1998 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.3L I-4 from North America

Summary:

Too much fun

Faults:

Nothing ever went wrong with this car that could have been avoided.

It's a Jeep so I decided to take it off road. I went over a jump and from that point on the front end never felt the same. It went to countless mechanics who all said nothing was wrong with it, but I didn't feel safe. Needless to say I drove it anyway and decided I didn't care anymore. Nothing else ever went wrong with it. The Jeep was my sister's until 41,000 when I got it.

I think maybe the electrical system was a little fuzzy for some time, but it was fixed.

General Comments:

Horrible on gas. I wish it was a stick. Never get the 4-cyl, but it's a great motor, just weak. Awesome off road and a lot of fun with the top down.

I don't have it anymore since I got hit on the driver's door by a guy doing 70. I didn't roll and only obtained a minor concussion from the roll bar, but it was definitely a sturdy car to take that kind of beating I put it through. I miss it to this day and recommend it to anybody.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L In-line 6 from North America

Summary:

A Jeep is still a Chrysler

Faults:

Transmission problems.

Transfer case problems.

Electrical problems.

Rusting problems.

General Comments:

If you are thinking about buying a Jeep/Chrysler, you may want to read this:

My Story:

I bought a 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara in the spring of '98 (my dream vehicle). It worked great until the 36k mile/3yr. warranty ran out a few months ago in July of 2001. Since then, I've had transmission problems with the 4-wheel drive, electrical problems, and it's beginning to rust in a few areas. Keep in mind this vehicle has 40k miles on it, it's 3 years old, and it's been pampered like a baby.

What I've Done So Far:

I've contacted Chrysler several times, but they have been unresponsive. Last time I called, they said that "their computers were down and that they would call me back", but I never received a call. It's also hard to get a hold of them, because they keep bankers hours - 8am to 5pm.

The Payoff:

According to a mechanic I just spoke to, the transfer case (source of transmission/4-wheel drive problems) is going to cost around $2,000 to fix. I've used the 4-wheel drive from time to time during the winter. The Jeep has never been "off-road". I thought Jeeps were rugged, dependable, long-lasting vehicles, guess not.

Final Analysis:

I was a sucker for the marketing. My brother warned me about Chrysler, but I didn't listen. I still really like my Jeep, despite its drawbacks, but it is most likely to be the last Chrysler I will own. It's too bad too, I wanted to purchase a Grand Chief Cherokee for my wife, but we decided to go with an Audi S4 instead - which we love!

Just thought I would pass this info along, hope it is helpful.

-Mark Gardner

St. Paul, MN.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2001

28th Jan 2003, 17:59

I just read the two comments. I don't know what has happened with your two cases, but I also have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. I have not experienced any of the problems you have. It has the automatic and is working fine. My car belonged to my step-mom, and now me. It has crossed the country from Arkansas to California, been through Colorado winters, and now Arizona summers. It has almost 93,000 miles on it and no major problems yet. It has had regular servicing, and yes, there have been some minor things. I have noticed no rust anywhere, and it has been coated with ice slicer through winter in CO. I don't know, maybe I just got lucky with mine, but I have experienced nothing major like listed in the other comments.