Commanche was a truck geared toward working guys in a working culture. Gladiator is an excessively priced lifestyle vehicle geared toward wealthy adventurers in a spoiled culture. Just depends on what you want.
We just bought our second Comanche to tag along with our nineties era Cherokees. I think this video came out a bit before AMC stuck the inline six cylinder in these. Both of ours were built with the inline six 4.0 litre engines. Sexy and macho at the same time, I recently walked away from a pristine 78 Chevy Sierra for an equally pristine 88 Comanche. LOVE THIS TRUCK!
“Although hauling 4x8 plywood means leaving the tailgate down” lol it still doesn’t pass the tailgate. Try and haul that in a Gladiator it sticks out 3 feet
Since I don't need 4WD in my pickup, I prefer my 2009 Ranger (but I own a 1989 Cherokee as well.) :-) The Ranger gets significantly better gas mileage. The new Ranger with a turbo and 10 speed auto only; I don't know. Reliability may suffer.
Today's "wine and cheese" pickup owners couldn't drive it because it had a manual transmission, and manual shift transfer case and no electronic safety nannies to save their dumb asses from their complete lack of driving capability.
As an owner of a plushtruck.. i would have purchased a manual transmission if one was offered, would have gotten a 2wd, single cab,and an i6 in a base truck.. but i bought mine used, loaded, with 32k miles for the same price as a base model.. and since none of them come with a stick, i got what i could..
Got to love those low hp and tq numbers from the 80's! The later model years had the inline 6cyl 4.0L which had much better hp and tq numbers. Upload a review of the later model comanche as well!
@InfiniteMushroom let's not forget the i6 was in the process of being reengineered by AMC/Renault to become a 4litre Renix powered engine like the 2.5l and 2.1l td.
@@ftffighter Thats because it was GM's 2.8 V6. I had one in a 84 S-15 Jimmy 4X4. The only saving grace was a 5-speed. It got great mileage but was sooo underpowered, spun a bearing when I got it hot pulling people out of snowbanks in a blizzard. If it hadn't been starting to rust I would have tried to put a 4.3 Vortec in it and see what that would do. CAR COMPANIES. MAKE SIMPLE RELIABLE TRUCKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!
I worked at a local hardware store. There's a local surfer dude who daily drives a Comanche Chief and picks up stuff from the store almost every day. Such a cool pick up, 5 speed manual as well.
David Aubin and it does. If you are shorter than 6’ you either can’t push the clutch in all the way or you can steer with your teeth. Never was comfortable in one of these
I loved my 92 Jeep Comanche Eliminator, my first car, my first love, I drove it till it wouldn’t drive anymore and then some. I finally had to donate it to charity because I loved it too much to send it too the junkyard. Thank You ‘che you were the best.
Dad bought one brand new in 1989. Put over 300 thousand miles on it and survived a hurricane flood. But a second hurricane got it. I now have an 89 Eliminator sitting in my driveway. Love it. Stump pulling first gear is a good description. Super fun to drive!!!
@@amass16 yeah, that's why I didn't count the Colorado as if you add a single option then you lose the manual, it's also a case of dealers hardly ever order the base models since they rarely sell
@@seththomas9105 It was a 4x4 with a short bed. The only two items it didn't have that I would want was A/C and the fuel gauge pack. I'll find that dream one someday.
@@seththomas9105 I can understand wanting a long bed. I prefer the maneuverability and less over hang of the short bed. But I'm also not a truck guy, the Comanche is the only truck I've owned. If I were hauling stuff all the time, the long bed is the way to go.
@talldude123 They did.. I own long bed and the short bed style. I-6 4.0L with the 5 speed manual in both cases. just took the long bed to the 1/8 mile last fall. with Locker rear end.. starting at 2000-2200 RPM (Need more tire then then what i had on) Fastest Pass was 10.939 @ 63.63. and a 2.447 60 FT. thats with a stock motor only changed the Injectors for Ethical reasons and put a Header on it due to a cracked exhaust manifold.. A few new sensors. and 120k Miles on the Odometer So will agree the 4.0L is the better motor and a torque beast.. ... As a side note.. my first pass starting RPM at 4300 -- 4500 RPM.. Broke the tires loose way too much.. and that resulted in a 12.796 @ 61.46 With a 3.346 60 FT.. in both cases.. not fast.. tho i was racing against my 2006 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0L 6 Speed manual.. And its best run was 13.088 @ 51.00 and a 2.933 60 FT. So 1988 Vs 2006.. was all for fun.. and it was alot.. But the V6 was a joke.. and there is a reason was only a option for a short time.
It's funny because every once in a while I will see one of these still on the road today. Just shows how durable it really was just like the old Toyotas.
