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1997 Jeep Wrangler consumer reviews

$13,470 starting MSRP
side view of 1997 Wrangler Jeep
(40 reviews)
92% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.7
  • Interior 3.9
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.3
Explore the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Shop the 1997 Jeep Wrangler

Awesome car but not reliable

This was my first car and I absolutely love it but it seems like every few months I'm putting money into different things that need to get fixed. Don't get me wrong, my car had quite a few mikes but by the time I was done with it almost everything had been replaced.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fun vehicle to own

I love my wrangler. The fact that i can take the doors off and put the top down, it makes me feel so free. Its a tank in the snow and mud.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great used keep tj

Needed a jeep to go back and forth to my 2nd home in the high desert. I found a great 20 year old jeep on CARS.com. Just what I was looking for.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Well, it is a Jeep!

I love the 1997 Jeep Wranglers. Maintains the rugged outdoor styling while combining good highway driving and comfort. Versatile vehicle with the best of both worlds, 4WD and a convertible!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Great Project Vehicle

Wanted an older jeep to use as a project with my son. The vehicle is easy to modify with everything you can imagine available to customize it. Easy to take apart and reassemble to add radio, LED lights, etc. Not one of the fastest

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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love my jeep

I am enjoying my Jeep Wrangler, it is fun and sporty. I am even getting 18mpg, which was unexpected.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Excellent Find

Lucky to find a 1997 Jeep Wrangler in excellent condition with less than 110,000 miles! This was purchased for my 17-year-old son as his first car. Initially, I would have preferred that he get something like a Civic, but his money, his choice... This jeep is running so well, I am thrilled he was able to get what he wants and I have the peace of mind that he is not likely to break down on the side of the road

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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iconic and dependable, durable and classic looks

My TJ (Trapper John from M*A*S*H, I also SERVED in the 43rd MASH in Pyong-Taek ROK 94-95) TJ has 268,789 miles and runs like a top! I can't and won't drive any other vehicle because to me there is no other vehicle! Wouldn't trade him for anything. If you're blessed with the chance to own one, BUY IT QUICK! Endless options and customs will truly make it YOURS! Enjoy!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Never go back

Warning, once you buy a Jeep you will never go back. I love my 97 SE auto wrangler. 4 cyl is not ideal for highway driving but I still do it every day. I have had a few issues, ie. radiator, transmission. Never the less I fix it and go on. Summer diving topless is fun beyond words. I have had it for 3 months and I still drive down the road with a huge smile on my face. Off road handling is better than any other car. I love to go mudding in it. Its hard to get stuck. Again, if you buy a Jeep Wrangler you will fall in love and never go back.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Too much fun

Bought this 97 Jeep Wrangler last October. It was great to drive in the winter. But now that it is warm out, it is a blast to drive with the top down. It is more fun than should be legal! When buying a used older Jeep, be sure to check the frame for rust. They tent to rust from the inside out. Repairing the frame can be quite expensive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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