2001 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep name has long been associated with off road ability. In a Jeep, you could go anywhere, and do anything. For many people, a Jeep offers freedom and the ability to enjoy the outdoors like no other vehicle can. When redesigning the Jeep Wrangler, company planners paid homage to Jeeps of old. Partly because of marketing, but mostly because Wrangler buyers would have screamed bloody murder if the new Wrangler didn't stay true to it's roots of basic utility and simple style.

Using Jeep's signature round headlights and slotted grill as a starting point, designers penned a modernized version of the basic Jeep body. Though it may look the same to most people, it has much softer body lines and a ton of modern features. Gone was the traditional leaf-spring suspension and harsh ride. The Grand Cherokee's Quadracoil setup was used, and it gave the little Jeep a much more compliant ride without sacrificing off road ability.

Dual airbags were used for the first time and the new interior was as useful as it was cool. The same 4-cyl or inline 6 could be had and Command-Trac 4-wheel drive was standard. The new canvas top folded easier, the doors could still be removed and of course a hardtop was available.

The new Wrangler could be found with many different special edition packages. These usually contain minor suspension modifications along with fancy wheels and graphics.

The Jeep Wrangler of today is just as good as it used to be, but it's a lot easier to live with. . YEAR TO YEAR CHANGES FOR THE JEEP WRANGLER: 1998: None. 1999: Rotary climate controls replaced the old sliding levers and the optional 19.0 gallon fuel tank was now standard. 2000: Child-seat tethers were added to the rear seat, and the 6-cylinder engine received minor modifications. The Sport model's standard AM/FM radio added a cassette player, and the Sahara exchanged its cassette player for a CD. The optional tilt steering wheel in SE and Sport Wranglers was now the same leather-covered unit found in the top-line Sahara. 2001: Wrangler models got standard intermittent windshield wipers, a revised center console, an optional subwoofer, and a plastic instead of metal Add-a-Trunk storage compartment. 2002: The X model joined the lineup and the Sport, Rubicon, and X models got a standard CD player this year. 2003: The old 4-cyl was replaced with a 147-hp, dual-overhead-cam 2.4 liter shared with Jeep's Liberty SUV. The old 3-speed automatic was also replaced with a more modern 4-speed. Redesigned front seats, LATCH-type rear child-seat anchors, and an available rearview mirror with temperature and compass display were also added. 2004: A tilt steering wheel became standard on all Wrangler. 2005: A 6-speed manual transmission was now available. 2006: A Golden Eagle package was now available and included the Tire and Wheel Group, AAS plus spare-tire cover, unique interior and exterior trim, and unique badging. . COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE JEEP WRANGLER: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (1997-2000) - $90 (automatic), $150 (manual) Clock Spring (part of the Cruise Control System - 4.0L engine only) (1999-2000) - $160