2003 Jeep Wrangler Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Rubicon headlined the 2003 Jeep Wrangler lineup, boasting a sturdy off-road suspension, a powerful 4.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, and...
The Rubicon headlined the 2003 Jeep Wrangler lineup, boasting a sturdy off-road suspension, a powerful 4.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, and a Dana rear end. A four-speed automatic transmission was available on all models. Four-wheel disc brakes improved the stopping ability of all models, and the base SE model got a big boost in performance with a new, more sophisticated, four-cylinder engine.
Six trims of the Jeep Wrangler were available for 2003: SE, X, Sport, Freedom, Sahara, and Rubicon. The SE came with a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 150 horsepower. The new engine delivered 25 percent more horsepower and 18 percent more torque than the previous engine (150 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 165 pounds-feet @ 4,000 rpm). It worked well with the standard five-speed gearbox, which was a new heavy-duty transmission with synchronized reverse gearing and improved shift quality in cold weather. An all-new four-speed automatic was also available.
Wrangler X, Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon trims came with a much more powerful 4.0-liter, six-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. A heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission was standard; the new four-speed automatic was optional. The inline-6 gave up some fuel economy to the inline-4 around town, but the six-cylinder got 19 mpg on the highway. The Wrangler X came with cloth upholstery, upgraded front seats, a fold-down rear seat, full carpeting, AM/FM/cassette stereo, digital clock, padded roll bar, and P215/75R15 Goodyear Wrangler tires.
The Sport trim added full metal doors, wind-up windows, fog lights, a tilt steering column with leather-wrapped wheel, courtesy and underhood lights, and other features.
The Sahara came loaded with a high-zoot stereo, premium cloth, air conditioning, cruise control, gas shocks, monster tires, and premium fender flares, among other features.
The Rubicon came 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.
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.
Drivers complain about the lack of storage space in the 2003 Jeep Wrangler and its fair to poor gas mileage, but they love the Wrangler's looks and traction.
What owners say
"Overall, owners really enjoy the 2003 Jeep Wrangler for its off-road capabilities and rugged charm, making it a fun vehicle for adventures. Many love the four-wheel-drive and reliability, although some find the ride rough and uncomfortable, especially on highways. Fuel economy is a common disappointment, with several owners noting that mileage isn't great. Despite these downsides, the charm and fun of driving a Jeep often outweigh the negatives."
Capable to a fault. Reliable in a tight spot. I travel in remote, desolate places alone and I never worried that I might get stuck. Every challenge was met with ease. Not quick off the throttle, but low gears could pull it anywhere and highway driving was a pleasure. Totaled by another inattentive driver. I'm still in mourning.
September 13, 2008i love this car, its looks, grunt, toughness, and overall fun is top notch. but prepare to sacrifice comfort on potholes, shifting, and if you have the soft top, windnoise at high speeds will have the effect of a rock concert on your ears after a long haul. is it worth it, absalutely
February 6, 2008I've always wanted a wrangler. Now that I have one, I've realized that everything I've dreamed about owning a wrangler, was real. This car is so fun, I regret not owning one sooner. Unless you're looking to be pampered, you should buy one of these.
May 20, 2012What owners say
Capable to a fault. Reliable in a tight spot. I travel in remote, desolate places alone and I never worried that I might get stuck. Every challenge was met with ease. Not quick off the throttle, but low gears could pull it anywhere and highway driving was a pleasure. Totaled by another inattentive driver. I'm still in mourning.
September 13, 2008i love this car, its looks, grunt, toughness, and overall fun is top notch. but prepare to sacrifice comfort on potholes, shifting, and if you have the soft top, windnoise at high speeds will have the effect of a rock concert on your ears after a long haul. is it worth it, absalutely
February 6, 2008I've always wanted a wrangler. Now that I have one, I've realized that everything I've dreamed about owning a wrangler, was real. This car is so fun, I regret not owning one sooner. Unless you're looking to be pampered, you should buy one of these.
May 20, 2012Its a Jeep! It is extreamly fun, and definatly a head turner. First and foremost Jeeps are not built for fuel economy, speed, and luxury they are built to OUT LAST ANYTHING, look good and to have fun off-roading. It handles great! The brakes are good for how large the tires are. The acceleration is good dont expect to win street races. The build quality is the best in the world. Jeep engines will outlast everything else on the car. The only thing you will have to fix is the alignment and the balance after some time. The Apperance is extreamly customizable to the owners liking. My jeep has a army look of green body, blackout rims, and a tinted top. The inside of my jeep has no carpet, jusat a few rubber mats. The seats are good. Cost of ownership-Every week you might have to fill up 2 times depending on the gas tank size. So that tag is about 70 to 90 $$$ a week.Maintenance is very cheap. FUN FACTOR!!! My rubican is an absolute joy ride everytime I drive. NOTE: Jeeps are not a soft ride with a large lift and big tires. expect to feel alot of the rode if not everything BUT hey thats what a jeep is all about!
November 1, 2011Handles great, good power and acceleration, I love that its a manual trans...and it looks good. Only bad thing would be gas mileage. It has not been expensive to maintain by any means. I spend money on it because I want to, usually, not because I have to.
December 1, 2009Amazing off-road capability, looks awesome, gas mileage isn't the best but not terrible, powerful straight 6, smooth 5-speed tranny, soft-top with tinted windows is amazing, this car is a blast to drive, my second jeep and i've only had 3 cars in total, my other one was a honda accord 2000, v-6 auto.
September 15, 2008I had the privilege of experiencing a small sample of the off road capabilities and I was very impressed. Jeep built a strong off road vehicle and they succeded in keeping the GP heritage and capabilities.
January 7, 2008Overall I love my 2003 Jeep Wrangler and would not trade it for anything. It handles exceptionally well in the snow. I would probably get an automatic next time but the standard is fun to drive. I love warm days when I can take the top off.
April 27, 2015This thing looks and runs great! It has been a great vehicle for me from day one. Never even needed to think about taking it to a repair shop. The aftermarket parts selection is unbelievable. My only regret is that I haven't been more active in shrinking my wish list...but hey, I guess I just left that up to the next owner!
November 11, 2011My 03 TJ is a great ride! My wife and I go to the Rockies two, to three times a year and take trails to ghost towns, and old mines. Have not had any trouble with it as of yet. I have a 6" lift, winch and roof rack on it. If I drive 55 mph, and watch how I drive, I make average 21 mpg. When we drive 75 mph, we average 17 to 19 mpg. It is a Sahara with the 4.0, 5 speed manual trans.. Both hard and soft tops. We much prefer the hard top, much quieter! Get one!!!!
January 29, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,825 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 147 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $25,245 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 190 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,655 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 190 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $19,845 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 190 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $25,420 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 190 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$16,825 - $25,420
Current avg. market price
$14,259
Trending up by 7.6% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
