1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport
by Lee
In early April 1998, I had the chance to test drive the new Jeep Cherokee. It offers numerous improvements from the most unchanged Cherokee of 1984-1996. As of 1997 this Jeep offers more room, a better ride, and more logical interior, but yet still retains a modest bottom line.
At first glance, the Jeep really doesn’t appear to be very different on the outside, with the exception of rounding off the boxy edges. The interior, on the other hand, benefited tremendously from a more modern interior. The gauges are somewhat small, but readable. All the climate controls are in logical order, and the windows/door lock switches are in logical locations and well labeled. This year, the switches for power windows are lighted! Yippee! Seating up front was very comfortable with good legroom and sufficient elbow and hip room for a person. Due to the Jeep’s high seating position, a shorter driver should have no problems with visibility and comfort. However, a person of large build (say excess of 240 pounds) would probably be packed like a sardine. Rear seating is tight, and much to my disappointment the rear bench seat is not a split seat—it must fold down in one piece. In the cargo area, a compact spare tire is mounted on the driver’s side, and protrudes only slightly from the wall. Overall, the interior is a bit cramped if compared to some of the other SUV’s I’ve tested, but I like the smaller size just fine.
The particular model I drove was equipped with a 4.0 liter in-line six cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic. Features included power windows, locks and mirrors, A/C, tilt and cruise, cassette stereo with four speakers—the rear speakers being cleverly mounted to a sound bar hanging almost hidden over the cargo area. The braking system consisted of front disc/rear drum assembly, but I would highly recommend the ABS brakes for more sure-footed stopping power.
Several key things appear that are impossible to be overlooked; the first of which being the power of the engine. The in-line six accelerates much like it’s big brother, the Grand Cherokee V8, which I reviewed in the winter of 1997. Although not as powerful on paper, this truck is a little lighter, and that was apparent when I became "him with lead foot." Another note along the same lines is the fact that while in 2WD the truck was very stable—the back end didn’t break loose (or even hint in the possibility of such) during any turn during the drive. Another major point is the noise, which literally fills the cabin during initial acceleration. Once cruising speed is established the noise almost completely dies, and the Cherokee doesn’t sound much louder than a sport sedan. The last point is almost to ridiculous to be mentioned but with the dawning of SUV’S with more care-like manners this deserves mention. The Cherokee delivers a very harsh ride when it encounters a road with even minor imperfections. It drive like…(dare I say it)…A TRUCK! Yes, rest assured, this is not like the ride of the Grand Cherokee or the Nissan Pathfinder, which I rated number two and number one respectively in my last review. This is due for the most part to the suspension geometry used here. Up front, the Cherokee employs a Quadra-coil suspension, the same that gives the Grand Cherokee its smooth ride and predictable handling. The similarity, however, stops there. In the rear, the Cherokee uses the stander multi-leaf construction, which is so common for most trucks. On another high note, the transmission shifted smoothly and flawlessly around hills, in town and on the highway. Another bad point is the gas mileage—but hey, if you wanted gas mileage, why on earth are you looking at a truck at all?!
Summary
Overall, the Cherokee is a great truck. Period. It has the power features that most people want (windows/locks/mirrors) a decent list of safety features (dual 2nd generation air bags/ABS (opt.)/side impact bars) combined with solid, proven 4X4 abilities. And the price has got to be a great hook! The truck I drove with all the options mentions (except ABS) will run you about $22K and change. If four whellin’ is really your fancy, opt for the UP-COUNTRY suspension group. It will give you skid plats, bigger tires, a beefed-up suspension and a cute set of UP-COUNTRY decals; all for only about $800 bucks more. Take it for a drive. If you’re single, or have a small family of say 2-3 folks, and you’re looking for an inexpensive sport Ute, than this is your ticket.