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Jeep Wrangler Softtop (1996-2006) engines, drive and performance

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Performance rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Just one choice of engine – a 174 bhp 4.0 (the 2.5 version was discontinued in 2001). It doesn’t hang around (for a 4x4) with a 0-60 time of 8.8 seconds; top speed is 108 mph. It pulls well, but is coarse and noisy at speed; capable off-road but unpleasant for motorway driving. Then there’s the fuel consumption. Don’t expect any more than 25 mpg – even less if you drive mainly in town.

A good buy if off-roading is your only priority. Not so good if you have to drive a long way to work in it every day. Suspension set-up that allows you to tackle most terrains and lots of ground clearance, but on the road it’s appalling on the road, with a choppy ride, imprecise steering and a poor gearchange.