1991 Jeep Wrangler SE review from North America
"Great little truck, lots of fun"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
-When purchased it had a hole in the engine block. We knew this when we bought. Got a rebuilt one a few years newer with about 35000 miles on it since the rebuild for next to no money compared to a new one.
-Bearing in the hydraulic transmission was leaking, causing the transmission to lose fluid after a certain amount of time. This would cause a stuck shifter. Replaced bearing and all was fine.
-Leak in water pump caused overheating. Rebuilt water pump.
-Starting became more and more sluggish after some time. Rebuilt starter.
-Brakes were done once in three years.
-Near the end of my ownership, the synchros in 5th gear went. Caused me to have to limp on the Interstate in 4th gear.
-The top that came with it was in the worst condition. Windows were held in place by metal ties. Ripped in several places. Highway driving was pretty intense. Replaced with a used one that was in much better condition for little to no cost.
-Yellow paint was severely fading. That's what made it stand out in the parking lot at school. Used some rubbing compound, helped considerably.
Not much I could do living in FL.
-Headlights stopped working once. Activated/deactivated the high beams and all was fine. Never had problem again.
General comments?
My first vehicle while I was in high school. Great first auto for kids.
Was in one accident, messed up a full size Chevrolet pickup fairly well. Jeep fender was pushed in a little. Tank.
The four cylinder is slightly underpowered for highway driving and/or with more than 3 or 4 people.
Little to no electrical problems as with most jeeps. Then again the wranglers never seemed to have as many electrical problems as the cherokees and grand cherokees.
No A/C, living in FL. Actually wasn't that bad.
Always got compliments at school about my faded yellow jeep.
I really liked to vinyl seats. Spilled anything and everything on them, no problem.
Not very stereo friendly. Had my CD player stolen once. Had to bolt all stereo hardware to the body. Hid amp under back seat.
This was the truck I learned how to drive manual on. Fairly tricky. Took a little while to get the hang of.
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| Wouldn't trade it for a Mercedes, and will keep it till it falls apart |
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| Piece 'O Junk!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1991 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L inline 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 97000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 22nd March, 2005 |