This is a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited I bought after I returned a '97 Laredo when its lease was over. Needless to say, I must like the potential of its chassis and thought a 4.9L V8 engine would be a better match (vs. the 4.2L inline 6 that came in the Laredo). The Limited was the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee with all-time (viscous coupling) AWD and leather(top grain, creamy smoth)/wood(fake) trim interior. Other improvements included the use of CV joints in the front transaxle and powered/heated memory seats. All these added luxury had transformed the vehicle from a regular SUV to a civilized ride. This was largely due to the creamy smooth power plant (reasonably quiet with plenty of low end torque), and revised spring/damping rates (the suspension now felt softer). Straight line acceleration was sport car fast and there was little body lean when cornering. However, due to its high centre-of-graviy, narrow track, and short wheel base (like most SUVs), abrupt weight transfers had prevented this vehicle from achieving sporty sedan level of handling. Daily driving and highway commutes were well mannered and sporty. Wind noise and road noise was noticeable but not intrusive. All controls felt positive and were easy to engage. The very sophisticated ventilation system was effective but just a touch noisy. Sitting position was as it supposed to be - upright with plenty of leg and head room. This vehicle was designed with exceptional off-road abilities and therefore suffered from having a fairly compact size (to achieve short overhang). There wasn't much "utility" in terms of trunk and passenger space. The full time AWD system did not provide any level of lock-up making driving in snow less than confidence inspiring (unless the low ratio final drive was engaged which will lock the centre differentia, good only for crawling speedl). Fuel efficiency was certainly not there as the fuel guage could be seen literally moving while enroute! The ride was not "luxury" like its premium quality appointment had suggested. As a result, I haven't owned another SUV since, but am at least tempted, only but 10 years later by the more evolved products where superb ride and performance are blended together (think Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes R Class).

There are only 15000 worldwide. It housed a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 lb·ft of torque, going from zero to 60 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.8 seconds making it the quickest SUV available that year. The straight-line performance of the 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 has been surpassed by Jeep only with the 2006 introduction of the 6.1 L SRT8 HEMI Grand Cherokee.

complete beast offroad for having only $600 into everything thats not stock - 3 inch lift with solid dana 30 front and dana 44 rear and swaybar discos make it extremely capable on the technical stuff offroad, allow extreme flex an decent ground clearence - 32x11.50 goodyear mt-r tires mounted on 15x8 procomp rockrawler wheels- the bigest you can fit with absolutly no rubbing on a budget boost- these tires are quieter than some allterains and the bit characteristic offroad is incredible -tow package to 7,000lbs, full engine t case and gas tank skid plates keep me in one piece, factory lift package includes longer springs and extremely high quality shocks (finally warn out with enough flex at 144,000 miles on originals) -best cooling fan u can have (electric), home brewed cold air intake (waterproof) and full length 3 inch exhaust -fully optioned limited gets- v8 5.2L magnum, 3.73:1 gears, full leather power, sunroof, heated seats, automatic climate control, fogs, painted cladding, tow package, up country offroad package -in progress of add or soon to come - complete steel bumper with winch - rock sliders - coming in the spring - custom from ground up long arm system (6 inches) - eventual plan - 4bt

This was my wife's car, though I got to drive it for work. The G.C. never let me down. Gas mileage was rotten (13, 14 in the city...it'd do 18-20 on the highway, though), but with the 318 V8 I really didn't care too much. Plenty of power for any situation...and it sounded great with the Flowmaster muffler. Handling was about what you'd expect out of an SUV...you're not going to go looking for any curvy roads to blast down. It never felt unsafe, though. I've always loved the styling of the 1st gen. Grand Cherokee. It's standing the test of time well, I believe. The interior was very nice...comfortable, soft leather seats with heat (I miss this a lot!), nice Infinity stereo, and the build quality was good. Only a few cheap trim pieces here and there. We never had to do much to the Jeep, but when we did, replacement parts were inexpensive. It was starting to get a little worn out by the time we got rid of it, but it never let us down and was fantastic in the snow. I miss this car very much. The only thing that could possibly top it is if I could find a relatively unabused 5.9 for sale somewhere...

I like the fact that it had 4 wheel drive when you need it and not always engaged like some of the newer vehicles. It also has a part time mode for when it's a little slick out with rain or snow