nothing, keep this exactly how it is!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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