1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Reviews - Page 2 of 2

The pan gasket (and there are four separate pieces) lets the engine leak a lot of oil. I understand this is a common problem.

The engine control module has failed three times - the part is $170.

The power steering pump sprung a bad leak at 90,000.

Carb has needed rebuilding twice (first guy did it wrong), but the engine continues to stall from a stop.

Driver's seat leans back - support braces are softer metal than they should be.

Starts well in any weather - always kept outside.

Great traction - vacuum electronic 4wh drive works perfectly.

The car has been in the family since new.

The following problems have occurred since new:

Vapor lock, until an extra fuel pump and larger radiator were installed

Slow power windows, but they all still work

Rear window wiper doesn't work

Really hard to get the tranny out of 4WD LOW, someone recommended backing up in a figure 8?

Rear bumper rubber thingies, keep falling off every time I scrape the back bumper 4-wheeling

The door chime goes off sometimes in the middle of the night for no apparent reason, especially when the truck is parked on a slight angle, still haven't figured that one out yet. Sucks when your camping and it goes off

Ash tray doesn't stay closed

The JEEP hood ornament snapped off one day, replaced it no problem

The original JEEP cassette player died, replaced it with a 93 JEEP cassette player

The leather-wrapped steering wheel is beginning to rub off

Rear window keyhole doesn't work, but at least the switch inside is still OK.

You'd think that with all that has gone wrong with the car I'd hate it, right? NOPE! Even after 226,000 miles on the same engine/transmission, this car runs like a top. It helps that my uncle is a mechanic and owns his own shop and has kept up with the preventive and scheduled maintenance visits. Thanks Bob!

Things that I love about this car:

The engine is huge and powerful. The truck would go from 0 - 60 in less than 10 seconds if it didn't weigh 6,000 lbs. 5-15 miles to the gallon kinda sucks, but when you're pulling a heavy trailer or 6 passengers and cargo, its worth it. Especially considering the luxury and comfort passengers get to ride in.

I love the wood-grain vinyl! The car has been repainted (original white) and the vinyl has been replaced so it looks new (except for the replacement grille). The vinyl absorbs a lot of the little brush scratches when off-roading, so it works well too.

The roof rack is useful. I hope I'm not the only one using the roof rack. I stick coolers up there, bikes, skis, extra gasoline, whatever won't fit inside. And the stock clamps are holding in there just fine.

The fold up rear seat is great for camping. Fold up the rear and open the tailgate. Put your pillow on the tailgate and you've got an ergonomic and astronomer-friendly bed.

The compass and temperature gauges have come in handy.

I can't believe how well the carpet holds up to a constant beating, and the seats are holding up just as well.

4-wheeling in LOW is where my GW really shows her stuff. You don't even have to press the accelerator (or the brake) to climb or descend sharp angles.

I'd really like to throw a deeper-throated exhaust on it and bigger tires. Maybe I'll just leave her be, we seem to be getting along just fine.

Engine failure (result of cooling hose failure) at 185,000 miles.

Seatbelt anchor failure at 145,000.

Radiator failure at 150,000.

Slight left (driver) side sag (ongoing).

Power steering pump reservoir leak at 170,000.

Transmission gasket leak at 130,000.

Vacuum hose leaks (ongoing and intermittent).

Rear differential failure at 180,000.

Vehicle is comfortable and capable, both on and off road.

Some ergonomic issues that are byproducts of the vehicle's 30 year product cycle and can be lived with.

Vehicle's design (short overhangs, wide track) overcome limitations of the solid axle and leaf spring suspension to provide on road handling and ride that is better than competing late model SUVs.

Drivetrain, though robust and satisfactory, is archaic and overly constrained by 1970s vintage emissions controls.