Summary:
Rugged, hard working, and reliable
Faults:
I've replaced the transmission twice. First time at about 220,000 miles, second time at 310,000 miles.
I rebuilt the rear axle assembly. Common problem at 120,000 miles.
I've replaced the radiator twice.
I installed an aftermarket intake manifold because the original one was plugged with soot from the heat riser. Somewhere about 200,000 miles.
The air-conditioner just quite - again.
The front seat upholstery wore out at about 290,000 miles. I replace the whole seat.
The headliner got wet when the roof leaked at the luggage rack mounts a approx.200,000 miles. Shortly after I fixed the leak the headliner disintegrated.
The engine is getting tired, but it is still original.
The body is finally getting some rather serious rust. The bottom of the back doors, the bottom of the tail gate, and the rear quarter panels are suffering the most.
General Comments:
In nearly 300,000 miles, the car has only stranded me 3 times - both times the transmission failed and once when the starter motor failed. Otherwise, it has always gotten me to a place to fix it. I have used it as a camper, pulled large loads, help dozens of people move, driven through most of the states in the US of A, and it has done it all in style! A wonderful car. Fuel economy is it's biggest downfall. Mine is a 2 wheel drive and it gets about 12 miles/gallon (5 km/L).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th May, 2004