1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer V-8 360

Summary:

Deluxe!

Faults:

Electronics are notoriously bad - back seat driver's window, slow tailgate window, short in the back seat passenger window.

On one occasion, driving over the Continental Divide, the Jeep got a bit of vapor lock. Spraying carb cleaner in the carb started it up after 20 minutes.

Fuel gauge inaccurate - I keep a small notebook handy for records - and 5 gallons of fuel on the roof!

General Comments:

The GW tends to run hot - about 220 degrees consistently.

This truck is tough as nails and nicely countered with more panache than 99% of all other vehicles. However, it needs lots of tender loving care - routine maintenance like checking fluids, etc.

I wouldn't trade this truck for anything, despite the 11 mpg I get cruising down the mountain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2001

31st Jan 2003, 23:43

Your comments hit the nail on the head. I have owned mine for a year and have done numerous things to it: new engine, rebuilt the tranny, new heater core. Stuff like that. I wish that they had put a bigger gas tank in it as I fuel up much too often. I also wish that it had fuel injection. As long as I have had it even with the new engine, I still have a miss and cannot figure out what it is. I have even taken it to a "professional" mechanic who cannot find how to fix it either. I think my only remedy is a new carb.

Even with all the problems and the countless hours spent under the hood and on the floor of my garage, I still love this thing!! Call me stupid, but it looks cool. My wife wants me to get rid of it until she rides in it!

28th Jul 2005, 20:30

I have had my 89 GW since spring of 96 and I love my girl! I had thought about replacing her, but nothing out there comes close in cargo space, interior comfort and style. And as a Scout mom I do use all the features including 4 wheel drive.

It does run hot and I have had to drop a couple of radiators in her. That has been the only on-going issue.

I do confess that the gas gauge is not to be relied on (thank heavens for Triple A's road service!) and the back window wiper does not work, but with more than 198,000 miles on her those kinds of things are going to happen.

1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9L V8-360 2-bbl

Summary:

Legendary 4WD at a great price and with unlimited style

Faults:

I have had a bit of trouble with the vapor lock. When the temperature outside reaches 90 or so, the vehicle tends to run hot. As a result the gasoline tends to evaporate before reaching the carburetor. I have been told that adding an electric fuel pump between the tank and carburetor will remedy this problem.

General Comments:

The first time I saw an older model Jeep Grand Wagoneer, I knew I had to have one.

The great thing about full size Jeeps (FSJs), is the camaraderie you will feel when you see another FSJ owner.

Another great attribute of the Grand Wagoneer is its ruggedness and endurance. I used to drive an HMM-WV (Hum-vee) while I was in the Army. The Grand Wagoneer would absolutely go anywhere the military Hummer would.

I wouldn't trade my '89 GW for any other vehicle.

Long live the Full Size Jeep!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2001

19th Sep 2004, 19:39

You are correct... a elec fuel pump will help a lot when hot weather appears.

22nd Oct 2004, 12:13

You need to replace the fan clutch. This will cure the problem with it running hot.

1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 360 V8

Summary:

Some things you do for love

Faults:

Sending unit on the fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge had to be replaced.

Currently has an electric problem - there is a draw on a new interstate battery.

Frame needed sistering - rust discovered under the undercoating.

Usual slow windows/rear window dash switch problems. All corrected. Rear de-fogger never worked.

Clear coating is down right lousy. I'll have the car repainted this fall.

Transfer case leak.

Starter about to go.

Spark plug wires and pole piece had to be replaced. Never underestimate the value of good wires. Pay a little more for them.

Interior headliner is drooping.

General Comments:

From all of the above you'd think I would want to get rid of this car and not look back. Wrong. This is my second Wagoneer. I had to sell the first for financial reasons unrelated to the car.

I love these old girls.

I use it as a surfing vehicle. Drives on the soft sand like it's asphalt.

When I got this second Wagoneer, my wife called it the "Divorce Mobile". Don't let the name fool you - she loves it too. I will not sell this one.

Whoever owned this car before me didn't take care of her. Left outside with the windows down in the rain; never waxed; general maintenance never performed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2001