1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9 liter gas V8 from North America

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

The locks are starting to freeze up in the winter due to age. The rear window motor had to be changed a few years back, the gas gauge doesn't work properly, the headliner started to droop last year. Drives great.

General Comments:

I love my wagoneer. It's roomy, comfortable and reliable. Nothing seems to stop it. Its never too hot, or too cold, too much snow, too much rain for this baby it just runs. Its also very solid. A few months ago, a Nissan rear ended me at a stoplight. The Nissan's front end basically fell off... my Wagoneer had a small dent on its rear bumper. One secret about Wagoneers is that they are good city cars too. I mean they have a tight turn radius and soak up potholes really good. They drink a lot of gas.

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

Review Date: 10th February, 2007

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 5.9L 360 V8 from North America

Summary:

Great one day and poor the next

Faults:

Worn rear axle seals and bearings.

2 belts broke a HALF HOUR after purchase.

Wiring harness was a birds nest: making right turns caused it to die. Had a few wires to replace and reconnect.

Another wire soon became damaged near the ignition coil.

Continues to stall out while driving, or won't start after use. Not always, just sometimes.

General Comments:

I fell in love with this automobile at first sight. The fake wood is what sold me! The body was in great condition, it's just under the hood is what's bothering me. The engine and all wires are clean and may have been replaced, but either someone did a poor job. I have no idea what to do about it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2005

28th Dec 2005, 09:53

I also have an 88. When turning corners, it would cut off; turned out to be the carburetor... try rebuilding it or getting a new one.

The wiring on mine is also crud. I've looked at several other Grand Wagoneers, and it actually seems to be how they were manufactured. I'm currently looking for a new wiring harness, so I can replace all the wires under the hood.

I've loved these cars since I was a kid, and I don't think I'd ever have anything else.

1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4X4 5.9L from North America

Summary:

This Grand Wagoneer has been very disappointing compared to earlier models

Faults:

The A/C compressor failed, requiring replacement. System has worked 100% since.

The power steering box required a pitman arm seal replacement.

The water pump bearing exhibited more wear/wobble than I have ever seen, requiring a water pump replacement - however, it never leaked any coolant.

The radiator upper tank deteriorated badly enough to require a replacement radiator.

The internal regulator/alternator failed intermittently and repeatedly, requiring replacement.

The headliner sagged and required total replacement.

The tailgate window rear switch failed and required replacement.

The front leather seats cracked and split.

Both front window "flex racks" failed, requiring replacement.

Both front door speakers deteriorated and required replacement.

The fuel tank skid plate has rusted out at the attaching bolts.

The lower rear quarters and rockers have rusted.

The 360 V-8 is exhibiting a bottom end noise.

The fuel sending unit ground connection failed, indicating false fuel level.

The power door locks have failed to operate properly.

The front passenger inner door handle broke completely off.

General Comments:

While this Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with all the luxury features anyone could require in the late 80's SUV market, poor quality and high repair expenses detract from ownership.

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

Review Date: 17th September, 2005

10th Aug 2008, 19:32

You will find with any 20 year old, four wheel drive vehicle, things like on your rig will need to be replaced. No matter who made them. I bought mine and expected to replace or repair pretty much the list that you created. It is a given.

16th Dec 2008, 06:23

It happens with a 20 plus year old truck. Yes AMC did use bad sheet metal and steel. I've got an 88 that I use as a off road buggy, and it sat for a year and has got 168000 miles, and it only needs some tweaks here and there.

22nd Aug 2015, 05:23

Why not buy one that someone else hasn't dry rotted. Protect your equipment and it will provide for you.