I owned an '86 Comanche 4WD with the 4 cyl gas engine/auto and it was a very good truck. It ran very well and did not use any oil or smoked at 200K miles--and it ran when I sold it. Everything worked well and it got very good gas mileage. Looking back I forgot that it did stop very well for being unloaded most of the time and it was not scary to drive when it had a properly placed load in the bed. The bed was rusty as hell, but I still drove it with a lot of pride because it was so tough and dependable. Hope to own another Comanche one day, preferably with the 4.0 V6 and a 5 speed, but at this point, if it were possible, I would take my old truck back and put a stake bed on it.
The best Jeep Comanche has a 4.0 liter inline six cylinder carburated engine with a two barrel carburator, Four speed AX-4 manual transmission, rear Dana 35c solid live axle, front Dana 30 solid live axle, Np231j transfer case, leaf spring suspension, body on frame construction. It is possibly the finest Jeep pickup truck to be produced. It is basically a Jeep CJ-7 with a pickup truck body.
Best Trucks Ever Made! I've Owned 2, one auto one manual, one 6 cylinder, one 4 cylinder, one 4wd, one 2wd. One long bed one short bed. Were both Amazing trucks & never had any complaints besides the fact they don't make them anymore.
Still got my '86! Bought brand new as a work truck by my dad. Spent much of its life hitched to a trailer on dirt roads. Hopefully my boy will inherit it when he goes to college.
My mom had a charcoal grey 4 liter. I loved 4WD truck. Beautiful chrome wheels. Rancho Suspension. It read sporty and had plenty of power. Wish I had it!
@@justinluttrell1769 Yeah, but you have to admit Trucks are becoming a bit too big. I mean, if you want it big you should get a F350 or F450 (for your work, they are work horses not "Carry your family to school" horses. But small business owners now have to pay a lot more for a truck simply because of coal running arseholes using it as a status symbol. They want an efficient small truck, and don't wish to spend more than they have to. So all this luxury and size added to trucks like the F150 isn't helping. It's just adding to a problem for both the Environment (as let's face it Diesel really isn't a clean burning fuel), and costs for a small businesses. My work truck needs to be: Reliable Practical Four wheel drive if I work on the land (can be 2 wheel drive if not necessary and thus save fuel and costs) And cheap. It shouldn't be an SUV/Crossover wanabe because Midlife crisis dads wish to able to offroad ;).
@@DehnusNorder While I agree with what you said, Diesels are much more efficient and therefore release less CO2 overall... that being said they don't need diesel v8s in those things. Big trucks are supposed to haul shit. And as you said before, most people just drive them because they have smol pps and what attention from other men.
My boyfriends 2nd car was a 99 XJ and it's his baby. he had a 4runner but the tranny took a shit and he almost got a chevy pickup but it was rusted out badly. When it came time to me being able to afford my first car, I got a 95 ZJ in rough shape but good miles. We've been working on it and finding all of the confusing quirks from previous owners since last fall, all through the cold winter. I'm happy warmer weather is here, he's getting a lift on his XJ and I need new bushings and upper control arms on my ZJ. Since owning my own Jeep, I've definitely grown to love them. all of the older ones at least. We've fixed my ZJ up as nice as it can be after years of neglect and it being as old as I am, but once it takes a shit it'll be my off road toy and I'll be looking for a newer XJ. I really hope to own a Comanche one day, but they're so hard to find. Even in Colorado Springs where these jeeps everywhere, I haven't seen a Comanche.
My first new truck was a 89 Jeep Commanche my dad made me buy a 2 wheel drive but I liked it came off the showroom floor it had the 4.0 air 5spd and nice wheels.
I LOVED my Comanche!!! It was the 'Pioneer' edition. With a 4.0L inline 6 cyl. White with a grey cloth bench. Best truck I ever owned. I loved my Ranger 'Splashes' as well, but with this one, had I known how short it would be in production, and that I never see one on the road now, I would have kept it. My rust free one would probably still be running perfect, like most real Jeeps, from that time period. BEFORE the take over and killing by Chrysler
What a truck, unfortunately, if I remember correctly, they were priced slightly higher than the Ford and Chevy equivalents, and rather than shell out that small amount more for a larger bed (as told in this video) and more character, most people pocketed the small amount of cash saved and went for the Ford/Chev option.
I’m hoping to find one of these fairly cheap. I’m 21 and although I like new stuff. There’s just something you can’t beat about the older, simpler trucks
The last years of American Motors Corporation and the last years of AMC Jeeps, Chrysler would take over in 1988. These were the real Jeeps, I would love to buy an AMC Jeep anyday, simple to work on, simple to maintain and reliable as Hell.
I had a 86 Comanche. Straight six. It was my absolute pleasure and favorite vehicle. I bought it in 1998. Drove it for 2 years. It had over 150,000 miles when I bought it. It was freaking amazing and unstoppable. The only reason I don't have it is my wife became pregnant and it wasn't child adequate. I hope to God God allows me to have another one. I miss it. I wish I had known in 86 how few they made. Ho hum..
