2001JeepWranglerJeep Wrangler2001 Jeep Wrangler SE 4WDMini-Sport UtilityConvertible4WDToledo, OHThe Wrangler gets a number of improvements for 2001. All models benefit from a new four-ply soft top that reduces wind and road noise at speed. Deep tint windows are now standard on the Sahara hardtop and optional on Sport and SE models with the solid-shell roof. Two new center console designs are available on all models, as is a premium subwoofer. The add-a-trunk feature and removable side steps have been redesigned to improve functionality, and a new instrument cluster, low-pivot steering column, rearview mirror, airbag cutoff switch, child seat-tether anchors, and multifunction headlight/wiper stalk are standard across the entire model line. The ABS system is upgraded; intermittent windshield wipers are now standard, and the 4.0-liter inline six now meets LEV requirements in all 50 states. Sienna Pearl Coat, Amber Fire and Steel Blue exterior colors have been added, while Medium Fern Green and Desert Sand have been dropped.Cheap, fun to drive, classic styling, go-anywhere capability.Soft top can be tricky to operate, difficult entry/egress, slow steering, limited storage space.The Wrangler continues to be the quintessential off-road icon. This Jeep began as a vehicle for military use and has retained its Spartan utility while slowly evolving into a practical and popular means of transportation. The Wrangler has never lost its drive-me-hard-through-the-slop origins, despite improvements for enjoyable daily commuting. And it's one of the cheapest convertibles around. Available in SE, Sport and Sahara trim levels, the Wrangler fits into several budgets. Our favorite model is the Sport, with a gutsy 4.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 190 horsepower and 235 maximum foot-pounds of torque. It can be hooked to either the standard five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission and comes equipped with an AM/FM/cassette stereo and a carpeted cargo area. The SE is for people who don't mind a lack of power (a 2.5-liter inline four with only 120 horsepower is all she wrote at this level) and no ABS. The Sahara is the priciest of the bunch, and while it gets you the same 4.0-liter engine as the Sport, the Sahara's air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear tow hooks, fog lamps, AM/FM/CD stereo, Convenience Group (with lockable storage, and dual cupholders), and Heavy-Duty Electrical Group are among its official features. Nobody, however, will mistake the Wrangler for a smooth-running family sedan; it's very much a truck, thanks to its high step-in height, slow steering ratio and abundant wind and road noise (though the new-for-2001 four-ply soft top helps reduce aural irritants). On the street, its petite size and tight turning radius make it a blast to maneuver, but it can get a little scary to drive and control at freeway speeds in severely high winds. Its performance off-road is unparalleled. The Wrangler's Quadra-Coil suspension allows for an incredible amount of wheel articulation, resulting in steep approach and departure angles. And the abundance of aftermarket parts to modify the Wrangler makes it enormously popular with the rock-crawling crowd. The Wrangler does have its quirks -- rear visibility can be a challenge, and taking off and putting on the soft top requires superhuman levels of patience. Once the top is on, be prepared for obtrusive flapping. Ordering the Sahara with the Dual Top Group option gets you a hardtop with tinted glass and a folding/removable soft top for a multitude of configurations -- though transitioning from one to another can be a daunting task. Despite the top's packaging flaws and Wrangler's raw-edged nature, this Jeep is fun to drive, cheap to buy, and a terrific multipurpose tool. Chevrolet TrackerIsuzu Rodeo SportKia SportageSuzuki Vitara336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA42.5 litersInline120 hp @ 5400 rpm140 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm55 cu.ft.800 lbs.2000 lbs.152 in.66.7 in.70.9 in.3045 lbs.93.4 in.33.6 ft.10 in.42.3 in.NANANANANA41.1 in.NA2Not AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = GoodNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19 gal.19 mpg / 20 mpg16 mpg / 18 mpg361 mi. / 380 mi.304 mi. / 342 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$14,268$14,8907.35%$585N/A3% of the Total MSRPSE (5M): 2.5L I4 OHV SPI 8-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 600 amp battery; 117 amp alternator; part-time 4 wheel drive, auto-locking hub control and manual shift, 4.11 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front non-independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rigid rear axle trailing link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; recirculating-ball power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 19 gal. capacity fuel tank; skid plate; tailgate rear cargo door; manual convertible roof with rollover protection; front and rear black bumpers; black fender flares; clearcoat monotone paint; sealed beam halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's manual black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" silver styled steel wheels; P205/75SR15 OWL AT tires; full-size steel spare wheel; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressuregauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, key in ignition, low fuel; driver's front airbag, passenger's cancelable front airbag; tinted windows, manual front and rear windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment; height-adjustable front seatbelts; vinyl seats, front color-keyed carpet floor covering; day/night rearview mirror; partial floor console, locking glove box, front cupholder, dashboard storage, driver's and passenger's door bins; cargo tie downs; body-colored grille, black front windshield molding and black door handles.
SPORT (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE (5M) equipment): 4L I6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 3.07 axle ratio; 15" x 7" silver styled steel wheels; P215/75SR15 RBL AT tires; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, fixed antenna; seating capacity of 4; removable full folding rear bench seat; full color-keyed carpet floor covering and a carpeted cargo floor.
SAHARA (5M) (in addition to or instead of SPORT (5M) equipment): Front and rear tow hooks; body-colored fender flares; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights, underhood light; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P225/70SR16 BSW AT tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; air conditioning; single-disc CD player, 5 speakers; 2 power accessory outlets; deep tinted windows; driver's and passenger's seats include easy entry; premium cloth seats, floor mats; interior lights include dome light; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; full floor console, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins.