1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Bad brakes and stay away from the dealer

Faults:

The wheel hubs had to be replaced at 3000 miles.

The brakes have squeaked since we owned it. Dealer says it is normal.

Rear brake drums had to be replaced at 19,000. Due to being warped.

A clunking noise is coming from the rear of the vehicle (again) when applying the brakes at moderate speeds.

This is only to name a few problems with the brakes.

General Comments:

There is obviously a problem with the brake system on this vehicle, and I am getting no help from the dealer.

The car rides good and has plenty power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd August, 2001

2nd Mar 2002, 10:23

The clunking is not necessarily the brakes. Could be bushings. When the brakes are applied the bushings that are part of the wheel stabilizers are worn or faulty...a simple matter to fix.

25th Sep 2004, 01:13

The wife and I own a 2000 Cherokee with 44000 miles.

We own her. She drives her. I fix her.

Twice she's had a clunking noise, much as you describe.

Here's how WE'VE fixed her:

Put her in the air (with no load on her rear springs).

Cleaned the grime from between her springs (rust and grime binds her springs).

Used hi-pressure water and compressed air (ensured I had all the rust & grime out).

Spread the spring-pack slightly small screwdriver and sprayed in some silicone grease.

Blew the grease through with compressed air to ensure her springs well lubricated.

Note: Her rear brakes were dragging? *

So, under light braking we'd hear her clicking or clunking but, under hard braking not so much.

We did a good cleaning of her rear brakes including the drums (got all of the grime out).

Then we adjusted the rear brakes, so they don't drag, scuff, or click (without brakes applied.)

We put her back together.

Wife test-drove - No noise:)!

If the noise comes back, I'll do her again . . . Good Truck!

*If her park brake set, but is not well enough SET to stop her, and someone tells her to back-up,

She Will!

And as she does, she automatically re-adjusts her rear brakes.

This can and will make the clicking, scuffing, dragging come back instantly!

So, either SET THE PARK BRAKE or don't touch it.

But it's the rust and grime that bind her . . .

1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L from North America

Summary:

An excellent 4x4

Faults:

Front brake rotor recall.

Serpentine belt went at 50,000 miles.

Squeaking noise when turning.

Gas tank had some problems early on with a valve.

Some squeaking and noises when going over rough terrain... probably to be expected.

Some minor paint flaws and a little bit of "bubbling" starting to occur.

General Comments:

I really like the Jeep Cherokee Sport and it is a disappointment that they are no longer producing them. The Liberty will never be as popular no matter what Jeep tries.

Comfort for the driver is excellent. If you are a passenger in the rear however, you will not be the happiest camper!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th July, 2001

1998 Jeep Cherokee Limited 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good 4WD U.V., not too big, not too small

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Having read another of this site's reviews of this vehicle, I was surprised to find that the reviewer was dissatisfied. I am very pleased with my '98 Cherokee 2.5 TD Ltd.

Their review of the 2.5 TD engine implied that it had no power or torque! I think the reviewer said 'beware at roundabouts' (or "islands" if you live in the English Midlands). I find this hard to credit - I can happily let the clutch up slowly in 1st or 2nd (relying on the idle torque) and then apply the throttle & pull away without any worries at all. Indeed, in the wet I have to mind the torque at the back wheels - I've had more than one unintentional wheel spin, even with junk, a toolbox & large child’s buggy in the ample boot!

The turbo's set to deliver max torque at 2000 RPM, and when used correctly with the gearbox, gives excellent pulling power at low speeds and allows one to overtake in 5th at normal UK road speeds (i.e. 45-70 MPH) without even thinking of changing down to 4th. However, those used to a saloon car will find the 'power band' a little narrow.

It is a very versatile, comfortable car which both of my young boys, and I love. Living in the North West of Ireland, on the Tyrone/Donegal border, I could not think of a better car for driving them (the boys) onto the numerous Atlantic coast beaches (yes, I said "onto", as I can drive straight onto the sand at most of the beaches here). So far, I've only had to tow one two-wheel-drive vehicle out of the sand this summer!

I have also spent a good few hundred miles driving my Cherokee up & down motorways in England, and can only find one real criticism of the car in this regard (compared to various company owned Audis, Vauxhalls/Opels, Rovers, Toyotas, Peugeots, Mercedes and BMWs) - there is no adjustable lumbar support on the drivers seat. However, the electric lateral, rear-seat & front-seat height controls are excellent. Cruise control works as expected and the brakes are adequate, but will never be as sharp as an Audi’s.

I cannot comment on reliability as I've only owned the Cherokee for 3 months, and it's a low miler. But, having previously owned a super-reliable Nissan, I can honestly say I have a lot of confidence in the Jeep's reliability.

Fuel-wise I can find nothing to moan about. According to the computer, I average 34 miles to the imperial gallon (28.4 mpg US). This is borne out by my fuel bills – 250 miles of motoring costs me about IR£24 (approx £19 sterling). I can usually get 450-500 miles out of a tank full.

In conclusion, I can only say that after three months the car is still great fun to drive. I think it’s one of those cars you either love or hate. Try a test drive; if you don’t like it then buy something else!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2001