Five models of the Jeep Wrangler are available for 2003: SE ($15,665); X ($18,685); Sport ($20,495); Sahara ($24,085); Rubicon ($24,385).
SE comes with a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 horsepower. The new engine delivers 25 percent more horsepower and 18 percent more torque than the previous engine (150 hp @ 5200 rpm and 165 pounds-feet @ 4000 rpm). It works well with the standard five-speed gearbox, which is a new heavy-duty transmission with synchronized reverse gearing and improved shift quality in cold weather. An all-new four-speed automatic is also available. Still, the SE does not offer thrilling acceleration performance. At first glance, the SE looks attractive, but its low price quickly rises when upgraded upholstery, a rear seat, rear carpeting, a stereo and other options are added. If you don't want a rear seat, don't mind the easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery, and don't feel the need for speed, then the SE is a good vehicle for fishing, hunting, exploring. Having one attached to the back of your motor home comes in handy for tooling around small towns in the American West. A variety of options is available, including the hard top.
Wrangler X, Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon models come with a much more powerful 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque. A heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission is standard; the new four-speed automatic is optional. The inline-6 gives up some fuel economy to the inline-4 around town, but the six-cylinder gets 19 mpg on the highway.
Wrangler X comes with cloth upholstery, upgraded front seats, a fold-down rear seat. full carpeting (covering the rear seat area, cargo area and wheel housings), AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, padded roll bar, and P215/75R15 Goodyear Wrangler tires.
Sport adds full metal doors, wind-up windows, fog lights, tilt steering column with leather-wrapped wheel, courtesy and underhood lights, and other features.
Sahara comes loaded with a high-zoot stereo, premium cloth, air conditioning, cruise control, gas shocks, monster tires (30x9.5xR15), premium fender flares, among other features.
Rubicon is named for the Class 10 off-road Rubicon Trail on the California-Nevada border, a location that is part of Jeep's evaluation for all its vehicles. The Rubicon is designed to reflect the original vision realized in 1940, when Jeep invented the sport-utility and dominated off-road travel. Jeep even recreated sections of the famed Rubicon Trail at its proving grounds in Michigan to test the durability and capabilities of its newest offering. Rubicon comes equipped with diamond plate sill guards, front and rear Dana axles and driver-actuated locking differentials. Standard are 31-inch tall tires and 16-inch five-spoke wheels. It's available in all of the Wrangler exterior colors.
All models in the lineup include a fold-down windshield, removable doors and top, and a weatherproof interior. Drivers may choose between hard- and soft-top models. Exterior paint treatments include four new colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Inca Gold Pearl Coat, Intense Blue Pearl Coat and Light Khaki Metallic. Interior trim is Dark Slate on all models except Rubicon, which offers either a Dark Slate or Khaki interior.