Neat little truck. I wish some of these were sold in the UK. The Cherokee was extremely popular at the time, even though its 4.0 engine used quite a lot of fuel (which has always been quite expensive here), because it combined a bit of American "glam" and power with that 4.0 (it was like the Cayenne Turbo of its day, as fast 4x4s go) with a low price and, most of all, it was just the right size for here. Things like an Escalade or a Ram don't really work here, but the Cherokee did. This pickup with a 4.0 would be an awesome second hand purchase these days, provided it wasn't too trashed from "being a pickup", though even then the Jeeps were quite robust and tough, so I imagine this Comanche would be too.
yes this truck has got to be reintroduced, my father had two of them 4 liter straight 6 automatic. they both had the pioneer pinstriping on the sides, shamefully my father drove them in the salt in the winter rotting them out if only he had one of them today. as for the new Jeep gladiator it's a shame they can't just build a single cab truck like they used to, it's what they should do.
@@phatkatracing he's taking about the 1960s jeep gladiator which Kaiser created then when AMC bought Jeep it was renamed to the j series pickup. J10,j20,j30,j40. The military version of the gladiator was called fire m715 created by AMC AM general division. The new 2020 "gladiator" doesnt live up to the old gladiators which were full size trucks, the new is basically a crappier cj8 scrambler.
I had a 1988 Comanche, metric ton, long bed, 5 speed, 4.0 in line 6 cylinder, 2WD, with posi-traction. I bought it used, but it really moved! 1987 was the 1st year for the 4.0 litre in line 6. I'm quite sure that 0-60 times with the 4.0 litre in line 6, were in the sub par 8 second range, it was that quick! I had a very stout aftermarket pushbar on it. On a rainy day, I rear-ended a Buick Century. The result was that the Buick's rear end crumpled up like an aluminum can, and the Comanche had no discernible damage on the front at all, that really impressed me!!
I had a 88 4.0L short bed 4x4 Sport truck with the 5 speed. Indeed these really moved and were very smooth on the road. I was very impressed with it, honestly it was the perfect truck. Only reason I sold it was I didn't have the space and wasn't going to displace one of my other cars for a truck. I just didn't need a truck.
I love my comanche. It's a great truck, and surprisingly comfortable on the road, although I just installed new shocks. Mine is the more updated 1990 with the 4.0 "Litre" and the 5-Speed. Although I should be honest I would much rather have that diesel :D The only real issue with these trucks is that they are not rust resistant by ANY means. The floors on most Comanches these days are completely rusted due to both design and driver negligence for not undercoating. No matter what I would still choose a Comanche over any other truck. Just about to redo all of my bushings and sway bar links baby. It's gonna ride even better!
I had a Comanche with a 4.0 and stick, and would much rather have it back than a Gladiator... I'd probably still have that truck but it was totaled by an old man in a minivan. I replaced it with a 96 Cherokee, that was almost 25 years and over half a million miles ago, still have the Cherokee and will probably take it for a drive today.
2:13 look at that Interior THAT IS A TRUCK, hard plastic easy to wipe dirt n mud off that you don't scratch too badly with your tools/lunchbox a manly standard gear lever big cubby holes for putting maps flashlights tools or whatever seats that look cozy as heck...
This was a great little basic truck. And as soon as AMC was absorbed into Chrysler Corp, it's time was over. because it would have cut into Dakota sales and we can't be having any of that.
My best friend had one of these in high school. It was the “custom” trim with a 2.8 liter GM V6 and a 5 speed. Wasn’t much on the highway but it was a beast off road. Don’t know that he ever got it into Overdrive. Would love to have a short bed version
Had a diesel one of these. 35mpg. 4wd, 5 speed. Was a good truck. Had all the bells and whistles for its time.
Do you recall if the 2.1l had a renix connector like the 2.5l and 4l engines?
35 mpg is very impressive especially for the 80s
Could probably only do 35 mph though 😅 Still though, it's neat that that little pickup was available with a diesel.
Commanche was a truck geared toward working guys in a working culture.
Gladiator is an excessively priced lifestyle vehicle geared toward wealthy adventurers in a spoiled culture.
Just depends on what you want.
Spot on.
That can be said about all trucks currently sold in the US. Chrome wheels, leather, 4-doors, small bed. It's the norm and it makes me cringe so hard.
Yeah, in 1960's, new full size pickups and vans were $2,000 !!!
Comment of the decade (at least when it comes to trucks)
We can complain all we want, but they're still lots of people out there willing to shell out $50k plus for a truck. I can't, but many can and do.
We just bought our second Comanche to tag along with our nineties era Cherokees. I think this video came out a bit before AMC stuck the inline six cylinder in these. Both of ours were built with the inline six 4.0 litre engines. Sexy and macho at the same time, I recently walked away from a pristine 78 Chevy Sierra for an equally pristine 88 Comanche. LOVE THIS TRUCK!
