Our experience with the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been nothing short of exceptional. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s been a source of immense fun and adventure, easily ranking as one of the best vehicles we’ve ever had the pleasure of owning.
While I previously provided a brief overview of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, this article serves as a comprehensive and highly detailed review, born from our personal, firsthand experiences. We aim to give you an in-depth look at what makes this model so special.
This was the day we bought our used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
The PROS of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited parked in the green grass of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Perhaps it sounds a bit unusual, but one of the first things we appreciated was the comfort and design of the seatbelts. They are thoughtfully designed to sit comfortably lower on your hips and lay softly across your chest, avoiding any restrictive feeling. The adjustability near the door frame is another excellent feature, allowing customization for both taller and shorter individuals.
Another feature that immediately caught our attention is the rearview mirror. It’s equipped with a compass and temperature display, a feature we had always wished for since our road trip days in a Ford Explorer. For those who love to explore off the beaten path, like us, this compass is incredibly handy for navigating back to civilization when venturing on backroads.
However, the standout feature for me is undoubtedly the soundbar and 7-speaker system. In all my years of vehicle ownership, I’ve never experienced a sound system that can be turned up loud without any distortion or loss of sound quality. This system is truly impressive! It includes two speakers overhead in the soundbar (a unique feature for a convertible), two in the front dash, and even two “butt speakers” integrated into the center console near the hips. When you want to crank up the music, this system delivers an immersive audio experience. (We are still on the hunt for the elusive 7th speaker though!)
Visibility is paramount in any vehicle, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels with zero blind spots. The rearview mirror is not only modern with its compass, thermometer, and auto-dimmer, but it also provides a panoramic view of the rear and sides of the vehicle. The door-mounted side mirrors offer a similarly wide perspective. Even with the soft top in place, the strategically placed windows along the sides ensure excellent close-up visibility.
Enjoying a fun water crossing in our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Crossing creeks in our Jeep is always fun!
Jim giving the Jeep wave
We love the Sunrider top on our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited! It
Jim discussing the increased amount of cargo space in the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a staffer at Jeep 101 events.
For taller individuals, headroom can be a concern, but not in the Wrangler Unlimited. Both Jim and I are quite tall, and compared to our previous ’90 Wrangler where headroom felt limited, the Unlimited offers an abundance of space. This generous cabin space significantly enhances the comfort of the ride, preventing any feeling of being cramped.
Privacy and security are also well addressed with the tinted windows throughout the vehicle. This includes both the glass windows and the soft top windows. While not an excessively dark tint, it provides a noticeable level of privacy from the outside and can deter potential thieves by obscuring the interior contents when the full top is on.
The cargo space in the Wrangler Unlimited is truly remarkable. On our first weekend owning it, we put it to the test on a camping trip. We managed to fit camping equipment for four adults, one child, and a dog! It was a snug fit, but the fact that we could accommodate such a load, including three tents, a cooler, six chairs, and much more, was astonishing. Since then, our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has become the ultimate dog-friendly vehicle. Our dogs are huge fans of Jeeps!
The upgraded leather steering wheel is another touch of quality. It’s soft to the touch, durable, and provides excellent grip, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience.
Access to the rear seats is made convenient by the front seats that fold and tilt forward. Combined with the integrated side steps at each door, getting into and out of the back is straightforward for passengers.
Saving the best for last, while the open-top experience is a given with a Jeep, the Unlimited model elevates it with the Sunrider soft top. Beyond the full top-down capability, it includes a “sunroof” feature. By simply folding back the soft top section above the driver and front passenger, you create a substantial 45×23-inch sunroof opening, larger than most standard sunroofs.
For fellow Jeep enthusiasts interested in this feature, we’ve even created a step-by-step video demonstrating how to operate the Sunrider top and fully lower the soft top. What initially took us an hour and a half is now a quick 10-minute process!
Watch our video: How to Take Off & Put On a Jeep Soft Top
The CONS of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
My Jeep hair BEFORE it got too out of control. Check out my convertible hair tips!
While not a vehicle-specific issue, hair in the eyes definitely becomes a driving distraction with a convertible! Beyond typical driver distractions like eating or phone use, managing hair in the wind is a real consideration for Jeep drivers. I’m still working on finding the perfect hairstyle to combat this, as arriving at work looking like I just came from the beach might not be ideal!
Explore essential convertible-proof hair products.
Surprisingly, the radio lacks a “scan” function. In today’s automotive technology, it’s almost unbelievable for a vehicle to miss out on such a basic feature. However, it does compensate with a built-in CD player.
