1998 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 L four cylinder

Summary:

Bad on the pavement, unreliable, bad brakes

Faults:

The transmission came loose and had to be re-attached for $850 within weeks of the purchase.

The top began to unravel and the dealer would not replace it, even though it was under warranty. It was only when I wrote a letter to the company, that the dealership replaced the top. Even then, the top did not match right.

It gets horrible gas mileage. At best it gets 13 mpg on the highway.

It shakes after about 40 mph, even after an alignment.

The acceleration is horrible. If I'm on the highway and there is a SLIGHT incline, the car will lose 10 mph in speed, which can cause problems in a big city like Atlanta.

The steering is very imprecise.

I do have to say that this is only a good vehicle if you are going to take it off road. Off road, it will do ANYTHING. I've never gotten stuck and it is very confident. Once you get back on the road, however, expect the worst, comfort is not an option.

Lastly, the valves started clicking very loudly at 30,000 miles and the dealership only told me to put high octane gas in it, they click even louder now, which is disappointing when I do all the regular maintanance, and it sounds like a piece of junk.

Please do not buy this car unless you are intending to go off road. You might want it because the top is cool, but even that takes ten minutes to put up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th May, 2001

3rd Oct 2001, 01:21

I too own a 98 TJ Sport with a 4.0. I use it around town and drive all over the country to 4x4 events. I'm happy to say the only thing I ever took it to the dealer for was to clean up a stripped lug nut on the spare. These vehicles should be left to off roaders who want to build them up and take them rock crawling.

13th Oct 2002, 09:22

Jeeps are not for every one. Most people get them because it became fashionable. They soon lose interest because the jeep does not pamper you. GO get a trendy import that your soft rear end will be comfortable.

I have a 87 YJ with a 2.5 4 Cyl with 170,000. Been paid for since 1992. I get 17mpg and I fix the little things that go wrong on it like Water pump, Brakes, Distributor, & Clutch. I finally had a major issue with my transmission, but after 170,000 & 19 years I would suspect it.

1998 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 litre

Summary:

Wrangler is made to be ruffled up, the engine is bulletproof!

Faults:

The gauges of my Wrangler would shut off randomly during driving, or not turn on at all during start up. However, dealership was awesome and prompt to fix the problem under warranty!

General Comments:

I went crazy (literally) off-roading in a natural 4 wheel drive park (crossing rivers, jumping boulders, engine covered with thick clay) and it was a lot of fun.

The Jeep is easy to outfit with personal modifications (I've installed grilles, 31 inch tires with spare, and an aftermarket exhaust for 900 dollars).

The cockpit is a bit too civil, needs a little more power, and the gas is poor.

Overall, fun car, lots of good comments, and serious off-roader (made to be abused)!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2001

29th Aug 2002, 15:41

Your lucky, My gages used to shut off randomly too and the dealer was never able to do anything about it. The dealer was a five star Chrysler dealer and they were terrible. I also went crazy off road and I messed up the entire from end of the Jeep and no mechanic could find out what was wrong, but it was very loose feeling. Totaled the Jeep out since.

1st Oct 2003, 19:32

I would like to know what was done to correct "gages failing",because I am also having the same problem with all my gages shutting down randomly. (ablamonica@aol.com)

5th Dec 2003, 16:22

Hey, mine was doing that as well as trying to stall out. I pulled the distrubutor cap off and noticed that it was caked with mud. Cleaned it with WD-40 (WD stands for Water Distrubutor) and it hasn't acted up since. I hope that helps you. I love Jeeps!