1998 Jeep Cherokee Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Cherokee Classic and Limited replace the Cherokee Country. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is now the base engine for the SE, available with an optional three-speed automatic. New colors include Chili Pepper Red, Emerald Green and Deep Amethyst.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$226/mo  for Cherokee Sport

　　Cherokee Sport

　　Sport 2dr SUV 4WD (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPSport 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPSport 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPSport 2dr SUV - N/A MSRPSE 2dr SUV - N/A MSRPSE 2dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPSE 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPSE 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPClassic 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPClassic 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr SUV - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Some things never change much, and the Jeep Cherokee is one of those mainstays. Unlike its posh--and bigger--Grand Cherokee brother, which keeps adding comforts and graceful touches, the ever-practical, affordable Cherokee simply keeps on rolling, looking little different now than when it was first introduced in 1984. This year, however, the Cherokee benefits from some overdue updates, including a new three-speed automatic transmission, optional with the 2.5-liter SE model.

　　Utilitarian and upright it is, but with a compelling personality that even the Grand Cherokee lacks. The Cherokee Country has been replaced by two new trim levels: Classic and Limited. Four adults fit inside the Cherokee in reasonable comfort, with adequate headroom. Rear legroom is lacking, in a very short seat, and entry to the rear is constricted by a narrow door. Worth noting is the fact that the rear bench folds but doesn't offer a split, meaning you can't haul a toddler and a treadmill simultaneously.

　　Relatively refined on the road, the compact Cherokee is capable of strutting its stuff when the going gets rough. Acceleration is brisk with the 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, courtesy of 190 horsepower, and we highly recommend this upgrade if you select the SE model. The Cherokee's 4.0-liter engine puts the "sport" into sport utility.

　　SE and Sport models can have two or four doors, while the step-up Classic and Limited editions are four-door only. All are available with either two- or four-wheel drive. Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive allows shift-on-the-fly operation. Selec-Trac is Jeep's full-time four-wheel drive system. Standard gear includes power steering, tinted glass and power front disc brakes. Four-wheel antilock braking is optional (six-cylinder only), as are power windows and door locks, keyless entry system, cruise control, air conditioning and leather seats.

　　Despite its age, the original compact Jeep sport-utility remains a sensible choice in its field, more capable than most SUVs of heading into the woods at a moment's notice. What more can anyone ask of a moderately priced on/off-roader?

　　

1998 Cherokee Highlights

Trim: SportSEClassicLimitedSport

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$226/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive