Used 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Consumer Reviews
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I love my 5.9
ptowntsi, 12/29/2006
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
29 of 29 people found this review helpful
This has to be one of the best SUV's available used. I would take it over any mid-size SUV or wimpy crossover. Yes it is true many of these need to have their front and rear axles rebuilt around 100k miles, but that is not so bad. For the price of the vehicle it is easy to spend that money to have them done. When they are rebuilt they will last an easy 100k+ or more. It is completely justifiable. These Jeeps have awesome power, and very luxurious interiors. The 5.9 limited has better leather seats than any Jeep, heated seats, heated mirrors, a great AWD system, and timeless classic styling. I recommend this Jeep for anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.
Last of the ZJ Series
William, 02/10/2018
updated 02/13/2020
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee, so I already know what to expect. I had a 96 prior to getting my 98. They're the same with very few changes if any that a typical buyer would even know, and most dealers wouldn't know either. Overall mine is great condition, and considered low mileage (150k) for being 20 years old. I have the 4.0L Straight 6 and it gets up and moves just fine. Gets mid 20's for fuel economy on the highway...its a box on wheels going down the road its not going to get excellent fuel economy...if you want that buy a Prius. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is quite a capable vehicle in stock form, handles snow/ice/mud very well (with the right driver of course). I opted for the Selec-Trac 4WD system in my 98. My 96 had the Quadra-Trac 4WD system. Both do great in snow/ice, but the Selec-Trac gives you the best of all worlds, 2WD, 4WD part time and full time, neutral and low range. The Quadra-Trac is full time 4WD with neutral and low range. These were offered with the 4.0L Straight 6 engine, a 318 (5.2L) V8, or a 360 (5.9L) V8 for only the 98 model year. Any of these engines will give you great performance, the 5.9L V8 was a special package option of course. Fuel economy averages around 12-14 in town, depending on your driving style, 4WD usage, terrain, speed, etc. Highway fuel economy is going to be mostly based on your speed and driving style as well as the tires you have. Expect low to mid 20's for regular highway driving at a steady speed and around 65mph, any faster and your fuel economy will of course drop just like any other vehicle. My 96 Grand Cherokee had 232,000 miles on it when I sold it, and it still ran and drove great. My current 98 has 151,000 miles on it and needs new stabilizer bushings and such, but nothing that keeps it from being extremely reliable. The 6 cylinder models are rated to tow 5,000lbs, I can tell you they'll tow more but I wouldn't recommend doing so on a regular basis...also they no longer have an auxiliary external transmission cooler so if you want to do any towing I'd definitely recommend having one installed. The V8 models are rated for 6,500lbs towing. The back seat split folds 60/40 giving a very nice roomy cargo area. My Jeep has the flip up glass in the rear hatch, making loading and unloading smaller items pretty easy, and keeping things from falling out that have been stuffed into the cargo area. The spare tire does take up quite a bit of interior space on the left side of the cargo area, however. Regular maintenance and good quality fuel and these things are going to take you anywhere you want to go anytime you want to go regardless of weather. They have very good road manners even in crosswinds and they are balanced very well making them go in the snow/ice much better than many other similar vehicles.
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Most sought JEEP model
joanne, 06/19/2016
updated 07/13/2018
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
They didn't make too many of them, they're in high demand. There's also a club for just this model. Minimal repairs since owning vehicle. Most luxurious Jeep model and year I've seen. Gas Mileage could be better, 20-22 on the freeway, less in town. Still going strong after 20 years. Still looks nearly new. Has 194,000 miles, had to put in a new cooling fan two years ago. Shop could not find a replacement, had to put in a different one. The cooling fan is electric and has two speeds. The low speed fan switch just went out, the high speed switch is OK. The shop was unable to find a replacement that day as they're not stock, I'll have to find one on my own. Oh yes, when I put in the new cooling fan, I found out at a later date the shop stole the front part of the drive shaft. The vehicle didn't have the power it as supposed to have while climbing a mountain. I called a friend and told him, he didn't know what to make of it. When I reached my destination, the starter went out. A guy from Auto Zone crawled under there, replaced the starter, told me the front part of the drive shaft was gone, as in stolen. I just read another guy's post. He runs the heck out of it, stomps on the gas, drag races from one traffic signal to the next. He also states he has to run premium fuel. I always run mid-grade when driving in town, but I drive the vehicle gently. For a while, I was accidentally running 87 as that's what my other vehicle uses, I didn't notice a difference. There was some slight pinging but I had to put the window down and drive by a concrete barrier to hear it. When I'm traveling cross country and going into the mountains, I use premium fuel.
