The 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has consistently ranked as one of the most enjoyable and capable vehicles for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Having personally owned and experienced the unique charm of a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I can provide an in-depth review that goes beyond the typical specifications and delves into the real-world ownership experience. While my previous overview touched upon the key aspects of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited TJ, this review offers a more comprehensive look, drawing from firsthand experiences to give you a detailed perspective.
The Advantages of Owning a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
One of the first aspects you’ll appreciate in the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the thoughtfully designed seatbelts. It might sound trivial, but the comfort and placement of the seatbelts are genuinely noteworthy. They are designed to sit comfortably lower on the hips and lay softly across the chest, avoiding that restrictive feeling some seatbelts can have. Furthermore, the adjustability near the door frame is a practical feature, accommodating drivers and passengers of varying heights, ensuring everyone can find their perfect fit.
Another feature that stands out is the rearview mirror, equipped with a built-in compass and temperature display. This is more than just a novelty; it’s incredibly practical, especially for those who enjoy road trips and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re intentionally exploring off the beaten path or simply navigating unfamiliar routes, having a reliable compass readily available is a significant advantage.
However, the crown jewel of the interior features has to be the soundbar and 7-speaker audio system. For audiophiles and music lovers, this system is a game-changer. The ability to crank up the volume without distortion or speaker crackling is a rare treat in many vehicles. The strategic placement of speakers, including two in the overhead soundbar (a unique feature in convertibles), two in the dash, and even “butt speakers” integrated into the center console, creates an immersive and powerful sound experience. This system truly elevates the enjoyment of any drive, making every journey a concert on wheels.
Visibility is paramount in any vehicle, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels in this area with its zero blind spots. The rearview mirror is not only modern and sleek, but it also provides an expansive view of the rear and sides of the vehicle. Similarly, the door-mounted side mirrors offer an enhanced perspective, exceeding expectations for a vehicle of this type. Even with the soft top in place, the strategically positioned windows along the sides provide excellent close-up visibility, ensuring a clear view of your surroundings at all times.
For taller individuals, headroom can be a crucial factor in vehicle comfort. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers generous headroom. Compared to earlier Wrangler models, the Unlimited provides a significantly more spacious cabin. This abundance of space translates to a more relaxed and enjoyable ride, eliminating any feeling of being cramped or confined, especially on longer journeys.
Privacy and security are subtly enhanced by the tinted windows throughout the vehicle. This includes both the glass windows of the windshield and full doors, as well as the vinyl windows of the soft top. While not excessively dark, the tint provides a noticeable level of privacy from the outside, making it more difficult to see into the vehicle’s interior. This feature not only adds a layer of security by deterring potential thieves but also helps to keep the cabin cooler in sunny conditions.
Practicality is a key strength of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, particularly its impressive cargo space. This vehicle defies expectations with its ability to haul a significant amount of gear. Whether it’s camping equipment for a group, luggage for a road trip, or everyday essentials, the Wrangler Unlimited offers ample room. Its cargo capacity makes it exceptionally versatile, transitioning seamlessly from a weekend adventure vehicle to a practical daily driver. For pet owners, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited truly shines as an exceptional dog-friendly vehicle. The spacious cargo area is perfect for comfortably transporting dogs of all sizes, making trips with furry companions enjoyable and stress-free.
The upgraded leather steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and enhances the driving experience. The leather is not only soft to the touch but also durable, providing a comfortable and secure grip. This tactile element elevates the overall feel of the interior, making every drive feel more premium.
Access to the rear seats is made surprisingly convenient by the pop-up and fold-forward front seats. This thoughtful design, combined with the integrated side steps at each door, simplifies entry and exit for rear passengers. The ease of access makes the Wrangler Unlimited a practical choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers in the back.
Saving perhaps the best feature for last, the Sunrider soft top is a standout element of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Beyond the quintessential open-air experience of a convertible, the Sunrider top incorporates a unique “sunroof” feature. By easily folding back the soft top section over the front seats, you create a substantial 45×23-inch opening, larger than many traditional sunroofs. This provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy fresh air and sunlight without fully lowering the top. For those new to this feature, there are helpful video guides available that demonstrate how to operate the Sunrider top and fully retract the soft top, making the learning curve minimal.
Watch our video guide on How to Remove & Install a Jeep Soft Top.
The Drawbacks to Consider
While the open-air driving experience is a major highlight, it does come with a unique challenge: wind-blown hair. For drivers, especially those with longer hair, managing hair in the wind can become a distraction. It’s essential to find effective hairstyles or accessories to keep hair out of your face and eyes while enjoying the convertible experience. This is a minor inconvenience, but something to consider for daily drivers who appreciate a polished look.
Another surprising omission in the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the lack of a radio “scan” function. In modern vehicles, this feature is almost ubiquitous, making it easy to quickly find and tune into local radio stations. The absence of a scan function is a noticeable inconvenience for those who enjoy exploring different radio stations while on the go. However, the inclusion of a built-in CD player offers an alternative for music enthusiasts.
Fuel economy is another factor to consider. With an average of around 18 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. As an SUV, and particularly a Jeep designed for off-road capability, fuel efficiency is often secondary to performance and robustness. Drivers need to be mindful of fuel consumption, especially with fluctuating gas prices. Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits, such as maintaining consistent speeds and using cruise control where appropriate, can help mitigate fuel costs. The sensitive gas pedal further contributes to fuel consumption. The pedal’s responsiveness means even slight pressure can result in quick acceleration and increased fuel usage. Learning to apply a lighter touch to the gas pedal is crucial for maximizing fuel efficiency.
