1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara review from North America

Typical problem with intermittent dash problems at about 36,000 miles. Repaired ground panel behind instruments and have had not electric / electronic problems since.

Cowling drain occasionally clogs (leaves, dirt, etc.) and has to be cleaned to avoid leakage onto front floorboard.

Rear seal on transmission started leaking at about 65,000 miles and cost about $600.00 to properly repair.

Rear zipper on soft top finally died about two weeks ago at about 119,000 miles.

I have to say, I love this vehicle.

I have had numerous jeeps and other four wheel drive vehicles over the years. This is my second Wrangler. I had a CJ7, two different CJ5s, a CJ3B, a Toyota Land cruiser FJ62, two Land cruiser FJ40s, a Dodge Power wagon, two Ford Broncos and an International Scout. It seem that I always come back to Jeep!

I have had this particular Wrangler coast to coast, and from the Yukon and Alaska, deep into Mexico. I tow a 21 foot boat, a large pop-up camper, an off-road excursion trailer and the occasional garden trailer with this vehicle.

The factory supplied tires wore out at about 36,000 miles, but the next set lasted until 100,000 miles and I am now running on my third set since new.

I still have the original clutch and exhaust system and replaced the original brakes at 100,000 miles. I live in Michigan, but wash the vehicle weekly and have had no rust problems whatsoever to date.

This vehicle is my daily driver, but is also used for travel and serious off road trips. I don't "baby" it, but I treat it right and perform regular maintenance. I know some folks seem to have money pits with Jeep labels on them, but in 35 years of ownership, my jeeps have never let me down. I wish I could say that for the other 4x4s I have owned!

My next vehicle will also be a Jeep, but I plan to build a CJ7 from the ground up, new frame, body and all. In the meantime, my soon to be 8 year old Wrangler will continue to run strong, and I look forward to several more years of service from it. These 4.0 engines are basically bullet proof and can easily go 300,000 miles if properly maintained.