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Decent SUV
keeferk, 05/11/2013
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I just bought this jeep in college with 308k miles on it. I was pretty wary about having problems at that high of a mileage, but so far the only thing that needs replaced is the tires and maybe brakes. I had to test it out in the mud today and the check engine light came on. Great drunk person carriage, I've saved a lot of lives driving people around in this thing. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
Limited 5.9 Still a BEAST
princeofpeace, 02/22/2011
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
31 of 38 people found this review helpful
We bought this as a step up in a second car. It quickly became our favorite. From 0-100 it takes just 16 seconds! Stops from 100 m.p.h. in a amazing 126ft. This is a 1/4 mile high 14's Jeep! Bone stock,179K miles still idles at 600rpm smooth as glass. Stomping on the gas lurches you forward without any tire spin just flat out acceleration. Gets 15m.p.g. overall a stout 18@ 65mph for any length. The interior is laid out perfect! Cruise and radio/CD control on the steering wheel.Climate control that really works! Slick leather seats in dove Grey.Leather and wood everywhere! Faster than 5.0's n Vettes in the 1990's! Still shocks kids at red light jumps. Only in a Jeep!
215,000 miles and still going strong!
Cece, 08/06/2009
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jeep new in 1998....white/grey leather interior, sunroof, etc. At 215,000 miles it is going strong....I drive a lot! Stellar reliability and design.....have been very lucky. It accommodates grandchildren, the dog and their equipment. Now deciding to "go green", turn it in and buy a Prius.....and I'm definitely having a problem parting with my Jeep. Hope this is helpful if you're on-the-fence about purchasing a new or used Jeep?
Got What I Paid For
SCB, 12/15/2009
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wanted a Jeep, got a Jeep. No major issues over the last 11 yrs and 125000 mi. Trying to make it last through all 3 kids and their early driving years - four yrs to go! Radio doesn't work well, tape deck(!) quit working, back lift gate is frozen in place (window works). Mechanically sound. No rust. Gave it tender loving care every 5,000 miles. Wish they hadn't discontinued the model...or the Cherokee Sport. Wish I'd spent the extra $ and gotten 4WD.
Laredo-My Reliable Friend
VJohns, 02/23/2007
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was told that the first year of owning a Jeep can be a real pain in the "you know what," and I believe it! Brakes, alignment, a new computer and an annoying noise associate with the pinion angle when traveling at 60mph all plagued the vehicle (and me) during the first year. After that, basic maintenance and that is all. A new battery was needed at year 6; in the last year the power door locks have given up working and the transmission is beginning to slip. I think it was developing the transmission problem years ago, but while under warranty I was told that it was "normal play" - even though it made a wonderful "kerchunk" sound when put in reverse :^> Headlights getting "milky"/dim.
This Jeep taught me everything I know about cars.
Jonnytoco@gmail, 12/29/2015
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in March of 2013 with 220,000 miles on it. This Jeep had alot of issues when I purchased it. The biggest problem was the stalling. After replacing the PCM computer this Jeep has served me a fantastic 33,000 miles. I am currently at 253,000 miles with this Jeep. I drive this 45 miles a day to Oceanside and it runs like a top. Of course with high milage vehicles comes issues every couple of months but that is what owning a Jeep is about. It is a learning experience. Because of these issues I grew, and that's why I love this Jeep. When it's maintained and everything is working its a dream. when something goes out its just another thing to learn yea its stressful but im thankful. cheap, reliable, amazing first car.
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One of the best
Johnie, 03/12/2002
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Very nice jeep,grate power and looks. Fun to drive. Gas milage is poor but you have a 5.9 V8!
