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1988 Jeep Wagoneer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1988 Jeep Wagoneer came with the option of a 5.9-liter V8 or a 4.0-liter straight 6 engine. The 4WD off-roading monster comes with two transmission options as well, a 3-speed or a 4-speed automatic, depending on what you need the Wagoneer for. Ideally, gas mileage is around 18/23mpg, but it doesn't often get those numbers, especially not in the V8. 4WD is, after all, a gas hog. Either one of these engines packs a lot of punch and power, making this a formidable vehicle. Its long, powerful history made sure of that.
Speaking of the history behind the 1988 Jeep Wagoneer, very few mechanical changes were made to this line over its 28 year reign, so many parts from both older and newer years fit this year model. This makes the 1988 Jeep Wagoneer an ideal fixer-upper or upgradeable car, and indeed, many people and groups are dedicated to upgrading. So if you want more comforts than air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power locks, and a moonroof in your 1988 Jeep Wagoneer, upgrading isn't too hard, and many companies make parts specifically for the Wagoneer.
Owners of the 1988 Jeep Wagoneer love this SUV. It has been hailed as a rugged off-road monster, but also as a family-friendly, comfortable car that makes everyone feel safe inside a solid metal frame. There were a few minor problems, some people wishing for disc brakes instead of drums, but overall, this was a well thought of car. As I've said, many people upgrade and enhance the 1988 Jeep Wagoneer to make it even more powerful or rugged, but straight off the line, this is a great SUV, at least according to owners.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1988 Jeep Wagoneer
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by Don K
Apr 21, 2010
His name is EUGENE after the Popeye character... White with woodgrain, Maroon interior and very comfy leather seats... Has all the power options... He has 196534 miles ... He had a newer engine installed 7 years ago after the first one had a heart attack... He is my daily driver and has never let me stranded..Apr 21, 2010
by William M
May 19, 2009
This was my mom's rig. It wasn't exactly reliable and it seemed like it was undergoing constant repairs. One thing that was particularly vexing was the ... I don't know the technical term for this, but the default level of engagement was sometimes too low (causing stalls in parking lots) or too high (causing speeds of 40km/h without pressing the accelerator, and making the vehicle very difficult to stop!).
I ended up writing it off one December day when the road was greasy - I had the 4WD engaged, for what that might be worth, but I'd had problems with the wheels suddenly locking up before, and I ended up sliding into a power pole on a very gentle curve going uphill on a greasy street.
Our mechanic told us after it was bought that, based on his examinations, it had been in an accident before and rolled. Don't buy rigs from sketchy used car dealers!May 19, 2009
by Josh K
Dec 23, 2008
This car is very great its built very tough with a 4 liter straight 6 body is in great condition paint needs new coat of clear coat but i bought it for 300 bucks so what can i say its a great first car ye im on my 8thDec 23, 2008
User rating:
by Don K
Apr 21, 2010
His name is EUGENE after the Popeye character... White with woodgrain, Maroon interior and very comfy leather seats... Has all the power options... He has 196534 miles ... He had a newer engine installed 7 years ago after the first one had a heart attack... He is my daily driver and has never let me stranded..Apr 21, 2010
by William M
May 19, 2009
This was my mom's rig. It wasn't exactly reliable and it seemed like it was undergoing constant repairs. One thing that was particularly vexing was the ... I don't know the technical term for this, but the default level of engagement was sometimes too low (causing stalls in parking lots) or too high (causing speeds of 40km/h without pressing the accelerator, and making the vehicle very difficult to stop!).
I ended up writing it off one December day when the road was greasy - I had the 4WD engaged, for what that might be worth, but I'd had problems with the wheels suddenly locking up before, and I ended up sliding into a power pole on a very gentle curve going uphill on a greasy street.
Our mechanic told us after it was bought that, based on his examinations, it had been in an accident before and rolled. Don't buy rigs from sketchy used car dealers!May 19, 2009
by Josh K
Dec 23, 2008
This car is very great its built very tough with a 4 liter straight 6 body is in great condition paint needs new coat of clear coat but i bought it for 300 bucks so what can i say its a great first car ye im on my 8thDec 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 25, 2008
for an older vehicle runs really goodApr 25, 2008
What users have asked
1988 Jeep Wagoneer accident, unibody was damaged, mostly side door driver side. Should we repair.
The car was involved in an accident that hit side passenger door and rear wheel well. Roof bent slightly. Can the unibody be straightened out ? The car is in beautiful shape and runs great! Just under 100,000 miles.
38 views
Wagoneer 4wd?
Hi there, I've got an '88 Grand Wagoneer and I'm not sure if I should be driving around on dry roads with it in 4wd or not. It has a switch to switch inbetween 2wd and 4wd. When it is switched to 4wd, is it full time or part time 4wd? Also, there is a lever under the driver's seat to put it into low range. When it is in low range, do either of the differentials lock?
1338 views
vin# ?
have an 88 with what sounds like a rod knock want to replace motor can I put any 4.0L 6cyl in it or are there only certain years I could use ?
256 views
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1988 Jeep Wagoneer Pricing
Original MSRP
$22,361 to $22,361Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent