1988 Jeep Comanche Base 4.0 inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Best truck ever made!!!

Faults:

The main thing with the engine was the exhaust valve.

I changed the tires and brakes, and nothing else.

General Comments:

To be honest with everyone, this is the best truck to buy.

It has crazy low-end torque and awesome acceleration.

I pull my friends who have 4x4s out of ditches like it was nothing.

The cab is pretty small, but hey...

My friend has a new Ford Explorer 4x4 and it's lower to the ground than my truck which is only 2x4.

I added an open air filter to this truck (cold air) and it made all the difference.

I come up to some little rice (Civics) and buried them behind me.

I would buy one is a second if they would come back in reproduction.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2002

21st Jan 2020, 04:03

Yes, the cab is a bit small but is adequate. Comanches were made from Cherokees as was AMC practice (think Hornet/Gremlin). If AMC had made Comanches from the two-door Cherokee, the cab would've been roomier but might have looked funny. Comanches were larger than import and domestic compact trucks, and were considered intermediates. I compared my MJ Pioneer to a first generation GM Colorado/Canyon and found they are nearly the same in dimension.

In reply to 21st Jan 2020, 04:03

25th Jan 2020, 06:01

AMC's Jeep Comanche is derived from the Cherokee, but with important modifications to the frame.

Both of these vehicles are Unibodies, in which the frame is integrated into the body, so in effect the body IS the frame.

Comanches are Cherokees from the doors forward, but for the Comanche AMC made the rails deeper and added an "X" structure in the rear, making it stronger there so the pickup bed could be removable.

Also, the rear leaf springs are longer to increase the load capacity without sacrificing ride quality.

In reply to 21st Jan 2020, 04:03

25th Jan 2020, 22:49

So, you're saying that the Jeep J-10 and J-20 pickups "looked funny"?

1988 Jeep Comanche 2wd Eliminator 4.0 I6 from North America

Summary:

Fun, easy to work on and reliable

Faults:

Alternator.

Radiator.

Shocks.

CPS (Crank Position Sensor)

General Comments:

I bought this sporty little truck as a second vehicle that I planned to use to haul minor loads of whatever and do some minor off-pavement exploring. As it turns out I quite enjoy driving it.

I did the usual maintaince when I first got it (plugs, wires, cap/rotor, oil/filter). Also, the alternator was pretty weak and the radiator was also looking pretty rotten so I replaced both.

About a week after I had the truck, it wouldn't start one morning. It sounded like it wasn't getting any spark. After a few hours research on the net I came to the conclusion that the problem was the result of the CPS (Crank Position Sensor) failing. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and away we went. Some people said it was usually just the connector that was at fault, but I decided to change out the whole sensor and harness.

I found parts relatively cheap (compared to Japanese or European autos) and did all the labor myself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2002

1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer 4.0 liter inline from North America

Summary:

Why aren't there more? They're great!

Faults:

The brakes need replacing. This is understandable because of how hard it is driven.

Rear bumper was removed in an accident while in the care of its previous owner.

Window handle broke.

General Comments:

I replaced his makeshift bumper with a section of 6" x 6" construction beam with a 10,000 pound tow hook bolted on. Have towed large trees off of it with no problem in low range. Works as good as a log skidder.

Plenty of power for its size.

Cab is fairly small.

Very difficult to get stuck. I have taken it through various off road trails with numerous obstacles such as steep hills, downed trees, streams, sand and deep ruts/washouts. It has also taken me through sand dunes with no problem. All in a stock vehicle.

The size is perfect for a trail rig, but leaves room for use as a work truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2001

17th Aug 2005, 21:06

After 19 years and 137000 miles in the U.P. it has lasted longer than I could have expected. Hasn't skipped a beat yet.