Gas mileage is another point to consider, averaging around 18 mpg. Being an SUV, and a Jeep at that, fuel efficiency isn’t its strongest suit. It requires a conscious effort to drive economically, perhaps even trying to “draft” behind larger vehicles to improve mileage.
Related to fuel efficiency, the gas pedal is quite sensitive. Even slight pressure results in noticeable acceleration and, consequently, fuel consumption. Adjusting to a lighter touch on the pedal or utilizing cruise control more frequently can help mitigate this. We’ve observed a clear difference in fuel economy between trips using cruise control and those without.
The side mirrors can exhibit some vibration while driving. While this might be a minor drawback, Jim actually finds the slightly bouncy ride characteristic of a Jeep to be part of its charm.
A minor inconvenience, especially on longer drives, is the absence of armrests on the doors. Instead of a traditional armrest, there’s a thick plastic grip used for closing the door. It’s a very minor con, almost negligible, but worth mentioning.
Getting into the Jeep requires a noticeable step up. Even as a taller person, it’s a deliberate motion to climb inside.
The 2004 Wrangler Unlimited does not offer anti-lock braking system (ABS). This means that braking in wet conditions might require extra caution and could be less forgiving.
The front floorboards tend to get quite warm, particularly noticeable if driving barefoot. If you often drive without shoes, you’ll likely feel the heat emanating from the floor.
Lastly, the full metal doors are not designed for easy removal. They are attached more intricately than the doors on our older ’90 YJ, making their removal a more involved process. However, we have documented the procedure in an article detailing how to take off Jeep doors.
This is NOT our Jeep. It
Jeep Wrangler owners always give each other a fun wave as they pass.
Jeep Unlimited after taking it for a tame ride offroad.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the Sunrider top down.
Explore a detailed summary of the top 20 pros and 20 cons of Jeep Wranglers.
It’s a Jeep Thing: Ride and Quirks
The ride in a Wrangler is undeniably bumpier than most modern cars, but that’s inherently part of the Jeep experience. Jeeps are designed with a unique suspension system to handle rough off-road terrains, which naturally translates to a more pronounced feel of the road on highways. It’s not overly jarring, more of a distinct characteristic. Think of it like a roller coaster – the ride feels different in the front versus the back cars. The Jeep’s suspension gives a similar sensation. However, when encountering actual bumps and potholes, the suspension performs remarkably smoothly, comparable to any new vehicle. In fact, compared to my older ’99 Grand Cherokee, the suspension in this Jeep is a significant improvement, making bumps less noticeable.
Interestingly, our model lacks an ashtray, a first for us. There’s a designated space for one, but it’s covered by the dashboard molding. Instead, there are two power adapter slots on the front console for electronic devices, but no traditional cigarette lighter.
The full metal doors with glass windows are surprisingly light. This lightness can cause them to swing open quickly and widely. When parked close to other vehicles, caution is needed to avoid accidentally hitting them with your door. While there is a strap to limit the opening, it still allows for a wide swing. On the positive side, these doors are much lighter and less cumbersome than those on our ’90 Jeep Wrangler.
Despite being a 6-cylinder, the acceleration might feel less immediate than expected. Jim argues it’s due to the gearing being optimized for power delivery rather than quick acceleration, designed for gradual and powerful momentum. Compared to our previous 4-cylinder Wrangler, this one is considerably more powerful and responsive.
Finally, soft-top Wranglers aren’t suitable for typical car washes. Hand washing is the recommended method. While some might risk brushless car washes, we prefer to avoid them due to the waxes and chemicals that can be detrimental to the soft top and vinyl windows. We have a guide on how to take extra steps to maintain the soft top and windows.
Learn all about the Jeep Wave.
The Bottom Line: A Fantastic Vehicle
In summary, our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
Most of the “cons” we listed are minor and almost feel like nitpicking, just to provide a balanced perspective.
As Jim often says, “This is one of the best purchases we’ve ever made!” And I wholeheartedly agree. It’s comfortable, practical, and, most importantly, incredibly fun.
While many Jeep Wrangler Reviews focus purely on specifications, we hope this detailed, personal review provides valuable insights and a different perspective for potential buyers.
UPDATE: Addressing Popping Sounds
Make sure this hard plastic rail support rests perfectly on the metal rail when you
From our experience and feedback from other soft-top owners, we learned about a potential issue: a “popcorn popping” sound that can sometimes occur with the soft top. This is often caused by the brace with an inverted “U” shape (located on both sides above the doors, near the release clips) not being correctly positioned on the intended railing when reinstalling the soft top.
The “U” shape is designed to fit perfectly onto the bar, but if rushed, it can easily end up misaligned or not even resting on the bar at all.
Therefore, if you encounter a strange popping noise with your soft top in place, this misaligned brace is likely the cause.
