1988 Jeep Cherokee Chief 4.0L

Summary:

Best SUV ever built

Faults:

Cam shaft position sensor failed.

Throttle position sensor failed.

Transmission died at 163,000.

Engine rebuilt at 150,000.

General Comments:

I bought this Jeep knowing that it had several issues. The head-gasket was leaking a little so I knew the engine would need to be rebuilt.

All of the problems I've had with this Jeep are due to it's age and the previous owners lack of care. That said, it has never left me on the side of the road. It has always limped home. Aside from the engine and transmission rebuilt I've done all the repairs on this Jeep. It's simple and reliable.

The 4.0L engine is perfectly balanced and has great power. The AW-4 transmission is extremely durable and reliable.

I love this Jeep. I own a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler and this Jeep. We also have a 2004 Honda Civic. Out of all of them this is my favorite!

I'd buy a brand new one today if they still made them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2004

1988 Jeep Cherokee limited 4.0

Summary:

Best all around, go anywhere vehicle ever made!

Faults:

Fuel Injectors Leaked.

Blow-by caused by bad vacuum lines.

Bad catalytic converter.

Bad headlight switch.

These were are bad when I bought it.

General Comments:

Best car ever made, period.

I bought the car for $300 dollars.

The car had set and not been maintained for 3 0r 4 years before I bought it.

After spending $500 to fix it, $300 of that being fuel injectors, I Have not had one problem since I fixed the ploblems it had when I bought it.

Easy to fix, do your self, and save.

I drive it daily and take off-road every week-end.

One of the best off-road vehicles ever, does every thing and goes anywhere.

I have pulled every make of car out of the mud, and turned my friends 83 full size Chevy right side up, after my flipped trying to keep up with me off road, and never got stuck or had a problem off-road.

I also put a 4 in lift on it and 32 in tires, and it still drives before then all my friends cars.

Buy a jeep and you will not be disappointed.

I have had three, and 0 problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

9th Jan 2006, 15:49

I agree 100%! I have the same vehicle, had almost all the sam problems, except for the fuel injectors. Instead I had to shell out $300 for a new tie rod and front end alignment. I wish I paid $300 for mine, it sat for 2-3 years and I talked him down from $800 to $650, but it was worth it, I love it.

20th Feb 2009, 20:20

I got the same Jeep and I believe the problem with it is the fuel injectors, but it sounds like a vacuum leak by the fuel injectors. Comment if you know the problem.

1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0 litre

Summary:

The most reliable 4x4 I've ever owned, I'm in love!!

Faults:

I have noticed a blow by problem, had to replace the seals on the rear differential.

The seats are worn, but are still very comfortable.

My key will not work in the door locks or in the hatch lock, something is wrong with the tumblers.

I only paid $800.00 for my Jeep and another $350.00 to safety it.

General Comments:

I am actually totally in love with my Jeep and she never stops amazing me. I have owned everything from Chevy Blazers, all the way down the line to a Dodge Ram Charger, and my Jeep out performs them all. Whether it's mud, hill climbing or the snow and ice, she has not let me down.

I turn the key and she starts up beautifully. There was a couple of times this winter where I had forgot to plug her in and the temperature went down to -50 degrees celsius, and she would turn over every time.

I feel a lot safer in the snowy, icy winter roads in my Jeep. She handles wonderfully under these conditions.

I've taken her through her paces when I've gone off roading and was very surprised at the fact that for a factory stock SUV she held her own up against newer, more powerful SUVs & trucks.

I'm very pressed with the power train and she has a very strong transfer case. I had actually pulled Kenworth tractor out of the snow with my Jeep (and I have the pictures to prove it!). Though this is not something I would advise anyone to do. I have even pull started a Ford SuperDuty TowTruck with the greatest of ease.

Like I said, She has impressed me in every way. I cannot foresee myself getting rid of my Jeep anytime soon. She has proved herself every step of the way. This year I'm looking at getting a 3 inch lift done, and maybe 31 or 33 inch tires and a new paint job.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2004