“Although hauling 4x8 plywood means leaving the tailgate down” lol it still doesn’t pass the tailgate. Try and haul that in a Gladiator it sticks out 3 feet
Love these trucks. That's why I own both, an '87 and a '92 Comanches. Will never sell them.
my only gripe about that is that it makes it hard for me to ever get one lol, I hope you enjoy your trucks!
Thats what they all say lol😂 post some videos sometime!🤟
92s are rare dude!
Looking to buy one…what u recommend I look for or into to make sure it’s actually worth it or even known things that go bad I need to be mindful of?
I'd rather have a Comanche than anything they make right now.
What they make right now is the only shit in the world worse than GM
Since I don't need 4WD in my pickup, I prefer my 2009 Ranger (but I own a 1989 Cherokee as well.) :-)
The Ranger gets significantly better gas mileage. The new Ranger with a turbo and 10 speed auto only; I don't know. Reliability may suffer.
I happen to own a 1990 with 70k miles on it LOL
Long bed, 4x4, no rust 😛
@@1598hi how about Renault/Nissan
Love this truck. We rarely see them go to a junkyard. They are gems
I love this Jeep Comanche, great truck
When a pickup was a pickup. Today's wine and cheese pickup owners wouldn't drive this.
Today's "wine and cheese" pickup owners couldn't drive it because it had a manual transmission, and manual shift transfer case and no electronic safety nannies to save their dumb asses from their complete lack of driving capability.
@Matthew Caughey Don't be embarrassed that you don't buy stupid shit options for a pickup.
Your correct ! not only that? need 2 more doors for animals-no bed needed who works?
As an owner of a plushtruck.. i would have purchased a manual transmission if one was offered, would have gotten a 2wd, single cab,and an i6 in a base truck.. but i bought mine used, loaded, with 32k miles for the same price as a base model.. and since none of them come with a stick, i got what i could..
@@rustbeltrobclassic2512 ok, your excuse is valid.
I live in Mexico now. I see at least one of these a day, sometimes two or three.
Still going strong eh?
I guess I know where I'm going to go pick up another Comanche.
So....where exactly in Mexico do you see these Comanches?
@@XHobbiesPrime I live in Puebla, 12 hours past Laredo Texas.
@@XHobbiesPrime there are a lot of 70's and 80's cars down here that look vintage. Gas is so expensive here, most cars have really low mileage, too.
Got to love those low hp and tq numbers from the 80's! The later model years had the inline 6cyl 4.0L which had much better hp and tq numbers. Upload a review of the later model comanche as well!
It's sad when the upgraded V6 makes less HP than the base 4-cylinder LOL...just look at what money can buy.
@InfiniteMushroom let's not forget the i6 was in the process of being reengineered by AMC/Renault to become a 4litre Renix powered engine like the 2.5l and 2.1l td.
@InfiniteMushroom Too bad they didnt hang on a bit longer. Chrysler totally ruined this brand
Plz.
@@ftffighter Thats because it was GM's 2.8 V6. I had one in a 84 S-15 Jimmy 4X4. The only saving grace was a 5-speed. It got great mileage but was sooo underpowered, spun a bearing when I got it hot pulling people out of snowbanks in a blizzard. If it hadn't been starting to rust I would have tried to put a 4.3 Vortec in it and see what that would do. CAR COMPANIES. MAKE SIMPLE RELIABLE TRUCKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!
These were such a great little truck, although I'd wait a couple of years and get one with the 4.0 instead of the 2.8.
Them 2.8s will last forever because they don't have enough power to break anything lmao 🤣 but would definitely rather have the 4.0
@@johnjohnston6379they don’t last forever. They have a ton of issues and are unnecessarily complicated
You would only have to wait one year. Jeep ended their agreement with GM and started using the 4.0 in most vehicles in 1987.
My Father owned a 1990 Jeep Comanche eliminator! It was bad ass!!!! 190 Horsepower very quick for that time and age
I worked at a local hardware store. There's a local surfer dude who daily drives a Comanche Chief and picks up stuff from the store almost every day. Such a cool pick up, 5 speed manual as well.
3:22 John: WHICH PUTS THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT SMACK INTO THE GUT! LOL
LMFAO
David Aubin and it does. If you are shorter than 6’ you either can’t push the clutch in all the way or you can steer with your teeth. Never was comfortable in one of these
I own this truck it's standard 5 speed 4.0 liter in line 6
It's so good to drive
Where in the hell was he going on that last clip? OMG 😂
I guess that was a Jeep thing.
No one knows...that was the last time he was ever seen
@@Steve10LotLOL
To the still. Or meth lab.
