Used 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4dr SUV 4WD Consumer Reviews
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Last of the ZJ Series
William, Kuna, ID, 02/10/2018
updated 02/13/2020
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
215,000 miles and still going strong!
Cece, 08/06/2009
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?
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Laredo-My Reliable Friend
VJohns, 02/23/2007
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.
Best car i've ever owned
tethsojh, 03/08/2010
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
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.