1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer review from North America
"A squirrel squashin' deer smackin' driving machine!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When my dad bought it, it was five years old - the year the radiator always blows.
After that, it's been the usual problems associated with these jeeps:
-The Jeep is on it's third or fourth exhaust system.
-Fuel gauge sending unit has been replaced twice.
-Tailgate window brackets have rusted off, requiring a new window.
-Switch in tailgate to allow window to go up when closed seems to always be problem prone when you need it the most. (in winter).
-U joints have been replaced.
-Rebuilt carburetor installed.
-Fuel pump gave it up.
-Power steering gearbox started leaking at bottom seal. Been replaced.
-Replaced EGR valve.
-Ignition module failed at six years old (out of town of course).
-Right side exhaust manifold cracked, caused by a siezed heat riser valve.
General comments?
I am 21 years old and I have grown up with the Grand Wagoneer since I was a baby in the back seat.
It was defenitely a blast to take to school when I got my license! The offroad trips during lunch break kicked @$$! It is the most solid utility vehicle on the road and probally always will be.
On my way in to work one day in late November, I lost control of the rear end on the icy driveway where I work. Being in 2WD, the back end fishtailed immediately going around the corner and I ended up in the ditch further up. The ditch was a fifteen foot drop almost straight down, but what made things worse were the thick cedar trees before the ditch!
The Jeep required both front leaf springs which I replaced myself in minus fifteen degree (celcius) weather, as well as a brake line. The front fenders and bumper are wrecked, but drivable as is. I have another Jeep for parts - thank god!
If this had been any other SUV with plastic bumpers and unibody, the frame for sure would be bent and many windows smashed!
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| Not a Volvo, what next? |
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| I would buy a new one if Jeep still built them! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 360 V8 (5.9L) 250 hp Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 112000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 237900 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jeep Grand Wagoneer |
| Date of Entry | 3rd April, 2003 |