1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 V-8

Summary:

The most versatile Jeep EVER

Faults:

Nothing too serious to speak of. Previous owner, while attempting to put in a new sound system, had crossed the wires.

Radiator croaked last month.

SLIGHT body rust.

Rear defrost went out.

General Comments:

This is the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever owned.

Has a very tight turning radius and is nearly as capable in heavy four wheeling as a CJ.

This is a very reliable vehicle that has never left me stranded. It can take a major beating. I do lots of heavy four wheeling and it has many rattles. I will keep this vehicle until it is outlawed for the poor fuel mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2001

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9 Liter

Summary:

Strong, comfortable, reliable truck

Faults:

There are only two items I have encountered that I consider manufacturing defects with this vehicle:

1) Clear coat finish has begun to deteriorate (common).

2) Brake gravel/dust shield welds crack over time.

I believe the maintenance required by the following items is expected with a vehicle of this age:

3) Replaced the Alternator as it began to fail.

4) Replaced the water pump.

5) Aging vacuum lines requires regular attention / replacement.

6) Replaced drive shaft U-joints.

7) Carburetor requires tuning with the seasons.

8) Individual terminations of grounding wires require some attention to insure proper grounding.

General Comments:

I purchased my Grand Wagoneer to use solely as a fishing and hunting vehicle. It performs that task quite well. A typical fishing trip for me involves a 600 mile round trip to the cost and back. When at the coast, the Grand Wagoneer negotiates deep very soft sand quite well. I have never been fishing there and not seen a vehicle stuck in the sand. The Jeep is very capable off road.

The Jeep has also been very reliable and has not left me stranded. With a loving eye and attention to maintenance, aging parts can be easily and cheaply replaced before breaking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th February, 2001

26th Mar 2001, 15:58

We own two 1988 Grand Wagoneers. The first one we bought (blue one, mine), has always been mechanically sound, as long as we perform regular maintenance; frequent oil changes, carburator adjustments, regular fluid and line checks. The second one we bought, (white one, my man's) has always had special needs. Most recently we discovered the vacuum line and grounding issues you refer to. I wish I read this two years ago! Thanks for the confirmation! The Wagoneer wins!

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 390 V8

Summary:

A beautiful truck with many years ahead of it

Faults:

Pings on big hills at highway speeds (Grapevine I5, California).

Front doors not aligned, lots of wind noise. Shims will likely fix.

Drinks lots of gas.

Nothing major.

Pinging stumps the mechanic.

General Comments:

Great 4x4.

White paint shiny and lusterous. Wood panelling not fading or peeling. Tan leather like new, same with the carpet.

Many people express admiration. Do not see myself parting with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th December, 2000

23rd Jul 2001, 17:10

My Wagoneer pings on grapevine too. Check all vacuum fittings, hoses, switches. The air leaks fried my valves, now the engine has been rebuilt (I intend to keep it). I have replaced all the vacuum stuff and I'll leave a comment if it solves the problem.

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9L AMC 360

Summary:

Overall it is the best Jeep ever made

Faults:

Well when I got it the cabin lights didn't work but I found out the connections were rusted - easy fix.

The back window motor doesn't work and the down on the front door lock button doesn't work - another easiy fix.

Windows are little slow going up but nothing grease can't fix.

Engine seems to run hot but it doesn't over heat.

Things do rattle a little.

General Comments:

I think that this truck is cool, it offers a very funky look that is love it or hate it, but they are tigers in disguise.

They are very powerful and they do eat gas but not as bad as some other trucks (Fords).

They are very good offroad, they do have a tough ride but are very responsive. Very easiy to drive on the road too. Big, safe, and high off the ground.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2000

23rd Mar 2001, 12:04

I love the 1988 Grand Wagoneer I just bought. I have not had it long enough to see if it's as bad on gas as everyone says it will be, but I am sure it can't be as bad as what I was driving before.

My Jeep is in perfect shape, all the power options are in good working order, and I'm sure I'll never be as proud of any other vehicle as I am of it. Can't say what I think about the four-wheel drive because I do not want to take my beautiful truck off-road.