Well my girlfriend and I are looking to buy an early to mid '90s SUV. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or input regarding basically Jeep vs. Blazer/Jimmy vs. Explorer. i.e. known problems or things to look for. Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Bob
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
The Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada's are nice trucks and have more towing capacity and more standard HP then the others. I had a 1992 Blazer Tahoe LT that I bought new and it was a excellent vehicle. Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
We had 1986, 1988, 1998 Jimmys and still have a 1996 Sonoma .... If I'd known 2 years ago what I know now I would have kept the '98 instead of getting into an '02 Envoy.
The only issue I'm aware of is that it's a good idea to keep an eye on the CV boots. With ice and snow around here they tended to tear, and if not replaced, took the CV joints out.
Can't really compare them to the Explorer or Jeeps, but I'd get Jimmy without hesatation.
Posted by Harry P (Member # 533) on :
I have '94 Explorer w/120k miles and an '03 Trailblazer, both bought new. I like the TB so far, but the jury is still out with only 5k miles. I can say this about the TB: I loaded it to the max three weeks ago and drove non-stop at 75mph for 13 hours, and it was absolutely flawless. I love that truck.
The Explorer has been a good truck. No major problems personally, except bad rear hatch support connections, which were recalled eventually and I was reimbursed by Ford. I have the early 4.0L V6 ('91-'94), and there is a later version ('95-02?). The engine is considered good by most... not overly powerful but very reliable with little troubles and lasts a long time. The weakness of the earlier Explorers is the crappy automatic tranny's... generally cursed by all, although I have had zero problems w/mine, but I am also pretty anal about maintenance, including scheduled slushbox fluid/filter changes. I don't know if they ever really fixed them, but they were the only major component in the Explorer built outside the US... by Ford of France!! (It figures). Overall, it's been good, and I'm keeping it for a beater although it really looks and runs much better than the average sled.
There are good websites/forums on Explorers, I'm sure the same for Jimmy's. Check there. Personnaly, I'd stay away from Cherokees based on friends stories... not as reliable as bowties and blue ovals.
Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
I've had '93, '95 (5.2L V8's) Jeep Grand Cherokees, and currently have a 2000 (4.7L V8)Jeep Grand Cherokee (all with about 90K miles). They all have been reliable transportation, with lots of power & torque, with the following exceptions.
Maintenance issues: - 93 & 95 had a recall to modify the automatic shift linkage to prevent unintentionally going into reverse. - transfer case oil leakage in all three (had to replace the cover gasket). - leaking air conditioner exchanger in the '95 had to be replaced (I think it was a recall). - replaced the water pump on the '95 after 70K miles. - premature brake disk warping on all three. Solved by using Raybestos pads, rather than Chrysler stock pads. - stock ride is spongy, as it's designed for off-roading. The stiffer 'off-road' package on the 2000 seems to have solved the ride problem.
Verdict: I like the Grand Cherokee and would buy another one (currently waiting to see what the 2005 model looks like).
Posted by Smiley (Member # 2005) on :
The powertrain/drivetrain on a Blazer/Jimmy is rock solid. I have heard of some issues with the AWD system on the Bravada. You'll likely get some F-body-like squeaks and rattles with one of these, but they'll go through anything and last forever.
BTW, I've never owned one, but I've driven and sold quite a few and have seen some beat-up ones come in on trade. Hope this helps! Posted by jimb0 (Member # 176) on :
I've owned an '84 S10 Blazer, a '90 and '95 S15 Jimmy, and an currently have an '01 Blazer ZR2. All have been 4 x 4's and all have been relatively touble free (the only thing that had to be replaced on the '95 was a heater core). I gave my '90 to my son when I bought the '95, and he put close to 200K miles on it with no maintenance problems (other than a rear end that he destroyed driving through creeks). The 4.3 is a great engine. The only thing I would consider a possible design defect is the rear roof panel behind the tailgate window...it is a sandwiched panel that tends to trap moisture and rust from the inside out, but the fix for it is covered under the 100,000 mile rust through warranty, and according to my body shop manager the warranty applies to all vehicles whether it be the original owner or not. The other thing was that the push-button 4 x 4 control on the late 80/early 90 models was kind of fragile...it was meant to just be touched and not pushed, but it looked like a push button and if you pushed on it too hard you could break it.
Don't have any direct experience with the Explorer or Jeep, although I did look at and test drive both before buying the Blazers/Jimmys and just preferred the GMs when all was said and done.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
On my second 3/4 ton 4 X 4 Suburban. Bought the first in 1989 and put over 350,000 on it. Bought this one in 1999 and still going strong.
I'd by another with 8.0 litre 'cept there aren't any around right now, so I'm sticking with the 454 Vortech for a while till something comes along I'd like better.
Posted by Sideshow (Member # 1231) on :
Thanks for all the input everyone. When and if we make the decision, I'll let you know how it turned out.
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When and if we make the decision, I'll let you know how it turned out.