My experience matches most of the other replies.

Mine is an early 98 (May 97 production). Here's what I have experienced in nearly 5 years and 47K miles:

- 2 headlamp bulbs (yes the DRL's are on).

- a few iterations of the turn signal sockets / bulbs. But since the latest campaign upgrade I've not had any trouble for the past two years.

- the amber coating flaked off the rear turn signals, so I replaced both bulbs.

- battery at 4 years (I consider this normal).

- SC816 CD deck would not accept CD's ... eventually cured with swap out of a different radio which has been flawless.

- right rear power window switch ... would not light up.

- tailgate lock assembly ... internal failure kept the amber light on in the dash.

And that's it.

There were a few enhancements for the 1999, but not enough for me to call the 1998 model "avoid".

I wouldn't hesitate on a 1998 at all. Go for a GLT if you can find one. It makes a nice "sleeper" wagon. Good Luck!