1989 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Good truck to buy and have fun with!

Faults:

Overheats.

Alternator blew up.

Truck quits when I hit puddles or go in water.

Rear end is too light.

Really wobbly when lifted.

4WD high is under powered for an inline 6.

General Comments:

This truck is very fun to 4x4! It will go anywhere.

It likes mud. Lots of power in 4WD low.

I will out wheel any of my friends, and when it's not quitting, it's running great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2012

1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L inline-6 from North America

Summary:

With the 4.0L, it's a poor man's Cummins diesel

Faults:

Replaced 3 water pumps, 2 starters, 4 serpentine belts, 3 radiator recovery bottles, and front left brake hose.

Also sunroof leaks badly, which has ruined the headliner.

Two of the four power windows don't operate.

General Comments:

This vehicle is the very best driving experience since I got my license at 15.

The cabin is a classic traditional environment with full instrumentation, meaning a six gauge cluster vs. today's typical four gauge clusters.

The engine and drivetrain are the best especially the transmission. The AW-4 automatic since I've owned it has been trouble-free. It was made to handle some larger engines exceeding the 4.0L.

The engine is as powerful as some smaller V8's, and gets decent fuel economy. I typically get around 23-24 on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2010

1989 Jeep Cherokee inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Jeep, going places, smiling faces

Faults:

Drives a little rough, but it keeps going and going... often imitated, never duplicated - JEEP.

General Comments:

Power, reliable, for over 20 years still running strong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2010

1989 Jeep Cherokee from North America

Summary:

What?

Faults:

Jeep's are good, but the 4 clyinder motor is far superior to the crappy straight 6. The straight 6 is well known for leaking at the rear main seal. the solution is new gasket and with some luck and high tack you can fix it, but as for me and my jeep's v-8's or 4's no 6's!

General Comments:

Buyer beware!!!

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

Review Date: 29th November, 2006

10th Dec 2006, 21:03

Don't agree with the "crappy" in-line six comment at all. Have owned a Jeep,1991, for 174k miles with very minimal work over and above the normal maintenence. Have seen several comments and know first hand of the in-line sixes going well over 200k, and I plan to see at least 300k with mine. The percentage of poor reviews is very minimal for this engine. America needs to learn how to make an engine/tranny combination this well again!

View 10 more comments

1989 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0 242 from North America

Summary:

She has always gotten me home, and I never want to let her go!

Faults:

Radiator had been dripping just enough to notice since 205,000.

Noticed rear main seal was leaking durring the summer at 205,000.

Rod bering started making noise at 207,000.

Damaged exhaust crawling over a VERY steep hill 207,500.

Power steering pump has been wanting to fail since 210,000.

Windshield wipers slap the bottom of the window frame 210,000.

General Comments:

I have never been stuck in this Jeep yet and I have owned it over a year. She has taken me to the top of many mountains (without overheating) and down some of the lowest valleys. My Jeep Cherokee fits me like a glove. It is the perfect size for everything I want to do and haul. I'm sure I have exceeded the 5000 tow capacity... and the Jeep is never fazed. If you are a true 4-wheeler at heart, gas prices these days won't matter to you. It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2006

14th Aug 2007, 23:08

I too also have an 89 limited XJ that I HAVE OWNED SINCE 03. It had about 200k on it; now 289K.

Rear seal leaks (has for about 3 years), the muffler got banged up when the rear drive shaft fell off. I drove around in 4 wheel drive about a month until I put new bearings in it. The muffler still works and is the original.

I replaced the key switch, and used the key to start with a combination of a toggle switch (because I did not have proper tools at the place to repair it correctly).

I have had no starting trouble, except corrosion on main firing wire.

I had to replace the axle on the drivers side front, and used a 1990 model by mistake; did not know there was a difference until I had to replace a rotor.

I love my Jeep. IT IS A REAL JEEP AND THE BEST EVER MADE. People around here get anywhere from 300k to 500K, and most of the problems are leaking rear seals.

Most trouble in Jeeps occurs around 200K, but are simple (in car repair) to work on yourself. Jeeps are great, and keep your handbook handy so when you break down, you can fix it yourself.