The 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has secured a place in our hearts as one of the most enjoyable and versatile vehicles we’ve ever owned. Its unique blend of off-road capability and open-air freedom makes it stand out from the crowd. While we’ve previously touched upon the basics of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, this in-depth review delves into our firsthand experiences, offering a detailed look at what makes this SUV so special.
The Upsides of Owning a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: The PROS
Let’s start with the positives, and there are plenty. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers a unique driving experience that’s hard to match.
Comfortable and Well-Designed Seatbelts: It might sound trivial, but the comfort of the seatbelts is a surprisingly appreciated feature. They sit comfortably on the hips and across the chest without feeling restrictive. The adjustability near the door frame is a thoughtful touch, accommodating drivers and passengers of different heights.
User-Friendly Rearview Mirror with Added Tech: The rearview mirror isn’t just a mirror; it’s equipped with a compass and temperature display. For road trip enthusiasts and adventurers, this is incredibly handy. It adds a layer of convenience, especially when exploring off the beaten path.
Exceptional Sound System: For music lovers, the soundbar and 7-speaker system is a major highlight. The ability to crank up the volume without distortion is a testament to the quality of the audio system. With speakers overhead in the soundbar, in the dash, and even integrated into the center console, the sound experience is truly immersive.
Unparalleled Visibility – No Blind Spots: Visibility is key, especially in an SUV designed for adventure. The rearview mirror and side mirrors provide a wide and clear view, minimizing blind spots. Even with the soft top, the large windows offer excellent peripheral vision, enhancing safety and confidence on the road.
Spacious Headroom for Tall Occupants: Headroom is abundant in the Wrangler Unlimited. Even for taller individuals, the cabin feels roomy and comfortable, preventing that cramped feeling often found in smaller vehicles. This contributes significantly to a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.
Tinted Windows for Privacy and Comfort: The tinted windows offer a degree of privacy and help to keep the interior cooler. While not excessively dark, they provide a noticeable difference, enhancing both comfort and security by obscuring the view into the vehicle.
Surprisingly Generous Cargo Space: Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler Unlimited offers impressive cargo space. It’s capable of hauling a significant amount of gear, making it practical for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even just everyday errands. The versatility of the cargo area adds to its overall appeal.
Premium Leather Steering Wheel: The upgraded leather steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and provides a comfortable and secure grip. The quality feel of the steering wheel enhances the driving experience, making it more enjoyable on both short trips and long journeys.
Easy Rear Seat Access: The front seats conveniently flip up and out of the way, making access to the rear seats surprisingly easy. Combined with the side step, getting in and out of the back is straightforward for passengers of all ages.
The Iconic Sunrider Soft Top: Of course, the open-top experience is a major draw for Jeep Wranglers. The Sunrider soft top takes this a step further by incorporating a “sunroof” feature. This allows for partial opening above the front seats, providing an open-air feel without fully lowering the top. The ability to quickly switch between closed, sunroof, and fully open configurations adds to the Jeep’s versatility and fun factor.
Points to Consider: The CONS
No vehicle is perfect, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a few drawbacks worth considering.
Driver Distractions – Windblown Hair: While the open top is a major selling point, it does come with the challenge of managing windblown hair. For drivers, especially those with longer hair, this can be a distraction and require some planning in terms of hairstyles and accessories.
Basic Radio Features – No Scan Function: Surprisingly, the factory radio lacks a scan function. In today’s world, this omission feels somewhat outdated. While it does include a CD player, the absence of a simple radio scan feature is a minor inconvenience.
Fuel Economy – Thirsty Engine: Fuel economy is not a strong suit of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Achieving around 18 mpg is typical, which is expected for an SUV with its size and off-road capabilities. However, it’s something to be mindful of, especially for daily driving and longer commutes.
Sensitive Gas Pedal: The gas pedal can be quite sensitive, requiring a light touch to avoid jerky acceleration. This can take some getting used to and may impact fuel efficiency if not driven carefully. Utilizing cruise control can help to maintain a more consistent speed and improve gas mileage.
