1998 Jeep Wrangler SE review from North America
"Bad on the pavement, unreliable, bad brakes"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | Fun if you don't mind all the repairs |
![]() ![]() | 1997 - Wrangler SE 2.5L V4 gas A super piece of crap |
All 1998 Jeep Wrangler reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 L four cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 26700 miles |
| Most recent distance | 36700 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda 626 |
| Date of Entry | 19th May, 2001 |