No problem in blizzard/mud/rain/dessert
renaroo, 01/17/2009
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
Traded in older Jeep, overheated near Vegas en route to Zion during July 4th weekend. Performed flawlessly in the dessert, and A/C kept cool in over 100F temp. Moved to mountains, and helped towed moving truck up the hill when it overheated. Commuted 3 years 90 mi RT, from 5500 ft to sea level, in various conditions: blizzard, ice, mud slides, scorching summer heat with no problem. Rebuilt transmission at 150K. Gas mileage no noticeable change. Hit-n-run accident on the mountain at 170K. Not sure if related to accident, but a few months later: memory loss in computer settings (seat, mirror, radio), heated seat. Now at over 240K mi still works great at -30F. Replaced water pump-no other repairs
5.9 Jeep Rocks
Coop, 08/02/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this off a friend who got it new. It has 123,000 miles with no problems. It has a K&N Filter and gets approimately 17-18 on the highway and passing is NO problem as this SUV will fly. Had to put seals in transfer case where drive shaft goes in; dried up. It's only on its 3rd set of tires and they are new. Goes great in any condition. IF only it did not have the road noise/whine on the highway it would be perfect. Do have a strange electrical problem, may be ignition switch but still very reliable.
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
Railroader, 01/29/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle off lease. It has most of the available options. I've added a K&N Air Intake and FlowMaster exhaust. These additions, plus shifting the onboard computer into "police mode" probably get you close to 300 horsepower. This is a wonderful machine, capable of rugged off-roading and neck snapping on- road performance. Fit and finish were unsurpassed by any vehicle I've owned to date. Truly fun to drive!
Best car i've ever owned
tethsojh, 03/08/2010
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in Jan 06'. Traded in a 04' Mazda 6 for it. I had always wanted a Grand Cherokee and the dealership obviously gave me a great deal considering i was 'trading down.' In the 4+ years i've had it i've had very little problems. Just went on a 3000 mile trip from Iowa to Florida, Georgia, etc; and had zero issues. And thats with 175,000 miles on the odometer! I consistently get 21 mpg on the highway and 17-18 around town. Four-wheel drive is superb. Always goes in, and doesn't clunk of stick like some other older suv's do. Have taken it thru lots of off road places, crossed rivers, and gone thru 3 feet of snow without getting stuck. I would definitely recommend this car.
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned
Rblake, 04/12/2008
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this as my first SUV in March 2007 with 113k Miles for $3900. Dad always said 4WD was just something else to pay for when it breaks down, but after driving this in WI snow storms, I'm sold!. My Jeep's 4WD is magical and this is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only non-routine maintenance I've encountered is: the rear wiper doesn't work, the rear hatch support struts are beginning to fail in cold temps and I've had to replace the yr old battery shortly after I purchased the vehicle. The towing package pulls my trailer around perfectly. I can't wait to pull the boat & camper this summer. I'm officially a Jeep Guy. My next vehicle will be a '01 or newer Grand Cherokee.
Outstanding Automobile
peckl, 06/04/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I only had 3 days to buy a car after my 1997 GrCherLtd was wrecked. This 1998 5.9 bought with 19,000 miles proved to be an outstanding purchase: condition, sound system, and appearance. Bonding with this car has been strong and quick. I modified it with front tow hook mounted trailer ball for moving all sized aircraft in and out of hangars and glider trailers, and oxygen carts. Wonderful automobile.
Just bought another one!
HTB, 12/29/2016
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I do admit, I joke about my Jeep being a POC. But to be fair, I got my first last year (2WD) from a dirtbag liar, and it had never been serviced aside from oil- the battery was 13 years old!! Now that I've seen to the old and rotting Engine bay, the car is a gem. Still rock solid engine and transmission. Got it with 170K and I've put over 40K on it in the past year. The car was overpriced for what I was getting, but the interior was spotless. The speakers still sound really nice with classic '80s playing. The seats are in a lot better condition than my SO's '07 saturn. I love this car so much I've bought another. This one is a 4WD, and in rougher shape due to leather seats and a busted front light but I'm ready to get it just as nice as mine currently is. I wouldn't ever trade my Jeep for another. If you want to buy a JGC Laredo, just make sure you focus on a few things: Is the PCM in good shape? How does it sound on the test drive? What do the hoses look like? And lastly, if the interior is good, then you're golden.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reliability Issues
Knut, 05/20/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have to admit I have a love hate relationship with my Jeep. I have replaced the front and rear pinion 3 times and the forth is coming about. Complete rework of transfer case. Blown intake gasket. Replaced to an updated front torque tube (to reduce noise). Fuel sensor failure. Replaced water pump. The car is still under extended warranty and has never been driven off road. I am also very dissapointed about the fit and finish. Such as suface rust protection of drive line components. In spite of excellent power and great exterior looks, I will stay away from Chrysler products for a while.