The side mirrors can exhibit some vibration while driving, which is a characteristic often associated with vehicles designed for rugged terrain. While some may find this minor vibration noticeable, others might consider it a part of the Jeep’s inherent character. Similarly, the ride quality can be described as somewhat bouncy, a trait that Jeep enthusiasts often appreciate as it contributes to the vehicle’s off-road prowess.
A minor comfort drawback is the absence of armrests on the doors. Instead of a traditional padded armrest, the doors feature a robust plastic grip used for closing the door. While not a major issue for shorter drives, the lack of armrests might become noticeable on longer journeys.
Ingress and egress require a noticeable step up into the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Even for taller individuals, entering the vehicle requires a deliberate step. This higher ride height is beneficial for off-road clearance and provides a commanding view of the road, but it’s something to be aware of, especially for those with mobility concerns.
The 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models do not offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This omission means that drivers need to be particularly cautious when braking on wet or slippery surfaces. Without ABS, there’s a greater risk of wheel lock-up during hard braking, potentially leading to skidding. Drivers should adjust their driving style and maintain a safe following distance, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Heat management can be a minor issue, as the front floorboards tend to get warm. This is more noticeable when driving barefoot, as heat from the engine and exhaust system can radiate into the cabin. Wearing shoes can minimize this effect, but it’s worth noting for those who prefer driving barefoot in warmer climates.
Finally, while the full metal doors offer enhanced security and weather protection, they are not designed for quick removal. Unlike earlier Jeep models with easily removable doors, the Unlimited’s doors are bolted on more securely, making removal a more involved process. While it is possible to remove them, it’s not something that can be done spontaneously.
Explore a detailed summary of the top 20 pros and 20 cons of Jeep Wranglers.
Embracing the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Experience
The ride in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is undeniably bumpier than in most modern cars. However, this is an inherent characteristic of a Jeep, a vehicle engineered for off-road adventures. The suspension system is designed to handle rough terrain, which translates to a firmer ride on paved roads. While noticeable, this ride quality is not necessarily negative; it’s part of the Jeep’s unique personality. Many drivers find it engaging and connected to the road. Compared to older SUVs, the Wrangler Unlimited’s suspension is actually quite refined, offering a smoother ride than expected.
The absence of an ashtray is a sign of the times, reflecting the decline in smoking. While there’s a designated spot for an ashtray in the dashboard, it’s covered with a plastic molding. Instead, the front console features two power adapter slots (formerly cigarette lighter slots), catering to the needs of modern mobile devices and electronics.
The lightweight full metal doors are surprisingly easy to swing open. While this makes them less cumbersome to handle, it also means they can swing open quickly and widely, potentially hitting adjacent vehicles in tight parking spaces. The door straps prevent them from swinging fully open, but caution is still needed when opening doors in close proximity to other cars. Conversely, these doors are significantly lighter and easier to manage than the heavier doors found on older Jeep models.
Despite having a 6-cylinder engine, the acceleration might feel less responsive than some drivers expect. This is due to the Jeep’s gearing and overall design, which prioritize torque and off-road capability over rapid acceleration. The Wrangler Unlimited is built for steady, powerful progress rather than quick bursts of speed. However, it’s important to note that the 6-cylinder engine is a significant upgrade in power compared to earlier 4-cylinder Wrangler models, offering ample power for most driving situations.
Finally, maintaining a soft top Jeep Wrangler Unlimited requires a different approach to car washing. Standard car washes are not recommended for soft tops, as the brushes and harsh chemicals can damage the fabric and vinyl windows. Hand washing is the preferred method to preserve the soft top’s condition and longevity. Some owners might consider brushless car washes, but even then, the waxes and chemicals used can potentially degrade the soft top materials over time.
Learn more about the iconic Jeep Wave.
Final Verdict: Is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited For You?
In conclusion, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a vehicle with a distinct personality and a compelling blend of strengths and weaknesses. For the most part, the ownership experience is overwhelmingly positive. Many of the drawbacks are minor and easily overlooked in light of the vehicle’s numerous advantages.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels in providing a fun, practical, and highly capable driving experience. It’s comfortable, versatile, and undeniably enjoyable. As a testament to its appeal, it’s often considered one of the best vehicle purchases one can make.
While many Jeep Wrangler Reviews focus primarily on technical specifications, this detailed, personal perspective aims to offer a more holistic understanding of what it’s truly like to live with and drive a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Hopefully, this review has provided valuable insights to help you decide if this iconic vehicle is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
UPDATE: Addressing Soft Top Popping Noises
A common concern among Jeep Wrangler soft top owners is a peculiar “popping” sound that can sometimes occur. This sound is often attributed to the incorrect placement of the soft top’s support brace during installation. Specifically, the brace with an inverted “U” shape (located on both sides above the door areas, near the release clips) needs to be perfectly seated on the corresponding metal railing.
The “U” shape is designed to precisely fit onto the bar, ensuring secure and proper alignment. However, in rushed installations, it’s possible to misalign this brace, leading to it not resting correctly on the intended bar. This misalignment can be the source of the popping noise heard while driving.
Therefore, if you experience a popping sound with your soft top in place, it’s crucial to check the placement of these support braces. Ensuring they are correctly seated on their metal railings can often resolve this issue and eliminate the unwanted noise.
