1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Ford Explorer has held the title of the best-selling sport-utility vehicle in the country for several years. However, in 1992, a new competitor named Grand Cherokee appeared on the scene to wrestle the sales championship away from the champion. It did not meet with any success. Despite this, it could outsell every other sport utility vehicle available on the market and quickly became Explorer’s greatest competitor. This Jeep feels the most like a car compared to other sport utility vehicles and is also one of the most stable on paved surfaces. When equipped with the 5.2-liter V8 offered as an option, the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee transforms into the Porsche of sport-utility vehicles.

Overview:

The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in 7 trim levels:

• TSi 4WD
• TSi
• Laredo 4WD
• Laredo
• Limited
• Limited 4WD
• 5.9 Limited

Performance and Fuel Economy

Earlier models of the Jeep were offered a 190-horsepower 4.0-liter inline-six engine that could be traced back to Jeep’s time under AMC ownership. Later, Jeep models were offered with a 225-horsepower 5.2-liter “Magnum” V-8 engine. However, in 1998, Jeep introduced a 5.9-liter V-8 as an available engine option for the Grand Cherokee. This engine produced 245 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque, representing an increase of 20 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque compared to the Magnum V-8. The second generation of the Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1999.

It had a narrow, boxy chassis that perched precariously high on a pair of solid axles. Four-wheel-drive vehicles had robust low-range transfer cases that were actuated by a powerful lever between the front seats. This was not the contemporary Grand Cherokee SRT with independent suspension, wide tires, and a decreased ride height.

Design, Comfort, and Quality

While the first Jeep Cherokee was designated with the code XJ, the code for the Grand Cherokee was ZJ. Originally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was supposed to be nothing more than the following generation of the Jeep Cherokee. However, sales of the latter remained robust, and Jeep dealers desired a higher-end vehicle to compete with Land Rover’s offerings.

When compared to the Cherokee, the new model had a wheelbase that was 4.5 inches longer, an additional eight inches of length, five inches more hip room in the rear seats, three inches more shoulder room in the front seats, 7.4 cubic feet more cargo space, and four inches wider rear doors. This made life easier for the marketers. That contributed to making it seem “grander.”

Capacity and Ride Comfort

Its capability is astounding for what was previously considered to be a pretty heavy people mover. Even more impressive was that the 5.9 Limited made no concessions in terms of comfort or capabilities to fulfill its role as a luxurious daily vehicle for the whole family. Even though its front and back axles were solid, the Jeep had a reasonable level of handling. It also kept up a degree of off-road capabilities unmatched by most other sport-utility vehicles in its price range, making it a formidable opponent on the road, the strip, and the trail.

Even though the 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9L Limited was only available for one model year (and 14,286 units were sold), it significantly influenced how the brand thought about how it might engage with a whole new consumer base. Jeep now felt there was space for huge development among those wanting a street performance SUV, and preparations started to be placed for the SRT program’s version of the 1998 Grand Cherokee. This was even though Jeep had spent decades as the leader in the off-road industry.

Owner’s Manual

When consumers purchase a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, they get a Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Manual containing all the required information for future maintenance and modifications.

• Important Safety Instructions
• Introduction
• Overview
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance Record

While this list is thorough, the owner’s manual for the 1998 Grand Cherokee provides more operational suggestions to enhance the user experience.

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications

• Height: 64.9 in
• Length: 177.1 in
• Width: 58.5 in
• Curb weight: 3582 lbs

Engine type: Gas I6, 4.0L

Fuel tank: 23 g

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Factory Service Manual

These manuals go through every aspect of how the car operates. The vehicle’s purchase price does not include the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Repair Manual for your Grand Cherokee.

• Safety Restraints
• Instrumentation
• Before Driving
• Starting and Operating
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Specifications
• Capacities
• Servicing
• Customer Assistance

The service manuals for the Jeep Grand Cherokee are vast and cover every aspect of the vehicle’s operation.

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Price

The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the following price list:

• Laredo: $25,945 or €24548
• Limited: $31,460 or €29766
• Limited 4WD: $33,890 or €32066
• 5.9 Limited: $38,275 or €36215

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles can I get from my 1998 Grand Cherokee?

Up to 300,000

What is the reliability rating for the 1998 Grand Cherokee?

3.5 out of 5 by repairpal.com

What is the parent company of Jeep?

Jeep, though once owned by Fiat-Chrysler directly, is now a subsidiary of the Stellantis,

What is the HP for my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

190HP-245HP