Used 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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Torque Monster
Meanest Jeep every built. Will pass anything but a gas station.
Great SUV - (In it's time)
Overall, I have to admit I love this truck. It's very, very quick (especially with a few cheap bolt-ons), rides decent, and has more off-road ability than 99% of the drivers would ever need. My main complaint: build quality and reliability. My poor Jeep has spent more time in the shop than I care to add up. I would have gladly paid a couple more thousand for it if Jeep had put a little more effort into quality control.
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Jeep-o-crap
This car has had problems with transmission, 5 years old!!! Maybe I'd like this car better but I have a Benz that is the best, old and sturdy 1990.
I have had the 98 jeep for about 6 months
Well when i first got the jeep I was worried but it turned out pretty well, and yes I mean it has about 194,xxx on it but for a inline 6 it's nothing, I do have a few leaks, the oil pan is a giving on all(most) jeeps, the rest pinon seal is leaking but that's not to bad to fix, and then some seals causing the trans to leak, but other then that, she runs and drives and has never quit on me, not even on the cold days, my brother vehicle with a good battery still died and mine just cranked right up, the fuel pump on this keeps are known to go out so just beware , hmm it does good off-road also, even know with front and rear open diff. It goes good, hmm on road it had a lot of torque!! But HP. Not to much so just keep that in mine, on mine jeep I can average about 20-21 MPG on HWY, and about 15-16om city driving . She does like to drink has so just keep that also in mine. But I have gone places where I couldn't in my civic, but I'm glad I got the jeep! Well worth it just keep it nice on the inside(engine bay, and all the trans) and it should be a great SUV .
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Best Year
The style and reliability are the best in the market. You must get the 4.0 and you should get 500 Thousand miles plus. The real reason they quit making the 4.0 was it will not die..Updated 12/16. Still driving it. Will not die so I put New Tires on it and probably couldn't get a New one this reliable.
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Sad to see it go
Got my 98 Jeep in 2005 after my first daughter was born. another kid and a lot of miles later, 223,700 to be exact, my Jeep still rocks. Living in Georgia does cause it to want to over heat here lately, but what do you expect! I have driven this Jeep from Georgia, to central Florida and straight up to Virginia all in one trip. Made it from Pennsylvania down to Georgia all in one day with no problems at all. The only reason we are considering getting rid of it is due to a maybe expanding family and the higher mileage. Don't want to risk being stranded with kids all by myself! It has never happened but why try? I love my Jeep. Jeep needs to make a van!
Only Jeep owners would understand
What can I say, I own a 98 Grand with about 105,000 miles on it. I put a 2" spring spacer lift on with 31 x 10.5' tires...It has a meaner stance to it now. Truck has been great! I would definitely buy another one. It looks good enough to take the girlfriend out or go mudding in holes somewhere. I also love the power...I absolutley love this truck!
Poor Longevity
We have had no problems with any part of our Jeep.....other than mechanical & electrical. We spend around $1200 a year in maintenance stemming from one of the two. Granted the majority of the cost involved is labor, but who has a full service auto repair shop in their garage? Working in the engine area of the Jeep is tight quarters! Don't get me wrong - We love our Jeep,expenses and all! Watch out for the main ABS control unit - it's a lemon!
Review
The differienial had to be repaired every 12 to 18 months thus making it unreliable when taking a trip out of town. This jeep required a lot of maintenance. The power steering and gas sensor had to be replaced. The heated seat repaired a number of times. It is difficult to lay the back seat down.
Ultimate Jeep: The 5.9
I searched for over a year for a 5.9 and it was well worth the wait. For the length I have owned it the only thing which went wrong was that I had to replace the ball-bearings. My dad loves my seats more than his Navigator and it is a head turner. A friend said it drove better than his moms lexus. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
5.9 LTD...Rare for a good reason!
My relationship with my 5.9 LTD is Love and Hate. Within 5 hours of purchasing it I was stranded on the side of the freeway with a blown radiator and fan switch! I probably should have returned it, but unfortunatly I loved the plush black leather, chrome exhasut and roaring speed! A year later I am $4000 deep in repairs, and my sunroof is unrepariable unless I want to by a new one for $1600... ouch! I shouldn't have cancelled the extended warranty..
Eric's Review of the 1998 Grand Cherokee
Good overall, nice SUV 4x4, love Jeep!
BEYOND Thankful, She's the Best
Came across this Beautiful Gem not too long ago at close to 300k miles, previous owner took great care, rebuilt transmission, amost other fixes, no lights on dash, folded back seats, threw a pillow and blanket, my chill zone, she's Perfect for me, currently over 303k miles, just put new spark plugs, runs "better than two jeeps put together" as my special mechanic put it, im Beyond Thankful to God, for this Miracle 💚
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Holy Crap!
I bought this Jeep for my wife before my last tour in Iraq. When I came home there were very few issues, and after some repairs we took it on a trek across country and back. just over 5000 miles. Last night while driving though the mountains, we got hit with a cross wind that shoved me left and ripped the sunroof right out of the vehicle. It was raining and the sunroof was closed tightly. None of the interior windows were open.
POS Chrysler
I can't tell you how much problems the jeeps we have get. Me and my dad both own the exact model 1998 Jeep even both of them being the same color. My dad has the 4.0 and I have the V8. They have always been nothing but trouble for many years. His has been in the shop forever, mine has 240000 miles now. It leak oil all the time always has, leaks coolent, leaks transmission, transmission slips also even when fluid is full, O2 sensor went out recently (as expected), no heat, no a/c, and that's just the recent stuff, tried getting that to work like four different times and it always just goes back out. And many more things over the years, it's like every other month somthing breaks down on it. Now it's a metal death trap because everytime I slow down/mash the brakes/ come to a stop, the RPMs drop to zero and the jeep shuts off and brakes and steering lock up WHILE IM DRIVING. even as your turning into a parking spot, or almost ramming into the back of a car because the thing just decided to shut off. Alot of times in a nervous wreck when I get home from almost crashing. Have spent many times trying to get the problem fixed but four different machanics at four different shops can't figure it out. It's now sitting in the yard because Im too scared to drive the junk. Now driving a little Chevy s10 truck. maybe I can use the jeep as a dare for my friends to drive it and if they get back without crashing I'll give them a hundered bucks.
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JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 5.9L
Purchased used, have done only standard maintenance. Get 21 mpg on freeway, have hauled passengers, 5 large dogs (over 85#), and furniture. Gone 4 wheeling on purpose and not, without problems.
Be aware of your gas tank
My husband and I were rear ended and our 1998 Grand Cherokee exploded on impact. The gas tank ruptured and the car was engulfed in flames within seconds. We both jumped out and were lucky enough not to have our children with us. The damage to the back of the vehicle was minimal. Please be careful if you drive this vehicle. The gas tank is right under the rear fender. We were lucky to escape and have the most frightening pictures to prove this. Daimler Chrysler "respectfully declined" to participate in the costs we incurred and claimed no product liability.If you get hit from behind, get out of the car till you know it's safe. Lynn Friedman
Oh what a feeling to Jeep~!
It's a great feeling when other cars can't cross the rain flooded roads and my Jeep just drive through, casually. I love the view/height of the Jeep gives me enough warnings on the trafic ahead. Wonderful "power-everything" in my "special edition" model...oooh la la. Why is my Jeep feels "heavier" when I'm tired or early in the morning? RUST~! on the hood, not a good sign. And what are those squeeking noises~? Under the dash, in the front and back door panels, over head, everywhere~! Final words, I'm gonna get rid of it after 6 months and get a newer Jeep Grand Cherokee, if not; well, Honda or Toyota people will be seeing me soon.
Departed Friend
I recently totaled my Jeep Grabd Cherokee. I had 165,465 miles on it. It was absolutely reliable until 150,000 miles when the power steering, starter, and catalytic converter went out. I bought it with 7k miles on it and it was the best vehicle I ever owned. Wife is now driving the 2005 Grand Cherokee. I also had the problem with the differentials. Don't let the dealer scare you! They pressured me at 90,000 miles to replace them. Well at 165,000 miles they were still holding up. I also did not let them mess with the transmission.
Excellent
I just bought the car because I have a child and wanted something that was spacious and safe at the same time. I think I have made a great choice in what I chose. The car to me rides so smooth for being a somewhat slender suv. I honestly thought it would be a little bumby and I was pleastly suprised. So far I have only had the car for a few day but I love it. I was also kind of worried about the gas mileage with it being a v8, It actually gets pretty good gas mileage. Overall I would say this is a wonderful car.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 98
very disappointed in the repair I had to do to the Jeep. Front differencial, rear differencial, hard gear shifting especially going into reverse. Idles rough
I love my Jeep!
I was a little leary of buying a used car, but I have had nothing but great experiences with my Jeep Cherokee. I love the way it handles on the road, the space my family has when traveling, and the extras it has. The only downs I have experienced are not great gas mileage, and it is a little too boxy for me (making it hard to dry when hand- washing it). Other than that, I love this vehicle!
