1985 Jeep Cherokee from North America - Comments

What an abomination! What was AMC thinking putting an underpowered 2.8l V6 into such a heavy wagon. (SUV).

Even after rebuild, motor leaked constantly, clutch had to be replaced repeatedly and serious transfer case problems after 200,000kms. Loud whine and then clunk on the highway-SCARY!

Window on passenger back liked popping off. Pulled over for speeding after dyno test revealed speedo head assembly out by 20km/hr. Replaced.

Heater core went-replaced for $200.

Lots of comfort for big people. Rear seats folding down quite practical for loading. Unreliability makes this a bad investment.

AMC Abomination? The 2.8 V-6 is Chevy engine. Did the person that rebuilt the V-6 even know what they were doing? Brand new gaskets shouldn't leak unless they are not properly installed. As far as the transfer case goes, perhaps you or the previous owner ran the truck in 4wd on the pavement. This ruins them pretty quick. Later Cherokees had a 4.0L six that is much more powerful.

You do realize that when you purchased this vehicle it was already 15 years old!

It is true that the V-6 is the most loathed engine that was ever put in the XJ. It is also true that they bought them from Chevy who was putting them into the S-10 and S-15 pickups.

As far as this XJ goes, this was only the second year of production and was pretty much a torchbearer for the SUV explosion that hit in the early to mid 90's. Incidentlly, this vehicle is not classified as an SUV, but rather a station wagon.

I also have a 1985 XJ, with the 5-speed transmission, optional 3.73 gears, and the command trac transfer case. Mine is also lifted 3 inches.

After 18 years, this is a great truck and should be thought of as an 18 year old truck. It won't perform like new. There will be rotten belts, rusted gaskets, leaky hoses, and mis-adjusted carburetors. Enjoy the truck, enjoy working on the truck, and be thankful that you have a vehicle that is part of history.

To conclude, I was skeptical of the XJ's ability when I first bought it, as my other truck is a 1996 Grand Cherokee. After owing it only 2 weeks, I took it off road and it, in it's stock appearance, out performed a 1988 Range Rover with a 4 inch lift and mods, and a early 90's Z-71 Chevy pickup with a 6 inch lift.

I am a Jeep guy through and through and would not hesitate to purchase ANY Jeep product... even one that is 18 years old.

Sounds to me like someone doesn't know how to rebuild a motor. Most 80's suvs were not exactly road rockets. The performance of a 2.8 cherokee is pretty much comparable to any 80's compact suv.

Hey I own a 1985 amc jeep cherokee, I fixed it up with new everything, suspension, rims, brakes paint interior, everything I love jeeps, I had fixed this one a couple of years back and sent it to my country so I can used it for vacation, now in 2005 the car is in great condition as well as exterior, interior, it has runed more than 20,000 miles and still the automatic transmission is great shape (where the country preferrs manual). the only problem I have now is that the engine is in bad shape due to constant weather changes and usage. Throughout the years of having fun in the mud and rain I Cannot sell it! It is a piece of American history! So I am seeking anyone who can help me rebuild the engine, in the sense of the parameters of the engine (like step by step) or advice? it is a 2.8 litre V6 P.S. is it true the engine is weak and sluggish by any chance anyone know how much hp it is has? thanks.

Its shame AMC didn't make one of their engines standard, it would have been much more reliable (though there was one available I think the 4.2) P.S. the Chevy V-6 has about 130 horsepower.

I bought my 1985 Cherokee back in 1991. Has to replace the Chevy v6 engine at 107000 miles. No other major problems after that. Just wore out from hard use.

I brun out cars of all types. No matter what kind. I traded a couch for my 1885 jeep cherokee and this sob will not die a new water pump from time to time, but it is tough I would not take a new car for free which I have own brand new cars many and I kill them in a year don't knock the jeep and the chevy 2.8 is a dam good motor. I had S-10 Pickups and the motor was the only thing running. My jeep now has over a millon miles on it and the dam thing keeps going. I got it to where it looks brand new now.

I have a 1985 Jeep Cherokee and it's great!

I had to put a new driveline in it, but that was at 198,000 miles. Now it feels and runs better than my 1988 Cherokee.

Sounds like someone didn't know how to put together an engine, or you had it done on the cheap and you got robbed.

I put a bigger cam in it and had it bored over 60", and it runs and pulls very good. It doesn't have much top end, but up to 4000 RPM it is very strong.

A lot of it depends on the engine code on the Block; later year LR2 60 degree V6's had a one piece rear main seal, and a 2 piece on the earlier ones.

For being a unibody wagon, this is the strongest and best built vehicles of the 80s, besides the CJ and Wrangler Jeeps!