2003 Jeep Wrangler Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
108 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler gets a new trim level: the Rubicon. All trims have been bestowed with an all-new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission which is supposed to provide smoother-shifting, better highway fuel efficiency and quieter engine operation at highway speeds compared to the previous three-speed automatic transmission. The SE trim gets a new NV1500 five-speed heavy-duty tranny, which promises to improve shift quality in cold weather, along with a new, more potent 2.4-liter Power Tech inline-four. Available four-wheel disc brakes debut this year, along with a new fold-and-tumble rear seat that can be more easily removed. Finally, the Wrangler's interior has been refurbished for 2003; it gets new front and rear seats, a new electrochromatic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display (standard on Sahara, optional on Sport and Rubicon trims), and a new four-spoke steering wheel.

Pros:
  • Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.
Cons:
  • Soft top a handful to manipulate, difficult ingress-egress, slow steering.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 108.00
  • Nothing like a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    This thing has a personality like no other, and makes Canadian snowstorms a really fun experience. The mechanical aspects are pretty rudimentary, as the inline 6 growls without putting much power, and has a drinking problem worse than some of my party buddies (from 11MPG in winter to 19mpg in a smooth highway drive). The 4.7 V8 or new Liberty Diesel would most likely be smoother, more powerful and probably better on gas. Both Hardtop and Soft top are fairly quiet and insulate from the elements. Heater and AC are powerful enough to counter the elements. .

  • Definitely Glad I Bought One - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    After my SUV was totalled in an accident, I decided to get the vehicle that I wanted since I was 4 years old - a Jeep. I am so glad that I did. I cannot imagine getting anything else in the future. The Jeep does not have much pickup and not so great fuel economy (I do have the V6) compared to other vehicles, but that is fine by me. I can deal with that one item for all the other pluses.

  • Time tested - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    Simply put, there is no vehicle as capable in stock form as the Jeep Wrangler. Ive ridden them all (Hummers, Rovers, Cruisers) but nothing off roads as capable as a Jeep.

  • My Jeep Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    My experience with the Jeep Rubicon has been excellent. The vehicle is built to last and handle even the harshest of conditions. I live in Maine, and my Jeep will take me anyplace I need to go, in any weather conditions. Its a fun year round vehicle, with a hard top for the cold winter months, and a convertible soft top for those summer cruises to the beach!

  • 03 Wrangler X - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    I got rid of my SE because it didnt have enough power and purchased an X. As expected, the 6 has much more kick than the 4. The fuel economy sucks, but its a Wrangler not a Civic. The rebates were great at this time of year and my dealer had a lot in stock. Black with a khaki soft top, sharp!

  • My Jeep Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    I have only put 2000 miles on my Rubicon, but it has exceeded my expectations. Its been 15 years since I owned my last Jeep which was a CJ-5 and engineering advancements have really come a long way.

  • A. Bananas veiw of a jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    I think that this car is high quality and high perofrmance endurant. I would change however some of the interior designs, like the seats. My freinds who have Jeeps that are different colors and different years, have the same seat design as i do. I find that annoying cause now i think if i ever sell my old jeep, then Im not going to buy another one cause itll be exactly the same as my old one. you should change the seating in different cars. For example, if you make a red Jeep, make the interior black not brown. Thank You very much for your time. A. Banana

  • FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    You dont purchase a vehicle like this because you think its going to ride like a car, so dont compare it to a car. The (5) Speed Manual Transmission shifts like silk with no effort and the steering is highly responsive. This Jeep Wrangler looks great in Silver and I have received numerous complements. If you want a SISSY CAR with Heated Leather Seats and a high end suspension package then thats what you need to buy. I traded in a FULLY LOADED, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, (6) CYLINDER (5) SPEED for my Wrangler and I dont miss that car at all.

  • money wasted - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    The build quality of my new Jeep is simply horrific ! With less than 12,500 miles, it has been in the shop no less than 5 times !! The driving lights went out ( replaced whole harness ), the A/C quit working twice, the airbags quit working twice, engine stalled 4 times and the bumper-ette worked itself loose. The most annoying thing is the paint quality. With 3500 miles on it, bug juice removed 117 eraser sized chunks of paint on the grill !! The dealer ( 2 of them ) refused to declare it a warrenty item. Chrysler defered exclusively to the dealer. No other car Ive ever had ( over 15, brand new ) ever had this prob.

  • I love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    This is my 2nd Sahara. Previosly I had a 1997. There are many noticeable improvements. The new interior with the high bucket seats, the sound system will blow you away! The interior lighting is a big improvement. So aside from being a little bumpy on the road and a noisey with the soft top on, its a fun to drive and easy to park. what else can I say? I love it!!

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