In the woods,never u mind Quentin😐
I loved my 92 Jeep Comanche Eliminator, my first car, my first love, I drove it till it wouldn’t drive anymore and then some. I finally had to donate it to charity because I loved it too much to send it too the junkyard. Thank You ‘che you were the best.
I love these old truck reviews, they would never treat a truck or SUV like that in reviews these days
Such a great vehicle. Jeep wishes they could make vehicles like this today!
Dad bought one brand new in 1989. Put over 300 thousand miles on it and survived a hurricane flood. But a second hurricane got it. I now have an 89 Eliminator sitting in my driveway. Love it. Stump pulling first gear is a good description. Super fun to drive!!!
Nothing like this old solid and reliable vehicles :-)
As Ashford & Simpson would sing, "Solid...solid as a rock!!!" 🤙🤘
Back when it was normal for a pickup to have a manual transmission.
AWDfreak good luck even finding a new pickup in the USA Today with a manual trans.
@@CamaroAmx if i remember right, only the nissan frontier and Toyota tacoma still have them as options. The gladiator might but not 100% sure
@@cpufreak101most midsize pick ups Colorado,frontier,Tacoma offer an manual except the new ranger actually mostly in base models though
@@amass16 yeah, that's why I didn't count the Colorado as if you add a single option then you lose the manual, it's also a case of dealers hardly ever order the base models since they rarely sell
Back when trucks were for men
Oh my God. During the past week I've been trying to find one of these just to own and now motor week puts this video up. Thank you.
Good luck finding one, they're all but extinct
After this, 200 more ppl will be searching them out, too. Good luck now. lol
I know of two around my area. Only thing is is all the rust they accumulate in Wisconsin.
I saw two decent ones in the Denver area a few weeks ago (but two in the same week was unusual.)
Had six Comanche at one time great work truck good in the snow just them comanche
I just sold my 88 Sport Truck with the 4.0L six and a 5 speed. Loved it! If I had need to own a truck, I would have kept it.
If it was 4X4 I would have loved to have that!
@@seththomas9105 It was a 4x4 with a short bed. The only two items it didn't have that I would want was A/C and the fuel gauge pack.
I'll find that dream one someday.
@@johnpearson492 Cool. I would prefer the long bed, but that still was a cool truck.
@@seththomas9105 I can understand wanting a long bed. I prefer the maneuverability and less over hang of the short bed. But I'm also not a truck guy, the Comanche is the only truck I've owned. If I were hauling stuff all the time, the long bed is the way to go.
I loved this video. Now I would like to see the review of the 4.0L Comanche and the Dakota from the mid 90's with the V8.
I had an 87... fun little truck!
Back when 0-60 in 15.2 seconds was "very good for a 4WD truck".
@talldude123 They did.. I own long bed and the short bed style. I-6 4.0L with the 5 speed manual in both cases. just took the long bed to the 1/8 mile last fall. with Locker rear end.. starting at 2000-2200 RPM (Need more tire then then what i had on) Fastest Pass was 10.939 @ 63.63. and a 2.447 60 FT. thats with a stock motor only changed the Injectors for Ethical reasons and put a Header on it due to a cracked exhaust manifold.. A few new sensors. and 120k Miles on the Odometer So will agree the 4.0L is the better motor and a torque beast.. ... As a side note.. my first pass starting RPM at 4300 -- 4500 RPM.. Broke the tires loose way too much.. and that resulted in a 12.796 @ 61.46 With a 3.346 60 FT.. in both cases.. not fast.. tho i was racing against my 2006 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0L 6 Speed manual.. And its best run was 13.088 @ 51.00 and a 2.933 60 FT. So 1988 Vs 2006.. was all for fun.. and it was alot.. But the V6 was a joke.. and there is a reason was only a option for a short time.
The vast majority of mainstream vehicles in the 80's did 0-60 in over 12sec.
Yep, that was the 1980's young one. That's the way things rolled back then. Comparison to then and now is just not good.
@@albear972 I grew up driving these slow 80s cars with around 100-120hp. Modern cars feel frightenly quick to me, even economy cars. Lol
Motorweek did an 84' Isuzu trooper II which had a 0-60 of about 20 seconds.
It's funny because every once in a while I will see one of these still on the road today. Just shows how durable it really was just like the old Toyotas.
I had the 1989 4.0 I-6 2WD "Plain Jane" version: loved every minute of the drive!
Own and restoring a '89 Pioneer, currently.
I owned an '86 Comanche 4WD with the 4 cyl gas engine/auto and it was a very good truck. It ran very well and did not use any oil or smoked at 200K miles--and it ran when I sold it. Everything worked well and it got very good gas mileage. Looking back I forgot that it did stop very well for being unloaded most of the time and it was not scary to drive when it had a properly placed load in the bed. The bed was rusty as hell, but I still drove it with a lot of pride because it was so tough and dependable.