Performer, Sad to see you go
Roman, 01/26/2010
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Funny to read the reviews below: A/C gone at 100K, back wiper gone at 120k, can't keep back door up, 4 Wheel drive shifter not functioning properly, gas tank gauge gone at 110k, changed air sensor 2x (causes engine light to turn on) and looks like it needs a third swap, muffler change at 160k, front wheel suspension needs alot of work... still I'm going to miss you! After the long hauls, major home renovations and 4WD to ski slopes the Jeep performed well. The motor still feels smooth, quiet and should support future use with some major work on the above requirements.
my first
carlover92, 08/22/2012
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my first Jeep to own. So far I love the vehicle. Other than the fact that the transmission needs fixing, and a few other things but the car is over 14 years old. I love how it moves with the road and if I go 60mph I can easily get 23mpg and over 500 miles per tank. That's as good as the new ones. I do average 19mpg around town and that is still pretty good too.
never again
going broke, 10/21/2002
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Until the past year I was very pleased with the 5.9. However, in the past year (since about 55,000 miles) I have changed the front rotors twice due to warping, (once was covered by a Jeep recall)and replaced both the front and rear differentials. In addition, I have a transmission leak which hopefully is only the pan gasket. All this despite the fact that I have followed schedule A maintenance recommendations. I will never buy another Chrysler product again
1998 Laredo 4WD Just Right!
brianpsu, 12/06/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have been driving my Jeep for over 5 years with no major problems at 78,000 miles. As some other reviewers mentioned, my main problem has been that the sway bar needing relaced twice. Definitely a weak spot, but at $100 replacement, not worth a slam. Living in Pennsylvania, I love the go anywhere capability of the Jeep. Put it in Full Time 4WD and I don't have to worry about hitting some dry pavement either. If the going gets really tough, there is always the Part Time 4WD. The best part is that Jeep has not sold-out to the button, I know that my 4WD is locked in.
Jeep lover for life now...
plato2375, 06/28/2006
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second Jeep product (I previously owned a 2000 Wrangler). These cars are tanks. Outside of the normal wear and tear stuff (let's face it, this is an 8 year old car), I haven't had any major problems. This thing is a ball to drive and handles anything that I can throw at it (snow, mud, heavy rain.) I have turned my wife into a Jeep lover as well (she recently got a 2006 Liberty which she has fallen head over heels for). While the rest of my friends' cars break down and get stuck in various weather related driving hazards, I can honk my horn as I drive by them and wave.
Love the 59'r
D-Roq, 01/02/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nothing slams you back in your seat like the torque of this jeep!! Performance and comfort make this a dream to drive. Fulltime four wheel drive provides great on/off road traction. This jeep will blow by anything but the gas station! Overall it's a goodtime but good ole american build quality will come back to haunt you. New rear end, steering box and sway bar bushings have been replaced in the past 6 months due to "standard 80,000 mile wear and tear." My verdict, amazing vehicle so long as you buy a good extended warranty and don't mind filling up once a week.
Great SUV
Brian, 02/17/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Owned this vehicle for 5 years, 80K miles. Great on gas (compared to other mid-size SUVs). Very reliable. Great in the snow, much better than my 2000 Mountaineer. Only problem - had to have power lock motors replaced on 2 doors.
We love our Jeep
Stache, 03/02/2002
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We love our Jeep. Our only complaint....road noise. It's a little loud.
Worst car I ever Owned
Chris, 03/28/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 25,000 miles. I have 92,000.00. Between 55,000 and 92,000 I have replaced rear end, two power steering units, 2 water pumps, and transmission. I have a 96 Honda Accord with 190,000 I gave to my daughter I've replaced tires and a battery.
Fun To Drive
Moss Kincaid, 08/07/2002
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This Jeep is great to drive. Awesome power is what its all about. Other than that is is not roomy enough, rather cheap looking interior, dash, etc. Good sound system. I can live with all of that however, it is a repair nightmare on the drivetrain. The drivetrain has been replaced twice and repaired in between several times! Have had two different dealers do the exact same thing. Outside of that I love it.