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
Car has run strong all the way up to it's current 98,000 miles, even with aftermarket performance parts whose added power puts more strain on the drivetrain. Car has also been off- roaded a couple times and has had no repurcussions as result. Brakes seem underpowered and no improvement kits are offered in the aftermarket. Only major problems have been that the rear- axle had a serious malfunction at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. Also, the seat warmers broke after just four years of sparse use. All said a well made and reliable vehicle.
Overall Good Car
I bought this car for my son and I have had almost no problems with it. We bought the car when it had 87K miles on it and have only had minor wheel alignment problems. It gets great gas mileage for its size; 34 mi/ gal. I think this car is worth looking into.
Dave's review
A fun vehicle to drive. Can go anywhere. I have over 130,000 miles on this one. With only routine maintenance expense
Back yard plant holder!
I have had other Jeeps out there and this one is the first one that ever fell apart so fast out of the three. Unlike other Jeeps I had I don't trust the 4by system in this Jeep. It came with a Select Trac that does get me stuck at times unless you like to creep in low! The ABS light comes one with long trips resulting in a loss of power brakes and steering! It does have it's up and downs and right now it's and an all time low. I would probally have gave this Jeep a better rating if I had bought it brand new. I bought it 4 yrs old w/ 100k! I will say this truck has tried to hold up with me. I've put 25k in 9 months until it died!
worst vehicle owned....
In the year and a half I have owned the vehicle, I have spent in excess of $2600 in repairs on it. Drivetrain is great and very reliable. Do not get one with and bells and whistles, it will only frustrate you to have to try and deal with Chrysler to get anything on it fixed =/
Jeep'n
My Jeep has been with this family for nearly 8 years. It is a good ride and has given us a good ride for the bucks. It was bought as a vehicle for our daughter to drive at KU! Now it is a vehicle for our son who is also at KU! It has good gas mileage and has give us decent repair bills. Mainly, spark plugs and tires. It will make someone a good third or fourth car.
Good Car!
I have had minimal problems with my Grand. I have had to replace the water pump which cost me $42. I've had a few other MINOR repairs. That is excellent considering the car has 98K miles on it! I've owned is for just under 3 years. This car is very fun to drive, especially in the hills. I live outside of Austin, TX; and it handles great in the hills. I highly recommend this car.
Best Vehicle I Ever Bought
This SUV was a gem. Not a single problem until 100,000 miles and that was only minor. Very capable off-road performance as well.
Good Buy
The only problem I have had is the AC, which was killed due to Florida heat. The seats are soft and the interior design is done well. The 4x4 works great. I bought it new and plan to buy another Jeep.
Unreliable
We hit lots and lots of problems nearibg 100k. Had to replace alternator, radiator, faulty wiring, brakes and then the big one...transmission. Mechanic said he would go out of business if it wasn't for Chrysler transmissions. Think again if you're looking for a used SUV.
Title
When I bought this car it had about 50,000 miles on it. I have driven it for close to 2 and a half years and did not have any major problems as of yet. I had to change the front stablizer and brakes. Overall those cars go up to around 100,000 miles and then the problems start to happen. My opinion is do not buy this car with more than 70,000 or you will be sorry for it.
ok for in city
I bought my Grand Cherokee when I was in college and thought the world of it. It has gotten me through some big snow storms -- I live in Minnesota, land of the cold and snow. One good thing so far is that I have not had to replace the battery and the Jeep is 7 years old, but I also have a block heater in it. I have been in 2 accidents with the Jeep, one I just nipped a car trying to do a tight parking, good thing -- not a scratch on the jeep; bad thing -- it did a lot of damage to the other car. The second accident was on the highway; busy one at that. The whole front of the Jeep had to be replaced. It was hit from the side too but the side didn't have a scratch on it.
Comfortable P.O.S.
Good looking car, very comfortable, wouldn't bet my holey shirt on its reliability. I'm now riding on a back of a motorcyle, waiting for a new transmission to be put in, ouch. I've paid more in problems associated with everyday driving than I will for the downpayment of the Audi Allroad I'm about to pick up. I want to like the jeep, but it keeps breaking down and falling apart! AHHHHHHH!!!!
Love it!
Awesome Jeep! Bought it used off of a lease and have loved it for the 2+ years we've had it thus far. Would buy another Jeep in a second!
