Our 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has cemented itself as not just one of the best vehicles we’ve ever owned, but also undeniably the most fun! While I previously touched upon the basics in my initial overview of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I’m now diving deep into a comprehensive, firsthand review. Get ready for an overly detailed look at the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, straight from my personal experiences.
This was the day we bought our used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
The Upsides of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Ownership: The PROS
2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited parked in the green grass of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Perhaps it’s a bit quirky, but I’m genuinely impressed by the comfort and design of the seatbelts. My co-pilot, Jim, has echoed this sentiment. They sit comfortably lower on the hips and drape softly across the chest, providing security without feeling restrictive. Plus, the adjustability near the door frame is a thoughtful touch, accommodating both taller and shorter drivers and passengers with ease.
Another feature that consistently impresses is the rearview mirror. It boasts a compass and temperature display, a feature we’ve missed since our Ford Explorer days. For road trip enthusiasts like us, this is incredibly handy. In fact, we sometimes intentionally venture onto backroads, embracing the adventure of getting a little lost, just to put that compass to good use and navigate our way back.
However, my absolute favorite feature in this Jeep has to be the soundbar and 7-speaker audio system. I’ve never before owned a vehicle where I could crank up the volume without sacrificing sound quality. I’ve already been enjoying my favorite tunes, and these speakers simply don’t crack, even at high volumes! The setup includes two speakers overhead in the roll bar-integrated soundbar (perfect for a convertible!), two in the front dash, and even two “butt speakers” cleverly integrated into the center console near the hip area. When you want to immerse yourself in music, this system truly delivers. (We are still on the hunt for that elusive 7th speaker though… Jim, any ideas?)
Visibility is paramount, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited excels with zero blind spots. The rearview mirror, beyond its compass and temperature features, is modern and wide, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s rear and much of the sides. The door-mounted side mirrors offer a similarly expansive perspective, different from what I’m accustomed to, but incredibly effective. Even with the soft top in place, the strategically placed windows along the sides offer excellent close-range 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, the abundance of headroom in the Wrangler Unlimited is a major plus. Jim and I are both quite tall, and in our previous 1990 Wrangler, headroom felt limited. In the Unlimited, we have ample space above our heads! This generous cabin space contributes significantly to a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, preventing any feeling of confinement.
The Wrangler Unlimited also features tinted windows all around – both the glass in the windshield and full doors, and the vinyl windows in the soft top. While not a super dark limo tint, they are noticeably darker from the outside, offering a degree of privacy and heat reduction. This tint also acts as a deterrent to potential thieves by obscuring the view of the vehicle’s interior when the full top is in place.
Cargo space is where the “Unlimited” in Wrangler Unlimited truly shines. During our first weekend of ownership, we packed the Jeep for a camping trip with gear for four adults, a child, and a dog! It was a snug fit, but the sheer volume of gear we managed to load was astonishing. We fit three tents, a cooler, six chairs, and a substantial amount of additional camping equipment. Since then, our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has become the ultimate dog-friendly vehicle. Our dogs are true Jeep enthusiasts!
The upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel is another touch of quality. It’s remarkably soft yet durable, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The leather adds a touch of luxury and enhances the overall driving experience.
Access to the rear seats is made surprisingly easy thanks to the front seats that flip forward and out of the way. Combined with the integrated side steps at each door, rear passengers enjoy a simple step-up-and-in entry.
Saving the best for last, the iconic open-air Jeep experience is amplified in the Unlimited. I adore the feeling of the wind and the open sky, but the Unlimited model elevates this with the Sunrider soft top. This innovative design includes a “sunroof” feature in addition to the full top-down convertibility. By simply folding back the soft top section over the driver and front passenger, you create a generous 45×23-inch sunroof opening – larger than many traditional glass sunroofs.
For fellow Jeep owners, we’ve created a helpful step-by-step video demonstrating how to operate the Sunrider top and fully lower the soft top. What initially took us 90 minutes has now been streamlined to a mere 10 minutes!
Watch our Jeep Soft Top Removal & Installation Guide video.
The Downsides of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Ownership: The CONS
My Jeep hair BEFORE it got too out of control. Check out my convertible hair tips!
Beyond the usual driving distractions like eating or phone use, I’ve discovered a new one: hair in the eyes! “Jeep hair” is a real phenomenon, and I need to refine my hairstyle strategy for daily driving. While manageable as a passenger in Jim’s Jeep, as the primary driver of my own, I need a better plan to avoid looking like I just stepped off the beach every day (especially if I want to keep my job!).
Explore essential convertible-proof hair products for Jeep life.
Surprisingly, the radio lacks a scan feature! In today’s automotive technology landscape, it’s almost unbelievable that a vehicle would omit this basic function. While disappointing for radio scanning enthusiasts like myself, at least there’s a built-in CD player for alternative music sources.
Fuel economy is another area where the Wrangler Unlimited falls short, averaging around 18 mpg. It’s an SUV, and a Jeep, neither of which are known for exceptional gas mileage. To mitigate this, I’m consciously trying to adopt fuel-efficient driving techniques, including drafting behind larger vehicles when safe and practical.
