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Used 1998 Jeep Cherokee Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
120 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

Jeep Fan, 04/05/2003
1998 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My only complaint is the gas mileage. I like everything about my Jeep. Next time I will pobably get more options. My husband loves it too! Ps. for mothers out there it is really nice not having to bend down to get your kids in the carseat, definate plus.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Mixed bag

spikester, 03/25/2007
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the second Jeep 4.0 motor vehicle that I have owned. This version is the high output version (approximately 190 hp). I bought this used and specifically wanted the "sport" version for its increased off-road ability. These small Cherokees are very reliable. A bit snug inside - the rear seat isn't made for adult Americans. Gas mileage is about 16 combined which isn't bad for a 4x4 with a/c and auto trans. Rides too stiff for the wife. The price you pay for the "sport" suspension. No cruise control either.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The best vehicle ever built!

jeep lover, 03/01/2008
1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have driven my Cherokee to hell and back, and it still keeps ticking. Yeah, I rides like a tank, leaks some, and does not get the greatest mpg, but it is the most reliable vehicle I will ever own. It has never left me stranded, stuck, or regretful. After 200000 miles, I still get the same mileage, and performance as I did when I bought it. Great project vehicle, and daily driver. I recommend anyone to buy it. Mobil, Lucas, K&N. Total cost of repair at 200,000+ miles--$2000, minus wear and tear (plugs, oil,tires, etc.).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Best I've Ever Owned!

Papi, 10/11/2007
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this Jeep 3 years ago when it had about 70,000 miles. Before this Jeep I owned a '95 model. Today I've more than doubled the mileage (157,000) and I've tuned it up once, turned the rotors, replaced a radiator hose, and spent a minimal amount on the front end. (I've four wheeled a little and got air a few times... probably my fault.) Just routine maintenance. I expect to have this car until it drops. I would recommend this car to anyone... just make sure it's been maintained well. I use synthetic oil and Lucas additive.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

The Truth and nothing but...

GLamb, 09/13/2007
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I inherited a '96 Cherokee in 2001 with 260,000 miles. Made many repairs to worn out parts but no faulty parts and unecessary towing bills with this vehicle. I ran it until it had 330,000 miles and then sold the vehicle for a surprising amount with many offers. At that time I purchased a '98 Cherokee with only 98,000 miles. It has treated almost as well as my first Jeep, but they just don't build like they use to. Well actually they don't build them at all anymore, but I suppose that's because the Wrangler got all the attention.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Bullet proof basics.

Bazoozoo, 05/01/2003
1998 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very basic but also very durable. This is one tough vehicle that can take a lot of abuse. If you are like me and just want to get in and drive then this is the ideal vehicle. Expensive European cars know to keep their distance in parking lots and on the highway. Could'nt have asked for anything else but power windows.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

capable and fun

tropicalbob, 05/14/2003
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Once you get over the horrible gas mileage, you'll love this vehicle, its fast, with 190 hp and lighter than the blazer and explorer, and capable, its great pulling boats and jetskis out of the lake on dirt ramps, and my friends are always amazed at what I can get unstuck , I pulled out my friends explorer (2001) last winter, and a passport which was stuck in the woods behind his house, that was funny since he paid twice as much, and I was driving thru the same mud he got stuck in

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4.75 out of 5 stars

You have to experience a JEEP

hxvxm, 01/15/2003
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Jeeps are incredibly fun to dirve. There rugged and extreme. I've used my 4x4 to go skiing as well as off roading. The Jeep comes through on all trails. I would recommend finding a stick vs. automatic.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

My first and only Jeep...thus far......

Jeepney, 02/21/2003
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my '98 Jeep Cherokee Sport brand new -- right off the hauling truck. It originally had 0.3 miles when I drove it of the lot. I now have over 124K miles. So far, the only problem and so much to my suprise, the water pump went out at 42K miles and the factory front breaks at about the same time. The second front brakes wore out at around 85K miles. I'm on third set of front break at over 124K miles and I suspect I'll be replacing it soon since it's starting to vibrate again. The rear breaks wore out at around 114K miles. That's all the problems I've had in the 5 year I've own my Jeep. I guess that's good enough. No engine problem so far.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Lot of Miles

RDS, 03/20/2008
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Jeep new and now have 178000 miles on it. I have done very little maintenance on it other than regular stuff like oil changes etc.. I get around 23 mpg with the 4.0 six/5 spd. I still have the original clutch in it. I wish they still made the Cherokee.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Is this vehicle real?