I love my Jeep
I will never drive or own another type of vehicle. I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the 5.2L V-8, and Quadra- Trac. I drive it hard both on and off- road, and it has never given me any problems. The Quadra-Trac fulltime 4wd system claws to snowy and icey roads like a wounded animal, and I highly reccomend it for people who live in that type of climate. Off-road is where this Jeep really shines, I have been places in this Jeep that I never thought it could or should be able to go, and even after an unmerciful flogging on the trail, the Jeep ready for more. Like I said before, I will never drive anything other than a Jeep.
Best vehicle I have ever owned
I purchased this vehicle for its style and functionality. I am a Photographer and Videographer. I needed a vehicle where I can carry my equipment without tearing up the interior of my vehicle. This vehicle has never been to dealership for any major repair other factory recalls. Easy to work on myself. I do my own oil changes,change belts, hoses,brakes,shocks,and tuneups. It has been very reliable and joy to drive. I can go pretty much wherever a 4 wheel drive vehicle can go. I travel to great Northwest up to Canada and back. I would never buy anything else but another Jeep.There is no equal
Great Jeep
Purchased this vehicle with 82,000 miles in perfect condition. have driven it almost 20,000 miles no problems or repair. Small gear whine at highway speeds on negative
Jeep Grand Cherokee
I have the I-6 4X4 with an automatic transmition. It has been a comfortable road car. On several cross country trips it has averaged 21 MPG. Around the city it has averaged 17 MPG. It has proven to be extremely reliable. The car is very comfortable and has very good handling. The four wheel drive is a major plus in our midwest winters.
tsi jeep cherokee
good reliable vehicle,stops at every gas station.gets around great in snow and ice rear wiper has never worked properly.
Good performer for a price
We bought this vehicle with about 26K miles it served us well until 6 months ago. After hitting 34k miles there are many electrical hickups (Lights, Info center, Alarm, The horn botton collapse) Then the water pump started leaking (replaced that one too) now the rear differential is making whiny noise and who knows how much that going to cost.
Elect. Horrors
sun roof drains right unto fuse box of 5.9; causing horrendous electrical problems! dealer will not honor extended zero deductible warranty and I bought there!
We must have got the lemon...
Everyone loves their Jeep. I want to love ours but I think we metro Mitsubishi sold us the only Jeep lemon in Jeep history. At 89,000 miles we thought it was an awesome deal @ 5k. We were told it ran great with no problems but check engine comes on each time we drive it, gas gauge always says empty, overdrive doesn't work, power Windows don't always work from back seat & the sunroof had to get fixed from dealer the evening of the day we picked it up. Been to the shop 3 times to have it fixed with bills adding up to more than a grand. All I can see is my $$$$$ out the window.
a big fat brick
deffinatly the best 4x4 there is, have done immensly stupid stunts and have gone without a stratch or dent or any damage. But buying it, i didnt know the axels where F'd up so after the dealer wanting $2700 to fix, and not releasing the vehicle to me over a huge mess, i finaly got it down to my REAL mechanic and he fixed it for a mear $500 loosly rounded off. Also with 98,000 miles on it, it needed a new water pump. But new growing fears of the Tranny are making me nervious ill end up like the other 3 guys i know who had the problem, but the review i read on A4's arent good, nor any other AWD car, so any advice would be useful.
JEEP
LOVE MY SUV!!! THE BEST I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! JUST LOVE IT.
tom'sjeep
I find the Jeep fun to drive even on long trips( we've been coast to coast twice in it).
What Problems?
I bought a 6cyl/auto. with 41k miles and have put on 18k more, so far. Most of my driving is in town, with a few road trips. Aside from the right door lock sticking(when using the remote), the noisy front swaybar bushings, and front alignment, I haven't experienced any major problems. Maint. is fairly straightforward and parts prices are average. Front brake pads were replaced at 41k, but the rotors were fine.
ConsumerReportsWasRight
I wish I had read Consumer Reports Before I bought my 98 Jeep...it's a troublesome vehicle...in the shop more than out. I bought it new, and within the first year I had replaced the sunroof, differencial, and brakes. Since then it's cost an average of $800 per year in maintenance "above" fair wear and tear to keep in on the road. I (and the Jeep dealer) can't get it to hold a tune-up, and therefore won't run right (cylinder misfiring issues every year) and needs air conditioning maintanence (not servicing) annually. MY ADVICE - DON'T BUY ONE!
Great Jeep
I Just purchased My 98 however I did have to rebuild the tranny, the previous owner neglected the tranny fluid and fried everything However since then I Love it no problems as of yet dont expect any.