2002 Jeep Wrangler Review (continued)
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Walkaround

In spite of all the refinements, the Wrangler has not been sold out to the cute-ute craze. The open fenders, flip-down windshield, big grille, plastic side curtains and exposed hinges and fasteners are still there, giving the Wrangler that rugged, no-nonsense look that has appealed to us for nearly 60 years.

One of the biggest decisions when buying a Wrangler is selecting the top. Purists prefer the soft top, a high-quality piece of equipment that can be configured according to the weather. Folding the top down takes only a third of the time it took before 2001. If a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the back country.

I prefer the optional hard top ($920 on SE and X, $795 on Sport and Sahara) for its practicality. The hard top provides more security for expensive gear; I get uncomfortable leaving camera equipment or fly-fishing gear protected only by fabric and clear plastic. The hard top also offers better protection from weather. It comes with full-height doors and wind-up windows. I felt dry and secure while driving one through a violent thunderstorm one morning before daybreak. Rearward visibility is aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced. The top can be removed and stored when not in use.

For those who want the best of both worlds, Jeep offers a package that includes both hard top and soft top in matching colors. Either top is far easier to remove or install than tops of years past and provides much better sealing from the elements.

Outfitting a Wrangler to suit your needs is part of the fun. Take your time and carefully review all the models, options, and packages available to ensure you get exactly what you want.

Interior Features

If elegance can be defined in terms of neatness and simplicity, then the Wrangler comes with an elegant interior. The modular instrument panel and heating and ventilation system are huge improvements over the last-generation (pre-1997) Wrangler (the one with the square headlights). Rotary heating, ventilation and air conditioning knobs are an improvement over the old slider controls and are easy to operate when wearing gloves. For 2002, airflow has been increased and the fan makes less noise.

The high-back front seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support. For those who have dogs or drive through deep mud, the interior can be easily cleaned. Removable carpets, slotted map holders, water-resistant seat fabrics and drain holes make cleaning with a garden hose an option.

The Wrangler offers room for four people or two people and their gear, but not both. For weekend excursions, the best plan is to leave the back-seat passengers behind, flip the rear seat forward (or remove it) and head for the hills. There's enough space behind the rear seat for a fly rod, a vest and a pair of waders. Flip the rear seat down and there's plenty of room for a tent, a cooler, camping gear and even more fishing equipment. It doesn't get much better than that.

Research firm J.D. Power and Associates gave the 2001 Wrangler high scores for the quality of its interior features (such as the seats, windshield wipers, door locks, heater, air conditioner, and stereo system), and the 2002 model is nearly identical.