1998 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 liter Inline-4 from North America

Summary:

A versatile vehicle for year-round excursions

Faults:

Nothing was wrong with the Civic I previously owned, but the Wrangler I recently acquired was priced extremely low as a marketing ploy to get customers onto the lot. I happen to be a Jeep enthusiast so it was an offer that could not be passed up.

General Comments:

I love the overall ride the Wrangler has to offer, though, it does seem unstable on the interstate. However, you do not buy a Jeep for a comfortable ride. You buy a Jeep for the comfort of knowing you have the most capable vehicle on- and off-road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2002

1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L six from North America

Summary:

Very comfy seats upright and lots of room

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong except for the instrument cluster going off and on it's the ground, not quite making it.

I like Jeeps, this is my fourth TJ Wrangler. These are much nicer than the old YJ Wranglers, better offroad and trust me, I have owned 9 Jeeps, I have the answers. Run a Teraflex lift and you will put to shame the D90 Defender LandRovers. For the money these cannot be beat, just go get one.

General Comments:

I never even thought I needed 4x4 until my first Jeep purchase in 1990, brand spanking new off the big rig trailer. Loved my first Jeep and still love my last, however I have been driving my BMW ultimate driving machine. BMWs are the ultimate cars and the ultimate 4x4s are the 97-2003 Wranglers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2002

1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0 liter from North America

Summary:

A little expensive new, but worth the money. Definitely recommended

Faults:

The only problem I had was a shimmy in the front end that developed about six months after purchase. To fix this, the rotors were turned and new brake pads installed under warranty. No problems since then.

General Comments:

If you buy one, remember what it's purpose is. It will be loud on the highway (wind noise), slow to accelerate (off-road gearing) and very little cargo space (It is a short vehicle for going off road). If you can take the lack of creature comforts during the week, it is perfect for a weekend of mild off road exploring. If you want more involved rock climbing, you have the perfect starting base. Keep these things in mind and you will realize the manufacturer has struck a good balance between a daily driver and a weekend 4x4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2002

1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0 from North America

Summary:

A reliable, proven workhorse

Faults:

In the 4 years and nearly 80,000 miles that I have owned my Jeep, I have had a warranty replacement of the starter, at 22,000 miles and I had the A/C condenser replaced at 60,000 other than that the only maintenance has been routine oil changes and brake servicing.

General Comments:

The Wrangler has never claimed that it is a plush ride for the elite sophisticate. It has the quality where it counts. If you want the power and the tools that will let you romp through the mud, climb the mountains, blaze the trails and have a better view than any convertible can possibly offer, this is the vehicle for you. If you want a soft, quiet, stuffy ride... You Need Not Apply.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2002

1998 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, but would not buy again, will never buy another Chrysler product

Faults:

The instrument panel stopped working almost the day I bought the car. I had it at the dealer 3 different days before they fixed it. No way to spend your vacation days.

The brake pads wore out at 30,000 miles.

It burns distributor caps and rotors like candy.

Exhaust manifold and studs replaced at 28,000 miles.

Replaced power steering pump at 50,000 miles.

Catalytic convertor replaced at 60,000 miles.

Second set of brake pads at 65,000 miles.

Nearly all the grease boots for front suspension leak.

Radiator requires regular additions of stop-leak.

Convertible top will not stay tucked in at rear corners almost since new.

Second exhaust manifold replacement at 79,000 miles. Nearly a $1000.00 repair on average every 40,000 miles for my vehicle.

General Comments:

Worst repair record of any vehicle I have ever owned.

Fun to dive.

Dealer support consists of one line, "they all do that".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th April, 2002

13th Jun 2002, 09:57

It sounds like you have either had really bad luck or need to calm down your driving habits. Yes, the Wrangler was made to take on the toughest off-road, but sounds like you have torn it up on the streets. Maybe it is just because I am such a Jeep enthusiast that I am blind to any problems I encounter. Sorry about your luck so far. I have a Wrangler with 108,000 plus miles on it and the only thing that has been changed, besides the oil, is a compressor because the air conditioning went out.