1991 Daihatsu Rocky 1.6 16v from North America

Summary:

An unheard Japanese Surprise.

Faults:

When I first got this Rocky it wasn't working I had to open the engine and see what was wrong with it. The head gasket was blown and the pistons were gone. I had to look for any used engine because a new one was impossible to find. I paid $200 dollars for this jeep and the used engine was $400. There was no service installing the used engine since me and my friend did the work ourselves. If you have a car garage get it inside because rust is a common problem. Asides that nothing serious or expensive has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

This jeep is serious fun and very comfortable despite its size. The engine is a bit slow, but the thanks to its 5 speed transmission it doesn't seems that way. Considering that I only used around 600-700 dollars for it, this jeep is the best car I have ever own. Parts are quite difficult to find due to the fact that Daihatsu only sold around 18,000 back in 91' and the following year they stopped sales. I wish Daihatsu was still here in America. This jeep turns a lot of heads and it's actually a good 4x4. I have driven this jeep for around 35,000 miles on a used engine and nothing serious has gone wrong. I definitely recommend this vehicle for anyone who is a do it yourself guy/girl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2004

10th Jan 2005, 20:57

First of all it is not a Jeep it is a Daihatsu, Jeep is a registered trademark of Daimler-Chrysler. Second, 18000 Daihatsu Rockies were sold in the United States ever, not just in 1991. In fact, only 295 were sold in 1991 and Daihatsu USA was forced to shut its doors.

26th Dec 2006, 18:22

Jeep is not an adjective it is a pronoun and a registered trademark of the Daimler-Chrysler company.

26th Oct 2007, 23:12

Big deal if they used the word "Jeep" to describe this car. It helped me to understand what the car is like. Haven't you ever asked for a Kleenex, or do you say "tissue" because Kleenex is a registered trademark? Gimme a break!

13th Mar 2010, 14:52

I'm Irish, and we refer to all 4x4 vehicles as Jeeps, so, whatever floats your boat I guess. Probably due to the fact that they all stem from the WW2 Willys Jeep.

20th Jan 2011, 22:16

I have owned CJs, YJs, XJs, a ZJ and a couple TJs (one of which I still have).

I just purchased a Rocky and refer to it as a "Little Jeep". Who cares that it is a trademark name?

Jeep is an easy way to describe any 4x4 that has a convertible top and short wheelbase.

1991 Daihatsu Rocky Prior 2.8 intercooled turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Will continue to drive this great car as long as possible, great value for money. The bomb!

Faults:

Tires exploded, worn on one side.

Interior mirror became ridiculously loose.

General Comments:

This is the best car I've ever owned, superb performance and economy.

Although it is not a speed machine it has mountains of torque and can outperform most faster cars on the hills.

Sometimes a bit shakey on the road, but that is what you expect for what is essentially a truck design.

Looks great and goes on and on forever off-road.

Well spec-ed, with all the goodies you'd want and enough room for 4 adults and all their gear; plus performance is not affected by loading.

Parts and accessories a little hard to find.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd May, 2001