2002 Jeep Wrangler Review

Of all American vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler has the most iconic status because it's the direct descendant of the famous World War II Jeep. As with Coca-Cola, Levi's and McDonald's, the World War II model made Jeep a household word throughout the world. People who watch the History Channel might be able to tell you that the Wrangler was preceded by the World War II Willys MB and Jeep CJ-2A and CJ-7. The Wrangler designation arrived in 1987. Jeep kept producing 1995 Wranglers until the revamped 1997 model arrived with the most significant redesign in Jeep history, so no Wrangler was designated a 1996 model. In fact, the 2002 Wrangler is essentially unchanged from the 1997 model.

The 1997 Wrangler retained old-fashioned solid front and rear axles, but a carlike all-coil-spring suspension replaced antique leaf springs that caused a punishing ride. The new suspension dramatically improved ride and handling during both on- and off-pavement driving. The pre-1997 Wrangler had good off-road prowess, but was uncomfortable for anything but short, low-speed drives on pavement--preferably to locations such as a beach on a beautiful day. The 1997 Wrangler retained the off-road abilities of its predecessors. It was made nearly one inch wider and the track (distance between wheels on the same axle) was made an inch wider for more stability.

However, the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) remained a very short 93.4 inches. The length was about the same at about 150 inches, and the Wrangler still was very high. The rugged body-on-frame construction was kept for 1997, but the frame was strengthened. Nearly every body panel was changed from the 1987-95 Wrangler, but Chrysler wisely kept the signature Jeep grille, fold-down windshield and squared-off shape. Traditionally round Jeep headlights replaced square ones, which had been used for awhile and were hated by Jeep buffs. A few improvements were made for 2001, such as a new instrument cluster, revised anti-lock brake system and a plastic Add-a-Trunk unit for the rear cargo area that provides a lockable covered compartment.

All Wranglers have four-wheel drive that must be disengaged on dry roads but has low-range gearing for serious off-road driving. A four-cylinder engine still powers the base SE model, but a new $18,485 "X'' model joins the costlier, higher-line Sport and Sahara models in providing a six-cylinder engine. The 2002 Wrangler has an upgraded sound system and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for faster heating and cooling. New safety items include next-generation air bags with an on-off switch for the front passenger air bag.

Through it all, the $15,305-$23,650 Wrangler has retained the uncompromising personality of the World War II Jeep. For instance, the basic two-door Wrangler is a convertible with a soft top and plastic side windows. You must move up to the $20,280 Sport model to get standard full metal doors with roll-up windows. Those doors and windows are optional for other models, and there's an optional removable hard top for all models. While the 2002 Wrangler is like a mountain goat off-road, it's one of few vehicles that are better suited to off-road jaunts than driving on pavement. Even the cheapest economy cars have a better ride and are more comfortable than the Wrangler.

The SE has a 2.5-liter, 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine that needs the standard five-speed manual transmission for acceptable performance. The X, Sport and Sahara models have an inline 4-liter six-cylinder that generates 190 horsepower, more torque and lively performance to 65 mph, with just an average 65-75 mph passing time. The two engines come with either the manual gearbox or responsive $625 three-speed automatic transmission, which will be replaced with a more modern four-speed automatic for 2003. The Wrangler has enough headroom for the largest cowboy hats and a roomy front seat area. The rear seat area is easy to enter because the front passenger seat flips forward a lot. But it's tight back there. And there's precious little cargo space unless the back seat is folded forward or removed.

Steering is quick, but the short wheelbase and off-road-style suspension often produce a jerky ride even on apparently smooth roads. Handling is decent for a short, high truck if you don't push the Wrangler too hard. Careless drivers can easily get into trouble if they don't keep this vehicle's limitations in mind; the Wrangler looks sporty, but doesn't come close to providing sports car handling. The new Jeep Liberty sport-utility makes the Wrangler feel especially old. But then, as has always been the case with the classic-style Jeeps, the Wrangler is in a class by itself.

JEEP WRANGLER

Prices
$15,305-$23,650.
Likes
Iconic status. Uncompromising personality. Superb off-road abilities.
Dislikes
Jerky ride. Tight back seat. Scant cargo area.