1989 Jeep Wrangler from North America

Summary:

I hate to love my Jeep

Faults:

Transmission. The 1989 model year has a Peugeot 5-speed transmission that was very poorly designed and made. I found this out after purchasing the vehicle used. Additionally, getting the transmission properly rebuilt has been very expensive ($1,500.00) due to the difficulty in obtaining rebuild parts and the degree of difficulty of the rebuild.

Also, the wiring system has a short that I have been unable to locate.

General Comments:

The 6 cylinder engine is strong, but likes lots of fuel.

Despite the negatives of the 1989 model year, I love the ride.

I am going to get a newer Jeep, one with a fuel injected 6 cylinder engine and a better transmission.

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

Review Date: 8th April, 2015

1989 Jeep Wrangler 2.5 from North America

Summary:

I love the freedom of the Jeep

Faults:

Cracked windshield, windshield wiper lever is broken, rips in the seat, gauges are not working properly. The car seems to slow down going up hills.

This is the last thing my dad gave me before having a stroke. I would really like to fix this Jeep up and make it my project car. I am curious how easy it might be to find replacement parts for this vehicle, and if I could get some help asking questions about what I can do to fix this Jeep?

General Comments:

So far, I really love the Jeep. I hate that I can't drive it in the rain due to the windshield wiper lever being broken off. But there is nothing better than taking off the doors and enjoying a summer day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2010

1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ Islander 4.2 i6 from North America

Summary:

After some TLC and little cheap things, it's been the best vehicle I have ever owned

Faults:

My engine detonated a piston the first 100 miles I had it. It also needed all new rod bearings.

I welded a new frame section in for the gearbox because it was weak. Also I had to re-weld the driver's seat.

General Comments:

After everything was rebuilt in the engine, I ported and polished the head (IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE). I have been getting about 20 mpgs, but all synthetic fluids in everything helps a lot.

There are a lot of little things that help make the ride less abrasive, like oil in between the leafs and good shocks. So I would say that now it's more like a small truck rather than Wrangler tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2010

19th Jul 2010, 06:24

There's nothing wrong with a "Wrangler Tank".

1989 Jeep Wrangler S 2.5 I4 from North America

Summary:

There's only one Jeep!

Faults:

I have worn out two sets of seats.

The radiator rusted and leaked.

Transmission had to be rebuilt after 120000 miles.

Water pump had to be replaced at 85000 and 140000 miles.

General Comments:

I will probably never sell this vehicle, as it is fun to drive, both on and off road.

With both soft and hard tops and doors, it is almost like having two cars.

Considering that I used it off road quite a bit, it has held up remarkably well.

As I have owned it 21 years, the cost of ownership has been very low.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2010

21st Apr 2010, 08:22

It's nice to read a positive review about the old Wrangler YJ. They certainly are fun vehicles aren't they? I own a 1995 Jeep Wrangler with the 5 speed manual transmission and the 4.0 liter inline six. My Jeep also has 142,000 miles and has been extremely reliable.

1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander 4.2L straight 6 from North America

Summary:

Pull your hair out fun

Faults:

Rebuilt both axles, transmission, carb.

Replaced radiator, water pump, clutch (including master & slave cylinders).

New top, windshield seal,

General Comments:

It is truly a Love/Hate relationship. I do have a factory service manual.

It is a blast to roll through mud or sand & pull other vehicles that get stuck. It is also great to put the top down on a sunny day. Of course it takes forever to put it back up!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2008

1989 Jeep Wrangler 2.5L from North America

Summary:

Reliable, fun to drive YJ

Faults:

Seats are torn.

Brake lines had to be replace.

Original frame rusted badly and had to be replaced.

Transmission replaced at 140,000 miles - due to accident.

Fuel pump went at 143,000.

Starter replace at 143,000.

General Comments:

It has been very reliable for the time I've had it. I had to spend some time getting it back into a good condition (had to replace the frame)

The jeep is pretty slow, doesn't have much power, not very comfortable, but is fun to drive.

Gas mileage is usually between 15 and 18 on street tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2007