1997 Jeep Wrangler

I have to start off by saying I really did like my Wrangler. It was a really fun vehicle, and can get just about anywhere.

With that said, there are a few things you should know about before buying your first Wrangler (Jeep enthusiasts generally take these things as part of the 'Jeep experience).

First, these aren't made for comfort riders. In order to give the off-road performance, they aren't exactly a smooth ride on the highways. There is little to no insulation against road noises, and soft-tops can be real ear poppers (quieter without any top at all). Freeway speeds are about as fast as you will want to go. These aren't made to be speed demons. The short wheelbase can get you into trouble if you don't know what you are doing. On top of that, Wranglers have all the aerodynamics of a brick wall, contributing to the lack of stability, very low gas mileage, etc.
Another downfall of the boxy design is the windshields. The windshield is quite small and takes some getting used to. It is also nearly straight up and down. Because of this, the windshield takes the full impact of a flying rock, and will crack more easily because of this (more angled windshields will glance off rocks). I went through a few windshields on my jeeps because of this.
If you are looking at a hardtop jeep with full doors, there is a big problem with the window frame cracking where it meets the body of the door. To get a good seal between the door and top, they have to angle these in slightly, and the bend a bit when you close the door. This is the only way to keep the weather out, but that flexing pops the weld within the first couple of years you have owned the Jeep. Most often, it is only a cosmetic problem with an unsightly crack there. Down the road it will need to be fixed.
Finally, the engine. The 4.0 is a great engine, and can really move. Unfortunately the 2.5 is not that way. I had a 1993 YJ 2.5 that had plenty of power, but my 1997 TJ 2.5was seriously lacking in power. It had no get-up-and-go, and the top end was quite low. It did climb great, though.

With all of those quirks, though, the Jeep is a classic fun vehicle to own, and easy to work on if you have a problem. There is nothing like a drive through the mountains with the top and doors off.

There is a compromise you have to make. If the styling and fun of the vehicle is worth these quirks, by all means buy one. I loved mine, and my nieces are stil made at me for selling it 2 years ago.

This Jeep is for my 20 year old son. It was great for the winter because it has 4 wheel drive. It will be "fun" for him this summer when he can have the top off.