OK folks, I like to keep my jeep factory built, however, I’m thinking about biting the bullet and upgrading the stereo. This is a 2000 XJ what radio would you recommend? And does it come with a harness that will match up to mine?

 

This is what Crutchfield suggested however I want the radio to fit in a double din spot. Not obstructing my vents.

 

At least from crutchfield you can order a harness adapter for a few bucks when you order a radio.... money well spent.

Which radio do you have now? I replaced the one (cd+cassette) in my 2000 and sorta wish I hadn't, at least you could see the controls

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Metra+95-6554B

 

I ended up going the Crutchfield route a couple of years ago and got a Sony MEX-N5300BT with 4 new Kicker speakers (can't remember which ones exactly). It sounds great! It came with a harness, so it was plug and play. I'd put the new speakers in a few years before the head unit upgrade since one was blown, and they actually sounded worse with the factory radio since it didn't have the juice to drive them properly. What I like about that particular Sony unit is you can set the clock to display all the time, whether it's on or off.

 

If lack of touch screen is not a deal breaker I'd recommend finding the top of the line Mopar stereo that's compatible with your dash and have it professional serviced and tuned.

Their top of the line premium sound systems from the mid 1980S up to the 00S were supplied to spec and equaled or beat anything on the market.

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If you're looking to keep it mostly stock, I'd go with the "Factory-Look" RetroSound Newport... it has built-in A2DP Bluetooth for wireless stereo audio streaming AND hands-free calling, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities via an optional tuner, optional A/M-F/M HD Radio, and a "Color-Matched" display. Plus, it has a factory appearance. It's somewhat expensive, but Crutchfield sells it, and RetroSound makes excellent-quality products. Pair that with some aftermarket speakers of any brand (and maybe even a small external amplifier... the Newport has 4-Channel preamp outputs). It's meant to fit in the 1.5-Din radio opening requiring NO cutting of the dash. Crutchfield sells it, and it includes EVERYTHING you'll need to install it.

If you're looking for a less-expensive option, as long as your factory radio works (OR if you can get another one), just get a cheap "Bluetooth-to-FM-Radio" Adapter off of Amazon, and that gives you A2DP Bluetooth for wireless stereo audio streaming AND hands-free calling over the factory FM Radio. You can move it from vehicle to vehicle, as it just plugs into your Jeep's 12 V DC cigarette lighter. You can STILL do some aftermarket speakers in the doors and headliner in the factory locations, and get better sound out of the factory radio.

-Vince

 

Yikes! $700! How much did you pay for the Jeep? 10 years ago I spent $100 for a JVC with bluetooth and USB. Still rock'in today and I use nothing but USB media. I did a YouTube many years ago on the JVC (which I put in my 1990 RENIX).

 

If you're going the double din as you've stated you can't go wrong with Pioneer or Sony.. Just get a double din touch screen and the conversion kit for the center dash surround piece.. That's what I did... All you need to decide is if you want the hardware to run separate amps or not....Mine is a Pioneer AVH4200-NEX
DVD/CD/SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot player with all the extra apps including bluetooth....This was their flagship head unit a few years back....You reach a point where it doesn't make sense not to upgrade if it's an easy process...

 

I went with the double din dash and an Alpine ilx-w650

 

amen on seeing the controls! I’ve got the cd/casett

 

My 2000 didn't have a radio in it when I got it. Ended up just buying a 70$ JVC radio (5 years ago) and put it in. Came with all the adapter harnesses from Crutchfield, is bluetooth compatible, and still has a CD player for those of us that still use CD's sometimes. Radio has been a dream since I bought it and put it in.

 

Crutchfield no longer carries this

 

Buy a radio with ***** and buttons, forget all that dangerous touch screen stuff.

 

Boy, you wouldn't like my new dodge ram truck...lol... The whole center dash is touchscreen..HVAC,radio, navigation etc...It doesn't even have a column gear shift selector....