1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer 4.0 litre gasoline from North America

Summary:

This car is dependable and economical to own and operate

Faults:

I've replaced regular maintenance items plus items expected to wear out on a car of this age and mileage. Right now, this car leaks a small amount of oil, which is normal for 4.0 AMC engines.

General Comments:

I bought this car from an independent service garage that side-lined in used vehicles. I knew of the elderly gentleman who bought it new in 1988. Meeting him later, he gave me the complete history of his ownership of this car. I enjoyed visiting with him and he was pleased that I was the new owner and appreciated the car.

Having owned a Gremlin in my youth, I am familiar with AMC. $125 from a salvage yard, the Gremlin was a total rag but dependable, fun to drive and bullet proof.

I had a chance to buy a 1990 AMC Cherokee for $1900 and regret not purchasing it. As was common AMC practice, the Jeep Comanche is derived from the Cherokee.

I constantly get 21 miles per gallon with more than ample performance. It's comfortable, handles well and more than capable for anything I have called upon it to do. This Comanche is a 2wd pickup with the 4.0 liter engine and the Aisin A4W automatic transmission.

There is some road noise, but this is normal for a unibody car compared to body on frame.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2020

19th Jan 2020, 04:21

Neat truck!!!

I never understood why they weren’t more popular. Best-in-class acceleration, good styling, and drove pretty well.

One thing: if you tow or haul heavy loads, keep up with your transmission fluid/filter changes. A transmission cooler may be beneficial.

15th Oct 2023, 16:45

Is it really normal for any engine to leak oil? I wouldn't say so.

15th Oct 2023, 17:21

Ever hear of the Cadillac Northstar V8?

15th Oct 2023, 19:39

Asking that question shows you have never owned a Land Rover... ;)

1988 Jeep Comanche MJ 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Yuk

Faults:

This poor truck seems to break each time I drive it... just about everything has broken. I keep hoping that each time it breaks, the closer it is to being new again.

However even brand new parts are failing. I had to buy 3 crankshaft positioning sensors before I got one that worked.

It's ridiculously slow and loud. The windows leak bad in the rain. Gas mileage is at best 11 MPG.

It has a 5 inch lift and new 33 inch tires.

It has new paint. And attracts so much attention. Everyone loves the truck. Except me - it's a money pit at best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th February, 2018

25th Feb 2018, 04:24

Jeeps are a lifestyle appurtenance. You're either into it, or you're not.

If you want reliability above all, go Toyota.

1988 Jeep Comanche 4.0 litre from North America

Summary:

My friends wish their trucks were as tough

Faults:

Replaced power steering lines.

Replaced EGR controller.

General Comments:

Good reliable truck, despite its high miles. I would purchase another given the chance.

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

Review Date: 5th November, 2010

1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer from North America

Summary:

There is no truck better than the MJ!

Faults:

I bought this great Jeep truck as second owner in '05 for 600.00. It is 6 cylinder 4x4 and has a 5 speed trans.

It made a loud squealing sound and the windshield visor clip broke on the way home. The ride and power seamed really good for the year and felt almost like new. Even though the faded red paint, torn headliner, ripped drivers seats, badly dented bed, missing tailgate, and weathered 15" tires, I still think it was one of the best buys I ever made!

General Comments:

The squealing noise turned out to be a clogged sock screen in side the gas tank. I fixed it and the sound went away for good. I added 16' wheels and all terrain tires, and it has helped improved the ride. I'll raise it up 3 or 4 inches and change the shocks, which will improve it even more.

This truck is quick and tight, and has the factory roll bar that really adds to it looks.

I am slowly getting all the things fixed on it. One day I will finish it the way I want it, and I know now that I would never sell it.

I worked at this Docs house and he kept asking me to sell it. He finally offered to trade his nice but older BMW car for it. His car is worth at least 5k. That was a hard one to pass up let me tell ya!

A Pittsburgh guy who is a collector, offered 2200 the way it sits. What's funny about that is it books out at 6-800. I guess some people just know a good thing when they see one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2009