1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport review from UK and Ireland

Manifold cracked at 12,000 miles, but was replaced under warranty.

The off road abilities of this vehicle never cease to amaze me, the 4 litre petrol engine provides enormous amounts of grunt and when coupled to the low ratio transmission it's truly awesome.

On road the high stance provides great visibility, but means that high speed cornering can be hairy. In most conditions on road I drive in two wheel drive with the power going through the rear wheels and with it's short wheel base and powerful engine it can be fun on twisting country roads.

Motorway cruising is it's main weakness due to the amount of noise in the cabin, part of this will be due to the all terrain tyres that I have fitted, but it's really down to the soft top and brick like aerodynamics.

The car is a joy to drive in town and country with swift acceleration, throaty power that allows you to overtake with ease, but also it reduces the need to change gear. The down side to such an engine is the fuel economy which struggles to hit 20 miles to the gallon (4.56 litres).

The ride is comfortable and the seats are thickly padded. There are few creature comforts apart from a good heater and decent stereo, but the build is rugged, tough, but not agricultural.

My partner and I use the vehicle for all tasks, traveling to work, shopping, holidays abroad, towing, carrying goods. As a family car it may prove less versatile than a people carrier, but I don't have kids so that isn't an issue for me.