The 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has become a standout vehicle in our garage, delivering an unparalleled blend of fun and functionality. Our experience with this vehicle has been so positive that it warranted a deep dive beyond a quick overview. While we previously touched upon the basics of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, this review offers an extensively detailed look, drawn directly from our personal journey with this iconic SUV.
The Upsides of Owning a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
One of the first things we appreciated was the thoughtful design of the seatbelts. It might sound unusual, but the comfort and placement are noteworthy. They sit comfortably lower on the hips and across the chest without feeling restrictive. The adjustability near the door frame is a practical touch, accommodating drivers and passengers of different heights.
Another feature that quickly became a favorite is the rearview mirror. Equipped with a compass and temperature display, it’s incredibly useful, especially for road trip enthusiasts. We often find ourselves exploring backroads, and the compass is an invaluable tool for navigation and spontaneous adventures.
The sound system in this Jeep is truly exceptional. Featuring a soundbar and a 7-speaker setup, it delivers high-quality audio even at high volumes. The soundbar speakers above the head, dash-mounted front speakers, and “butt speakers” in the center console create an immersive audio experience. It’s perfect for enjoying music on any drive.
Visibility is paramount in any vehicle, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels with zero blind spots. The rearview mirror and side mirrors offer a wide and clear view of the surroundings. Even with the soft top up, the strategically placed windows provide excellent peripheral vision, enhancing safety and confidence on the road.
For taller individuals, headroom can be a significant factor. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited provides ample headroom, a welcome improvement over earlier Wrangler models. The spacious cabin contributes to a more comfortable and less confined driving experience.
The tinted windows throughout the vehicle offer a degree of privacy and sun protection. While not excessively dark, they provide a noticeable level of tint that adds to the vehicle’s aesthetics and security by obscuring the interior from prying eyes when the full top is in place.
Cargo space is another significant advantage of the Unlimited model. We were impressed by its capacity during a camping trip, accommodating gear for a large group, including tents, a cooler, chairs, and more. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has proven to be exceptionally versatile for both passengers and cargo, even becoming our preferred “dogmobile” for our furry companions.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a touch of luxury that enhances the driving experience. Its soft yet durable texture provides a comfortable and secure grip, adding to the overall premium feel of the interior.
Access to the rear seats is made easier by the front seats that flip forward and out of the way. Combined with the side steps, it allows rear passengers to enter and exit with relative ease, a practical feature for families or groups.
The standout feature, and a personal favorite, is the Sunrider soft top. Beyond the traditional open-top experience, the Sunrider top includes a convenient “sunroof” function. Folding back the soft top above the front seats creates a large opening, bringing the open-air feel to the front cabin without fully retracting the top. The ease of use, once mastered, significantly enhances the enjoyment of driving a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
The Downsides: Areas for Consideration in Jeep Wrangler Reviews
While enjoying the open-air freedom, a minor inconvenience is hair getting in the eyes. For drivers, especially with longer hair, managing hair on breezy drives becomes a consideration. Finding effective hairstyles or headwear becomes essential for comfortable open-top driving.
An unexpected omission in the audio system is the lack of a radio “scan” function. In modern vehicles, this feature is almost standard. While the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited does include a CD player, the absence of a radio scan might be a minor drawback for some users who enjoy quickly browsing radio stations.
Fuel economy is a known factor with SUVs and Jeeps, and the Wrangler Unlimited averages around 18 mpg. It’s essential to be aware of this aspect, especially for those accustomed to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Conscious driving habits and potentially utilizing cruise control can help optimize fuel consumption.
The gas pedal sensitivity can take some getting used to. The pedal is quite responsive, meaning even slight pressure results in noticeable acceleration and potentially increased fuel usage. A lighter touch on the gas pedal is required for smoother and more economical driving.
The side mirrors exhibit some vibration while driving. While this doesn’t impede functionality, it’s a characteristic of the Jeep’s ride and might be noticeable to some drivers.
A minor comfort detail is the absence of armrests on the doors. Instead of a traditional armrest, there’s a grip handle for closing the door. While not a major issue, it’s a subtle difference compared to vehicles with door armrests, particularly on longer drives.
Getting into the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited requires a noticeable step up. Due to its higher ground clearance, entering the vehicle demands a more deliberate step, which might be a consideration for individuals with mobility concerns.
The 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited lacks an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This means drivers need to be more mindful of braking distances, especially on wet or slippery surfaces, as ABS is not there to assist in preventing wheel lockup.
Heat emanating from the front floorboards can be noticeable, especially when driving barefoot. This is a characteristic to be aware of, particularly in warmer climates or during extended drives.
While the full metal doors offer security and a traditional vehicle feel, they are not easily removable. Unlike older Jeep models, the doors are attached in a way that makes removal more complex and less convenient for those who frequently enjoy doorless driving.
The Essence of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Experience
The ride quality is inherently a bit bumpier than standard cars, a hallmark of the Jeep design. This is due to the suspension engineered for off-road capability. While noticeable on highways, it’s not jarring and contributes to the Jeep’s distinctive character. Over larger bumps and uneven surfaces, the suspension performs admirably, offering a surprisingly smooth experience.
The absence of an ashtray is a sign of the times, but the vehicle does provide two power adapter slots in the front console, catering to modern electronic devices. This reflects the shift from smoking accessories to powering mobile gadgets.
The lightweight full metal doors can swing open quickly and widely. This requires caution in parking situations to avoid accidentally hitting adjacent vehicles. However, their lighter weight is a welcome contrast to heavier doors found on older Jeep models, making them easier to handle.
While the 6-cylinder engine provides adequate power, the acceleration might be perceived as less immediate compared to some cars. This is attributed to the Jeep’s gearing, which prioritizes gradual and powerful torque delivery over quick acceleration, aligning with its off-road and rugged nature.
With a soft top, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited isn’t suitable for standard automatic car washes. Hand washing is recommended to protect the soft top material and vinyl windows from harsh chemicals and potential damage from car wash equipment.
Final Verdict: Is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Right for You?
This detailed review, stemming from personal ownership, aims to provide a more nuanced perspective than typical Jeep Reviews that often focus solely on specifications.
Ultimately, our experience with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been overwhelmingly positive. The minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its comfort, practicality, and sheer fun factor. It’s a vehicle that consistently earns high praise in our household, proving to be one of our best vehicle purchases. If you’re looking for a vehicle that blends everyday usability with adventurous spirit, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is definitely worth considering.
Update: Addressing Soft Top Popping Sounds
A common concern among Jeep Wrangler soft top owners is a popping or rattling noise. We discovered that this can often be attributed to the soft top rail supports not being correctly positioned. Specifically, the U-shaped brace above the door areas needs to be properly seated on the metal railing when reinstalling the soft top. If this alignment is missed, it can lead to the described popping sounds. Ensuring correct placement of these supports can resolve this issue and maintain a quiet, enjoyable ride.