Expensive Junk
Lemonade, 08/05/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm one of the few that use this car offroad fairly regularly for surveying. Bought the car with just 11k miles on it, and have only managed to put another 40k on in 4 years. Why? Because I can't keep it running. Various suspension, electrical, and brake problems keep popping up. Got the 5.9 because I needed to pull a trailer, and fuel economy is predictably bad at around 12MPG. There is just no reason why a 6 year old car with just 51k miles should rack up nearly $7,000 in repairs.
Everything you need
jerryo12, 05/24/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jeep with 41,000 miles and now have 90,000. I have have done no major repairs; only brakes and tires - water pump is getting a slow leak though. Very powerful and fun to drive. I used to update vehicles every 2 years but this one has everything I need so I don't need to upgrade. Luxuries match those in expensive luxury cars! Performs great in snow in mud as well as on road. Very comfortable vehicle as long as only 2 people or 4 short ones.
98 jeep
derekw, 06/09/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
very strong vechicle can take whatever i can dish out
Best Car Ever
Jeep Fan For Life!, 08/11/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my Jeep. This is my 1st car that my parents had gotten me and it was a very good pick. The gas mileage is OK if you hold up on your right foot. Right now I have 120,500 miles on the car and it sounds and drives like new. I have had it for almost a year and it has never gave me any problems. It rides just as good as my dad's Lincoln at less than half of the price. I have 10-way power seats and a top of the line radio system. When I first got the car, I had a big tune up and then the only big thing that I had to do with the car was replace a bad output speed sensor. If you treat your car good, your car will treat you good. Just make sure you change all of your oil and it will go on forever. I love my Jeep.
Its problems have problems
Don Jeans, 05/08/2006
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for 4 years now. Bought it with 155k on it. First off, the car is a beast. Fast and really thirsty. Would probably beat most going from 20-50 mph. I test drove a BMW M3 this past weekend and honestly the Jeep has more torque. For better performance I sometimes kill the OD switch which bumps up the RPMs. The car is also a beast in the snow. It's almost impossible to get it stuck in anything. That said, Jeep really dropped the ball on its construction. The rear differential is the same as the base model 6 Grand Cherokee and can't handle the torque. The rear end makes this disgusting popping noise off the line and sounds like its about to fall off. All 5.9s have this problem.
Love this car!
rebecca, 07/31/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this new and used to drive it 2 hours back and forth to work. It made the wretched commute tolerable. Now, I use it for my dog car. With 103K miles on it, the extended warranty has expired and that makes me nervous. So I'm thinking about selling it. It has been very reliable, and the repairs that were necessary were covered under the warranty. I highly recommend Grand Cherokees - this is my second one.
Fun to Drive!
jcooperdj, 01/20/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this off a good friend who drove it on the highway alot with 112,00 now 18 months later it has 122,000. Really no repairs have been done and it just started on its 3rd set of tires. Seal between transfer case and tranny replaced. Door speakers are junk I have replaced all 4 but the rest rocks! NOISY on the highway from either tires or differential.
Brakes etc.
Robert 2, 11/27/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Rotors and brakes were changed 3 times in the first 20K and thereafter every 30K. Extremely rough ride. Instrument cluster and bezel poorly designed and poor fit. Cat/convertor rattle at idle common to this model at 100K milage. Poorly designed door; weatherstripping results in severe wind noise. Sharp low speed turn results in extremely loud "thunk" from wheels. All the above defects found to be common with several other owners
LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
stumped, 04/24/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love it today... Hate it tomorrow when something else breaks for the 4th time in 2yrs 8 mos.
Been a great car
grap112ler, 09/02/2006
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 99k miles, and it currently has 125k miles. So far, I have had to do no repair work (besides changing a turn signal light bulb, which was a pain). The car handles admirably in all conditions - rain, snow, mud, off- road. However, I think that I will soon have to replace the CV axles, which will cost me about $400. My only gripes about the car are 1) the factory stereo system is kind of shot, but I can deal with that, and 2) the spare tire takes up a lot of room in the trunk space. I've found that if I drive the car about 70 mph, I can get 19 mpg, which is pretty good for a car this size. I would definitely purchase this vehicle again.
awesome
zeus149, 03/04/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had to put two rear ends in one year it's fine now when you change gear oil once a year
GREAT 5.9
FRANK , 07/24/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have an Acura and a 5.9 Jeep and the Jeep is much plusher and less troublesome than the Acura. Both have the same miles 50-60k. The rpm on the Jeep could be higher to get a little more power it shifts at 4450rpm. Its a fun car to drive and the only serious drawback is mileage -- 12.5 to 20.