Hope to own another Comanche one day, preferably with the 4.0 V6 and a 5 speed, but at this point, if it were possible, I would take my old truck back and put a stake bed on it.
I'd love to get a last-year '91 model one of these, with a long bed and the 4.0 6 cyl. Always liked the look of these. Even the base model.
1992 was the last year
Always liked the Comanche. Better than any of the new Jeeps.
The best Jeep Comanche has a 4.0 liter inline six cylinder carburated engine with a two barrel carburator, Four speed AX-4 manual transmission, rear Dana 35c solid live axle, front Dana 30 solid live axle, Np231j transfer case, leaf spring suspension, body on frame construction. It is possibly the finest Jeep pickup truck to be produced. It is basically a Jeep CJ-7 with a pickup truck body.
Best Trucks Ever Made! I've Owned 2, one auto one manual, one 6 cylinder, one 4 cylinder, one 4wd, one 2wd. One long bed one short bed. Were both Amazing trucks & never had any complaints besides the fact they don't make them anymore.
Still got my '86! Bought brand new as a work truck by my dad. Spent much of its life hitched to a trailer on dirt roads. Hopefully my boy will inherit it when he goes to college.
My mom had a charcoal grey 4 liter. I loved 4WD truck. Beautiful chrome wheels. Rancho Suspension. It read sporty and had plenty of power. Wish I had it!
I like how he just barrels down a rough trail covered in tall grass at the end like it’s an old beater truck...
It was borrowed from AMC. What the hell.
DiabloDrift don’t see tests like that anymore. In the woods is where these trucks are at home
If only we could still get small practical trucks like this. Thanks CAFE standards.
I had a 4 cylinder commanche.
Bought it new, and sold it ten years later with 205,000 miles on it.
Best vehicle that I've ever owned
WOW, a decent small truck for the working man! WOW! Not a gigantic huge coal running arsehole mobile! Now even the F150 is a giant.
It is huge, but even with a V8 it gets better fuel economy than any V6 midsize truck today. I had both.
@@justinluttrell1769 Yeah, but you have to admit Trucks are becoming a bit too big. I mean, if you want it big you should get a F350 or F450 (for your work, they are work horses not "Carry your family to school" horses.
But small business owners now have to pay a lot more for a truck simply because of coal running arseholes using it as a status symbol. They want an efficient small truck, and don't wish to spend more than they have to. So all this luxury and size added to trucks like the F150 isn't helping. It's just adding to a problem for both the Environment (as let's face it Diesel really isn't a clean burning fuel), and costs for a small businesses. My work truck needs to be:
Reliable
Practical
Four wheel drive if I work on the land (can be 2 wheel drive if not necessary and thus save fuel and costs)
And cheap.
It shouldn't be an SUV/Crossover wanabe because Midlife crisis dads wish to able to offroad ;).
The f150 is the most generic truck on the road today, most boring truck
@@DehnusNorder While I agree with what you said, Diesels are much more efficient and therefore release less CO2 overall... that being said they don't need diesel v8s in those things. Big trucks are supposed to haul shit. And as you said before, most people just drive them because they have smol pps and what attention from other men.
I have my Comanche. 33 years old and she's still running strong with 170k miles
My boyfriends 2nd car was a 99 XJ and it's his baby. he had a 4runner but the tranny took a shit and he almost got a chevy pickup but it was rusted out badly. When it came time to me being able to afford my first car, I got a 95 ZJ in rough shape but good miles. We've been working on it and finding all of the confusing quirks from previous owners since last fall, all through the cold winter. I'm happy warmer weather is here, he's getting a lift on his XJ and I need new bushings and upper control arms on my ZJ.
Since owning my own Jeep, I've definitely grown to love them. all of the older ones at least.
We've fixed my ZJ up as nice as it can be after years of neglect and it being as old as I am, but once it takes a shit it'll be my off road toy and I'll be looking for a newer XJ.
I really hope to own a Comanche one day, but they're so hard to find. Even in Colorado Springs where these jeeps everywhere, I haven't seen a Comanche.
I’ve had my 89 4.0 Comanche for about 9 years, I will NEVER get rid of it. It’s true what the guy says in this video, they get a lot of attention.
3:14 That sound when he sits down! Lol 😂
Loved this truck wish they still made a version this today
I love my comanche. Got it from an old neighbor a few years back for 1500. still needs a crap load of work though.
I remember this truck I haven’t seen one since the early 00s but they were nice
It’s hilarious how the guy yanks on the hoses and belts when they lift the hoods lol
I remember seeing the Jeep Comanche offered as a prize on the Bob Eubanks version of Card Sharks in the bonus round.
My father bought a Comanche like 17 years ago , that was a great truck, solid like a rock ....the only problem was the Renix System on it
This truck but a couple years later with the 4.0 and D44’s way better than most made today!