SAMS JEEP, 03/22/2008
1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Back in High School my dad bought this jeep and brought it home as a work vehicle. Traveling to and from Chicago and back to the burbs. It was given to me last year, 10 years later and with 276 thousand miles!!! on her..she still runs and sounds the SAME as ten years ago! Though the fuel economy sucks, I have never had a vehicle be so wonderful in ways never thought possible. Its more reliable than any vehicle made on earth and handles better in harsh weather than cars that cost 3 times what she did.

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5 out of 5 stars

could never kill a Hero

Cody James, 03/17/2020
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I know its from 98 and might think its old and clunky. But really. i had mine for a number of years. Survived Super storm Sandy,. i have sent it through mud pits, saved brand new Wranglers and a Gladiator from the trails.could never kill that 4.0L. yeah it had rust spots but it was tough. the transmission never slipped, 4x4 always worked. Simple to work on & upgrade. Even when i thought it was done. my Jeep always surprised me. Hope whoever is reading this. Go to your Local Junk yard or used car dealer. buy a XJ. you can install modern stuff like i did. And enjoy it so much more..

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Cherokee Limited vs. Grand Cherokee Larado

Mr Jeep, 08/08/2020
1998 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I own both. Both have over 300000km The 96 grand Cherokee, mechanical things start failing. front axle ujoints. Heater core. AC, etc. Enter the 98 Cherokee Limited. 4.0, 4.5 lift, front bumper with 10k winch, rock guards, 33's. I will never own a grand Cherokee again.

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5 out of 5 stars

Hasn't died yet

wp Kelpfroth, 12/18/2022
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

now over 100K. almost got stranded once at -10F. Called for a tow but my husband pushed, I popped the clutch and away we went for a new battery. Tipped the tow guy as he showed up as we were leaving the driveway. Our 2019 jeep, still under warranty, was in the shop two and a half months waiting for a new fuel tank so we drove the '98 cherokee back 1500 miles to Texas. 4.0L, 5-speed, still gets 28-30 on the highway.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Truly the worst vehicle I have ever owned

J, 07/28/2021
1998 Jeep Cherokee SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my 1998 5 speed cherokee a few years back with less than 100k. I have owned dozens of cheap cars and suvs. This jeep has left me stranded on the side of the road on 6 occasions. I do my own work, and have still had to put over $3,000 in parts alone in this heap to just keep it going. Stripped front axle trying to get through the snow. 2 fuel pumps. An unimaginable about of wiring issues. Stock wheels and tires, yet somehow ive gone thru 2 sets of wheel bearings in 8k miles. Its been broken and off the road more than its been on. I have had to replace every single component in the front end. The entire cooling system, radiator, waterpump and all. Alternator failed. Starter failed. Had a few parasitic drains that had to be sorted. And now, EACH WIRE RUNNING THROUGH THE DOOR has a broken insulation, causing numerous shorts. I no longer have power windows or locks. Please, i beg of you, just buy a 4runner.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

Expected more...

rlb4227, 09/16/2013
1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4dr SUV
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

Was reliable until about 100K. Was constantly in the shop. At about 118K was in the shop monthly. Finally overheated on the side of the interstate and was pronounced dead. I was expecting much more from a Jeep. Previously owned a 93 Cherokee and made it just past 200K before it died.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Computer hell

Linrose, 01/31/2009
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have replaced the computer in my 1998 Cherokee Sport 3 times. Luckily the last two were still under warranty. My mechanic tells me that the '98 model does this but the '97 and '99s don't. Tried junkyard dealers and was told they can't keep 'em in. Also the tach, speedometer, air bag lights fail intermittently. Probably different problems. Dont like the location of the "gear" indicator, causes me to look down, away from the road ahead. Otherwise I love it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

it wont Die

vtags, 12/03/2009
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

267,000 miles...more worried about the rust possibilities than anything mechanical. It is a dependable tank. Not glamorous, just reliable

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3 out of 5 stars

Jeep

MrFiero, 10/17/2002
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Multiple quality issues, bad paint, many odd things breaking, like pulleys and misc electrical components.

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4 out of 5 stars

True Sport Utility

Scooter, 12/18/2006
1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is one rugged SUV. Utility is the key word here. I take this thing off road, on 3000 mile road trips, to the grocery store, lumber yard, skiing, hunting, fishing, tailgating. It has 120,000 miles and starts instantly. Goes off road like a warrior and has a classic look. I took two 6 footers, all our hunting gear for a week, with a roof and tongue rack. I tow the snowmobiles with this. All that and it parks easy, is good around town. I needed a reliable rugged vehicle. The rear defroster is out, the fog lights are short circuited, but she starts, clips in 4x4, and everything else works. If WWIII breaks out, this is the vehicle you want.

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