Great SUV...until 70,000 miles
Iowa Banker, 06/11/2004
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought mine 2nd owner, low miles. Loved driving it: comfortable, stylish and plenty of power. Maintenance and reliability issues popped up after about 50k miles. Tire/rotor troubles, replaced brakes, etc. then had the front drive shaft go out @ 70k on a roadtrip 500 miles from home. Traded it before I poured any more cash down the hole.
Jeepers Creepers!
Josh, 08/23/2010
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got my Jeep Grand Cherokee about two years ago from a friend. It has the 5.2 L with 245,000 miles and the motor runs like its brand new. the transmission has just started to leak but as long as you stay on top of the fluid it works fine. great in the snow. everything electrical seems to have broken, drivers window motor, radio, heated seats, speakers, rear wiper, check engine light is on. lots of the interior plastic things break, i.e. center console cover ripped clear off. early in its life it was driven into a parking garage pillar at around 30 mph and it did extensive damage which was fixed with a chain and tree. Overall a lot of little things break, but the essentials cant be killed
5.9 a keeper!!
acarson, 01/13/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 5.9 a year and a half ago and have been living high ever since. It has been pure bliss. Just hearing it roar to life still sends chills up my spine. The power is always there, the comfort is unsurpassed and I love the looks that I still get in a 5 year old vehicle. I have had no problems whatsoever. I realize that before it's all said and done I will probably have to replace something, but the enjoyment I have had up till now will make it all worth while! Did I mention the way it sounds...?
Best car ever
DanP, 01/30/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee since 1993. I like this style much better than the new one and I can't bring myself to get rid of it. The 5.9 engine and all-wheel drive make this a true performance vehicle, but the mileage is not good. But, in terms of looks, performance, practicality, and features, this is the best car I've ever had.
Expensive entertainment
Johnnyeyes, 11/17/2018
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 limited is a rare Jeep indeed.Get accustomed to the weaknesses like the transfer case and rear differential.I swapped mine out for the more reliable 242 case, and a stronger rear. Beef up the suspension with better shocks and front end components.perhaps 17 “ wheels and bigger tires. Also,get a good quality 3 row radiator and 180 degree theromostat. once you’ve addressed these issues,you’ll have a great truck indeed.The engine and tranny are bullit proof.Also, change the plenum gasket the the metal Hughes type.high performance ignition wires,and plugs.kn filter .mobil one synthetic oil. And fresh high performance tranny fluid..It’s a collector Jeep..I’m keeping mine forever!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Black Beauty
Jon Boy, 03/06/2002
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jeep has been a wonderful all purpose vehicle. I have had no problems other than typical for an auto, regular maintenance. The interior layout is good, although the rear tire does take up some cargo space. The stereo is great although I have the infinity system upgrade. The GC rides and drives great, the 4x4 is flawless, i must admit it can be alittle thirsty at the pump and i have the 6 cylinder. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an all purpose suv.
Great Value
bz767, 05/31/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been a great vehicle for me. 75,000 miles in two years and the only complaint I have is with the fuel pump that had to be replaced because of a poor original design.
Guess I got lucky
David, 02/12/2005
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has over 162K on it and still runs great. I have to replace the brake rotors too often but other than that it's been very reliable. It failed to get me to my destination only twice. Once, with about 20K miles, the float in the gas tank failed, resulting in an inaccurate gas tank reading. Consequently I ran out of gas. Then at about 155K the ignition switch failed so it wouldn't start. I'm going to keep it until it dies! I do some minor off roading, nothing too tough - more ruts and rocks than anything else. I have the V6, and it gets 17-19 MPG.
Junk the Jeep
junkthejeep, 08/16/2003
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
This Jeep has been nothing but a pain. It has left my wife stranded more than once and has been a mechanics dream due to the money I have shelled out. I'll never buy a Jeep or Chrysler product again.
Great SUV - (In it's time)
Kirk, 01/24/2006
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.