1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L I-6

Summary:

A fun, generally reliable vehicle

Faults:

Toe-in had to be corrected at 12K, but that was my fault for driving like a maniac down a Forest Service Road.

Cost: ~ $100.

Dash instruments had a short at 25K miles, so they would go on or off when you hit bumps.

Cost: Fixed under warranty.

Engine died on me on a Saturday night 30 miles from the nearest service station at around 45K. The coil was replaced and it's worked fine since then.

Cost: ~$500, including the new coil, new spark plugs and spark plug wires, and a new distributor cap.

There is a slight leak coming in through the hardtop in the tailgate area when it rains, but I live in the desert now so that's not much of an issue.

General Comments:

It's my second Jeep and I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. It's loud and it sucks gas.

Despite the coil problem, I like the 4.0L engine and it has a good reputation for longevity.

Classic styling means Jeeps never really look old.

Not a fun car on long road trips, but great around town.

Very fun with the top and doors off.

Unstoppable off-road, I've never come close to its 4x4 limits.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2003

1998 Jeep Wrangler 1.5

Summary:

Fun, but the most impractical car ever I ever owned

Faults:

Catalytic converter died at 15K miles. At 20K, the thing started having serious trouble starting after a heavy rainstorm.

Instrument panel frequently wigs out, speedometer and tachometer die, only to wake up again with a slap on the dash.

Gas gauge never shows tank full, and gas light comes on when there is still a half tank.

Both rear window ties broke off at less than 10K miles.

Had to replace all four tires at 35K miles.

General Comments:

I love driving this car, esp. on the rare off-road trips. but I would never buy another jeep or Chrysler product again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th November, 2003

11th Jun 2004, 13:53

It is interesting to hear your fuel gauge woes. I, too own a '98 Wrangler with the trusty ol' 4.0 and ran into a situation where the the gauge read a half tank and yet it was drained dry. I must say it is not an enjoyable experience to push a Jeep 200 yards prior to heading to work on a Monday morning. Additionally, the engine bogs every time I start it... I have to let it warm up for a good 5-10 minutes (even if it's already warmed up and I just shut it off for 10 minutes). Other than that... not many issues to speak of.

29th Dec 2004, 10:05

I have had my 98 Wrangler for over 2 years, and have made MAJOR modifications to it, and have never had one problem. I just bored out the air intake, and added 30 horse power to it. This is a must for all owners, cost $150.00 but well worth it.

As for the gages in your dash freaking out, sounds like the wiring in the dash is crossed and shorting out, this might be also causing the fuel gage to only show 1/2 full. Check with the dealership for this short or another fuel gage.

As for the tires, they only last 30,000 miles under warranty; this is any tires; even the 50,000 tires.

18th Mar 2006, 21:35

Yes, to the guy that stated had his air intake bored out, can you also write a comment on the other things you have done, I'm going to have my air intake bored out and looking for more modifications.

27th Jan 2007, 08:47

I Really Never Saw A WRANGLER witha 1.5 Liter engine, where did you get some thing like that???

30th Sep 2008, 12:19

I guess that the original witter of the review meant that it's a 2.5L Wrangler... not a 1.5L Wrangler..!!! cause I never heard of it...!!!