Ah the 80s so much beautiful cars
I think I would have had the toyota pickup truck of this age! but I do like the looks of this truck
My first new truck was a 89 Jeep Commanche my dad made me buy a 2 wheel drive but I liked it came off the showroom floor it had the 4.0 air 5spd and nice wheels.
With the 4.0 engine, manual 5 speed, Dana 44 front and rear, and 4.10 gears it was very fast and fun to drive.
I LOVED my Comanche!!! It was the 'Pioneer' edition. With a 4.0L inline 6 cyl. White with a grey cloth bench. Best truck I ever owned. I loved my Ranger 'Splashes' as well, but with this one, had I known how short it would be in production, and that I never see one on the road now, I would have kept it. My rust free one would probably still be running perfect, like most real Jeeps, from that time period. BEFORE the take over and killing by Chrysler
Wanna buy mine?
@@jasonquinn4544 hell yeah what are you got???!!!
Chrysler & Lee Iacocca Saved Jeep. Daimler killed the old school Jeep.
That decked out truck looks amazing.
I had a 1988 Comanche Pioneer. Great truck. 👍🏻
I really miss these good reviews with all the Helpful information that you actually use in the real world
What a truck, unfortunately, if I remember correctly, they were priced slightly higher than the Ford and Chevy equivalents, and rather than shell out that small amount more for a larger bed (as told in this video) and more character, most people pocketed the small amount of cash saved and went for the Ford/Chev option.
Beautiful Jeep!
I like retro reviews!
I like retrô reviews with cars, vans, trucks, wagons and SUVs 1980s
Fernando Rocha I love old cars too. I have XJ Jeep (my daily) and 88 Trans Am GTA and after the end of the 90’s I don’t know what I would take.
Still own a 1987 AMC Comanche. She's an Arizona girl is is rust free. Even tho she's from Wisconsin.
Nice! I have a 91 4.0.
*"...but torque is what you FEEL!"*
Co worker had a 90, w the 4.0 4wd and 5 speed. Tough truck! Fairly quick too!
I would love to have one set up like that today! Car companies don't listen tho'.
I’m hoping to find one of these fairly cheap. I’m 21 and although I like new stuff. There’s just something you can’t beat about the older, simpler trucks
bring this vehicle back
@Jason Lee Trater gladiator crap tho fr
@@trevorgazi1197 I'd buy the new gladiator if it had a 2 door version
@@ziond.1476 Look at the Jeep J6 concept if you haven't already.
I'd rather they didn't ruin another perfectly respectable name in the automotive world. You know they would screw it up.
I had one. It was the perfect size.
The last years of American Motors Corporation and the last years of AMC Jeeps, Chrysler would take over in 1988. These were the real Jeeps, I would love to buy an AMC Jeep anyday, simple to work on, simple to maintain and reliable as Hell.
Motorweek: mentions AMC.
Me: now that's a name i haven't heard in a long time...
I had a 86 Comanche.
Straight six. It was my absolute pleasure and favorite vehicle. I bought it in 1998.
Drove it for 2 years.
It had over 150,000 miles when I bought it.
It was freaking amazing and unstoppable.
The only reason I don't have it is my wife became pregnant and it wasn't child adequate.
I hope to God God allows me to have another one.
I miss it. I wish I had known in 86 how few they made. Ho hum..
4.0L wasn't available in 86. 87 and up
Great review of a great truck. And, it got so much better for '87...
Too bad it didn't get GM's next 4.3L V6...
@@BuzzLOLOL No way, it got a BETTER engine the 4.0 Jeep I-6. And I'm a GM guy saying that.
@@seththomas9105 - They were about even, but V6 smaller on outside, lighter, less expensive parts, more power...
Neat little truck. I wish some of these were sold in the UK.
The Cherokee was extremely popular at the time, even though its 4.0 engine used quite a lot of fuel (which has always been quite expensive here), because it combined a bit of American "glam" and power with that 4.0 (it was like the Cayenne Turbo of its day, as fast 4x4s go) with a low price and, most of all, it was just the right size for here. Things like an Escalade or a Ram don't really work here, but the Cherokee did. This pickup with a 4.0 would be an awesome second hand purchase these days, provided it wasn't too trashed from "being a pickup", though even then the Jeeps were quite robust and tough, so I imagine this Comanche would be too.
Cant remember the last time i saw one of these Comanches in the wild.
yes this truck has got to be reintroduced, my father had two of them 4 liter straight 6 automatic. they both had the pioneer pinstriping on the sides, shamefully my father drove them in the salt in the winter rotting them out if only he had one of them today. as for the new Jeep gladiator it's a shame they can't just build a single cab truck like they used to, it's what they should do.
Why Did this Review of a Jeep Comanche ask for 24 pack of Natty Light (Natural Light) and Pack of Marlboro Reds?..