Bumpy Side Mirrors: The side mirrors can exhibit some vibration while driving, particularly on rougher roads. While not a major issue, it’s a characteristic of the vehicle’s design and ride quality.
Lack of Door Armrests: The doors lack traditional armrests. Instead, there’s a grab handle for closing the door. For some drivers, the absence of an armrest on longer drives might be a minor comfort issue.
High Step-In Height: Getting into the Wrangler Unlimited requires a noticeable step up. While side steps are helpful, the higher ride height is something to consider, particularly for those with mobility concerns.
No Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on Unlimited Models: The absence of ABS on the Unlimited models of this era is a significant point to note. This means that in wet or slippery conditions, braking requires more driver attention to prevent wheel lockup.
Heat Buildup in Front Floorboards: Heat from the engine and drivetrain can radiate into the front floorboards, especially noticeable when driving barefoot. This is a characteristic of body-on-frame SUVs and something to be aware of in warmer climates.
Less Easily Removable Full Metal Doors: Unlike earlier Jeep models, the full metal doors on the Unlimited are not as easily removable. They are bolted on more securely, making the door removal process more involved.
The Jeep Ride and Character: It Just Is What It Is…
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers a distinct driving experience that’s part of its charm.
A Firmer, More Connected Ride: The ride is firmer compared to many modern cars. This is due to the Jeep’s suspension designed for off-road capability. While it’s not overly harsh, you do feel the road more. However, this translates to a surprisingly smooth ride over larger bumps and uneven surfaces. It’s a different feel, more connected to the road, which many Jeep enthusiasts appreciate.
No Ashtray, Modern Power Outlets Instead: Interestingly, there’s no ashtray in this model. Instead, the space is filled with a molded plastic piece, and there are two power adapter slots (cigarette lighter style) for powering devices. This reflects a shift towards modern electronic needs over older habits.
Lightweight Doors – Requires Care in Parking Lots: The full metal doors are surprisingly light, which can cause them to swing open quickly and widely. This requires caution when opening doors in parking lots to avoid hitting adjacent vehicles. While door straps limit the opening angle, it’s still wider than typical car doors. On the positive side, the lighter doors are easier to handle than heavier doors on older Jeep models.
Gradual but Powerful Acceleration: While not a sports car, the 6-cylinder engine provides adequate power. The acceleration is more gradual and deliberate, focusing on torque and off-road capability rather than quick bursts of speed. It’s geared for a different kind of driving experience, emphasizing steady power delivery.
Soft Top Requires Hand Washing: Jeep Wranglers with soft tops are not recommended for standard car washes, especially those with brushes. Hand washing is the preferred method to protect the soft top material and vinyl windows from damage and harsh chemicals.
The Bottom Line: Is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited For You?
So, what’s the final verdict on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
Overall, the experience is overwhelmingly positive. Many of the “cons” are minor and more about the inherent nature of a Jeep rather than serious flaws.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a vehicle that prioritizes fun, versatility, and a unique driving experience. It’s comfortable, practical enough for everyday use, and undeniably fun to drive, especially with the top down.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that stands out, offers open-air freedom, and can handle off-road adventures, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is definitely worth considering. It’s a vehicle with character and a strong appeal for those who value experiences and adventure over pure practicality or luxury.
Jeep Wrangler Reviews often focus on technical specifications, but we hope this detailed, personal review provides valuable insight from an owner’s perspective to help you decide if it’s the right vehicle for you.
UPDATE: Addressing Soft Top Popping Sounds
One common issue with soft tops on Jeep Wranglers is a popping or creaking sound. We discovered that this is often caused by the incorrect placement of the soft top’s U-shaped brace over the metal railing, particularly in the door areas where the release clips are located.
If the U-shaped brace isn’t properly seated on the rail when reinstalling the soft top, it can cause these noises. It’s crucial to ensure the brace fits securely onto the bar on both sides to eliminate the popping sound. Taking a moment to double-check the placement during soft top installation can prevent this common annoyance.