Adding to the fuel efficiency discussion, the gas pedal is incredibly sensitive. Even the slightest pressure sends the Jeep surging forward (and, it feels like, guzzling fuel!). I’m learning to use a lighter touch on the accelerator or utilize cruise control more frequently. We’ve actually observed a noticeable difference in fuel consumption between trips where cruise control was heavily used and those where it wasn’t.
The side mirrors can be a bit shaky while driving, vibrating slightly. However, Jim actually appreciates the slightly bouncy ride characteristic of Jeeps. It’s part of the Jeep experience, though it might not be for everyone.
This is a minor point, and not yet a major annoyance, but on longer drives, the lack of door armrests might become noticeable. Instead of a traditional flat armrest, there’s a thick plastic grip used for door closure. It’s functional but not ideal for armresting comfort.
Getting into the Jeep requires a significant step up. Even as a taller person, it requires a conscious effort to climb inside. This could be more challenging for shorter individuals or those with mobility limitations.
Notably, anti-lock brakes (ABS) were not available on the Unlimited model of this year. This is a significant omission in terms of modern safety features, potentially making braking on wet surfaces more challenging and requiring more attentive driving.
The front floorboards tend to radiate a considerable amount of heat. If you, like me, often drive barefoot, you’ll definitely notice the heat emanating from the floor, especially during warmer months.
Finally, the full metal doors are not easily removable. They are attached with a more complex system than the doors on our older ’90 YJ, making removal a more involved process. While not impossible, it’s less convenient for those who frequently enjoy doorless driving. However, we do have a guide on how to remove Jeep doors for those who are up for the task.
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 summary of the top 20 pros and 20 cons of Jeep Wranglers.
It’s a Jeep Thing: Understanding the Ride and Quirks
The ride quality is firmer and bumpier than many modern cars – but that’s inherently part of the Jeep DNA. Jeeps are engineered with a different suspension system (Jim, feel free to elaborate on the technical details here…) designed to handle rugged off-road terrain. This suspension translates to a more pronounced feel of the road on highways. It’s not excessively jarring, but it is noticeable. I liken it to the sensation on a roller coaster – the bumps feel different in the front versus the back cars. I suspect the Jeep’s suspension has a similar characteristic. However, when encountering larger bumps or potholes, the suspension performs remarkably well, absorbing impacts smoothly, much like any modern vehicle. In fact, the suspension is a significant improvement over my previous ’99 Grand Cherokee, making bumps less noticeable overall.
Interestingly, an ashtray is absent – a first for me in a vehicle! While there’s a designated space for one, it’s covered with the dashboard molding. Instead, the front console features two 12V power outlets (formerly cigarette lighters) to accommodate all your mobile electronic devices. No actual cigarette lighter with heating coils is to be found.
The full metal doors with glass windows are surprisingly lightweight, causing them to swing open quickly and fully. If parked close to another vehicle, there’s a risk of the door making contact. While a door strap or guard limits the opening angle, it still allows for a wide swing. Caution is needed when entering and exiting in tight parking spaces. On the positive side, these doors are significantly lighter and less cumbersome than those on our ’90 Jeep Wrangler. Those older doors practically require a double slam to close properly (though, they do hold themselves open reliably now, likely due to years of accumulated rust and grime!).
Despite having a 6-cylinder engine, the Jeep doesn’t feel particularly quick off the line. Jim disagrees, explaining it’s a matter of gearing, designed for gradual, powerful acceleration rather than rapid bursts of speed. It’s built for steady progress and torque, not drag racing. (Compared to our previous 4-cylinder Wrangler, however, the Unlimited feels significantly more powerful and responsive!)
Traditional car washes are a no-go with a soft top. Hand washing is the recommended method. While some might risk a brushless car wash, we avoid them due to the waxes and chemicals potentially damaging the soft top and vinyl windows. We take extra precautions to maintain our Jeep soft top and vinyl windows and prolong their lifespan.
Discover everything you need to know about the iconic Jeep Wave.
The Verdict: Bottom Line on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
So there you have it – the comprehensive, unfiltered truth about the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, at least from our personal experience.
Overall, the impressions are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the “cons” listed are minor and perhaps overly critical – included simply to provide a balanced perspective.
Almost daily, Jim remarks, “I genuinely think this is one of the best vehicle purchases we’ve ever made!” And I wholeheartedly agree. It’s comfortable, practical, and, most importantly, incredibly fun to drive.
Jeep Wrangler Reviews often focus solely on technical specifications. I hope this detailed, personal review provides a more helpful and relatable perspective for potential buyers.
UPDATE: Addressing Soft Top Popping Sounds
Make sure this hard plastic rail support rests perfectly on the metal rail when you
Through experience and feedback from other owners reporting a “popcorn popping” sound from their soft tops, we learned a valuable tip. If you hear strange noises with the soft top in place, it might be due to the brace with the inverted “U” shape (located on both sides above the door areas, where the release clips are) not being correctly positioned on the intended railing when reinstalling the soft top.
The “U” shape is designed to fit precisely onto the bar. However, in haste, it’s possible to misalign it, leaving it not fully seated on the bar. Therefore, if you encounter a popping noise with your soft top, double-check the placement of these braces.