Forgot to mention the long haired owner like me that would never even THINK of a manbun😆now let me bum a couple of those reds🚬
Natural Light Is Good
One of the best pickup trucks ever built. The new gladiator looks promising hopefully it is good in the long run
I would buy one at almost any price today as compared to the new weekend warrior special gladiator
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!! GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!!! THANKS FOR MAKING MY DAY!!!!
As much as I love the Comanche, the original FSJ Gladiator is where it's at.
No. It's shit. Overblown and prissy, just like every fuckin dolled-up truck today. They're all jokes.
@@phatkatracing he's taking about the 1960s jeep gladiator which Kaiser created then when AMC bought Jeep it was renamed to the j series pickup. J10,j20,j30,j40. The military version of the gladiator was called fire m715 created by AMC AM general division. The new 2020 "gladiator" doesnt live up to the old gladiators which were full size trucks, the new is basically a crappier cj8 scrambler.
@@ZacharySolomon0429 Ah my mistake. I thought he meant the new joke. My bad.
I stand by my opinion that new trucks and SUV's are weak sauce. 😁
I had a 1988 Comanche, metric ton, long bed, 5 speed, 4.0 in line 6 cylinder, 2WD, with posi-traction. I bought it used, but it really moved! 1987 was the 1st year for the 4.0 litre in line 6. I'm quite sure that 0-60 times with the 4.0 litre in line 6, were in the sub par 8 second range, it was that quick! I had a very stout aftermarket pushbar on it. On a rainy day, I rear-ended a Buick Century. The result was that the Buick's rear end crumpled up like an aluminum can, and the Comanche had no discernible damage on the front at all, that really impressed me!!
I had a 88 4.0L short bed 4x4 Sport truck with the 5 speed. Indeed these really moved and were very smooth on the road. I was very impressed with it, honestly it was the perfect truck. Only reason I sold it was I didn't have the space and wasn't going to displace one of my other cars for a truck. I just didn't need a truck.
I wanna see that 115 hp towing 4000 lbs in some mountains. For more fun, use the 3 speed auto.
Had the generation II of this motor in my 87 S10, I called it the struggle 6 for a reason
@Richard Watson Jr. mine was a 5 speed MT to, but still a dog
I'm sure the tow rating dropped with the 3 speed automatic
@@steverone7623 don't even wanna know how this would be with the 3 speed auto...
Take it up the Ike gauntlet
Who's watching in 2019 just to review your next vehicle your going to buy even if that vehicle is from the 80s or 90s?
I love my comanche. It's a great truck, and surprisingly comfortable on the road, although I just installed new shocks. Mine is the more updated 1990 with the 4.0 "Litre" and the 5-Speed. Although I should be honest I would much rather have that diesel :D The only real issue with these trucks is that they are not rust resistant by ANY means. The floors on most Comanches these days are completely rusted due to both design and driver negligence for not undercoating. No matter what I would still choose a Comanche over any other truck. Just about to redo all of my bushings and sway bar links baby. It's gonna ride even better!
I wish these had made it to the 97-01 years, with all the updates the XJs had during that time.
I'd love to have one with all the options buckets seats and that little Renault diesel
My buddy in Germany had one of these. We would take it on the Tank Trails in Friedberg and could not get it stuck.
Hard to find these days......
I prefer both the Comanche pickup and the upcoming Gladiator.
At least the Comanche has a decent size bed... unlike the Gladiator.
I had a Comanche with a 4.0 and stick, and would much rather have it back than a Gladiator... I'd probably still have that truck but it was totaled by an old man in a minivan. I replaced it with a 96 Cherokee, that was almost 25 years and over half a million miles ago, still have the Cherokee and will probably take it for a drive today.
2:13 look at that Interior THAT IS A TRUCK, hard plastic easy to wipe dirt n mud off that you don't scratch too badly with your tools/lunchbox a manly standard gear lever big cubby holes for putting maps flashlights tools or whatever seats that look cozy as heck...
This was a great little basic truck. And as soon as AMC was absorbed into Chrysler Corp, it's time was over. because it would have cut into Dakota sales and we can't be having any of that.
Underrated Mid-size Pickup. Wish Chrysler would have kept it up with the Cherokee!
Chrysler killed it because it was a better truck then the Dakota.
My best friend had one of these in high school. It was the “custom” trim with a 2.8 liter GM V6 and a 5 speed. Wasn’t much on the highway but it was a beast off road. Don’t know that he ever got it into Overdrive. Would love to have a short bed version
Time for my daily dose of MotorWeek!!
3:15 seat sounds like a whoopee cushion and lets out a fart sound LMAO.
That truck still looks good today!!! Love the beefy manly man style of trucks of old.
I would love one of these 4x4 trucks!
Fast forward to 2019 that is way better then what jeep is coming out with now
These were good dependable trucks