1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0

Summary:

An expensive piece of garbage

Faults:

Two weeks after I bought my Jeep, it would not start.

It has had to be towed two times in eleven months.

It burned oil for two months.

It dies in reverse and drive while moving or sitting still.

The rear windows do not roll down all the way.

The passenger side door is the only door with a working power lock.

I cannot move either of my mirrors for my blind spots.

The spare tire has stripped the bolt three times in eleven months.

The two front door dome light buttons are not working.

My emergency brake does not work at all (I seriously think it is there for looks!)

My air conditioner does not work and does not hold a charge.

My suspension clunks every now and then.

My transmission shifts back and forth between two gears at least two times a day.

My Jeep idles at a constant 500 R.P.M.

You cannot brake on ice, especially in four-wheel drive, or you will spin (I know this from experience -- about three of them).

When I bought my Jeep, my headliner was already down (just another little annoying expense).

My rear windshield wiper only has one setting (well, at least when I bought it, the Jeep had two)!

Every time I hit a (mid-corner) bump, the back tries to pass the front.

General Comments:

My Buick has twenty more thousand miles on it (195,000) and it runs ten times better! I have learned my lesson -- If you want to buy an American-made car, stick with a Buick!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th July, 2001

22nd Mar 2006, 22:11

Man I know what your talking about. I owned a Jeep Cherokee and it was junk!! Everything you mentioned mine had plus more. I sold it for $600 and was lucky to get that. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER JEEP!! I have bought my a 1985 BMW 325e and it is a good vehicle. It has 202,000 plus miles on it, and its still running strong!! But a Jeep is not worth $500 dollars!!

1989 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer Straight 6 cylinder

Summary:

This jeep has been the most reliable car I have ever had

Faults:

The paint has chipped and has a dull milky finish on the hood and top.

The oil seals have leaked after being replaced twice.

I have only had the car two full years and have already been through five starters. I don't know if this is a problem with all Jeeps, or the auto-part stores where I have bought all the starters.

General Comments:

It's not the most comfortable car.

Does not handle curves that well.

This Jeep has over 172,000 miles on it and still runs good. Does not burn oil, but does leak some.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2001

1989 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4.0L

Summary:

I would buy one again any day

Faults:

Alternator @ 93,000 miles.

Rear engine oil seal @ 98,000 miles.

Plastic engine coolant bottle 3 times in the past 4 years. Very poor design.

Transmission mount @ 98,000 miles.

General Comments:

I do enjoy this vehicle for it's good qualities.

It is the best ever in deep snow.

The interior is comfortable and quiet.

The gas mileage is bad, but I like the rest so well.. I accept it.

Lots of power and very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2001

1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L

Summary:

A very good performance bargain, the best purchase I ever made!!!

Faults:

I bought this vehicle from a local D.A.V. auto donation center without the opportunity to even test drive it. I went on visual inspection only.

There were some papers indicating new injectors however.

The brakes were obviously new and under the hood was in natural condition and well maintained.

At some point recently has had the rear-end replaced.

The clear-coat on the paint has failed on the upper surfaces, which for some reason seems to be quite common on this charcoal grey color.

On the interior, the headliner has typically sagged and needs recovering, soon to be done.

I later found a couple of minor interior lighting problems with dome lights and dash. Lights that I expect will be fairly easy to repair.

The rear side windows leaked water around the seals and was repaired.

Also, the rear wiper seems to have come disconnected inside and expect to repair that in warmer weather.

The cruise control switch seems to be defective and will be replaced.

I have replaced the muffler and tail pipe.

General Comments:

This has turned out to be a very tight, strong, and smooth running vehicle.

The engine runs perfectly and does not smoke or use oil.

I am a big, tall guy, and it has plenty of room and is a very comfortable vehicle for me to ride and drive.

All of the upholstery is in very good condition as are the carpets.

No cracks in the dash or rattling parts.

All options except as explained above work well.

It has the Selectrack transmission which is in superb condition.

Even the air blows ice cold.

I absolutely love this vehicle and cannot say enough positive about it.

It is a fine example of what proper maintenance and care can do to extend the life of these vehicles.

It is my first Jeep and am happy I had the opportunity to buy it, especially without even a test drive, only starting the engine.

I have no plans of even considering selling this vehicle, even though several offers have been made with a substantial profit!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2001

5th Jun 2001, 23:46

I also just bought a Cherokee, 1990, with the SelectTrack transmission. The car is too new to tell much about yet, but seems very smooth and powerful. I put Toyo Open Country tires on, 225R75-15, and they cancelled out the normal tendency of the Jeep to sway and yaw. Very good tires. Next time I might be tempted to use the 225R70 to get the Jeep just a bit lower in overall height, but that will also lower the gas mileage slightly.

I would like to know more about the SelectTrack transmission, and about the "Part Time 4WD" position on the 4WD selector. Am trying to get a copy of the original owner's manual.

Only negative is mileage. This seems to be getting about 15 in town, and I have not yet had it on the road.

Thanks for your info. Glad to hear someone else is having a good experience with this vintage Cherokee.