The Jeep Comanche was built from 1986 through 1992. It was introduced by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1986, but then AMC and it's Jeep Division were bought out by the Chrysler Corporation who began distributing the mid-sized truck officially in 1987.
The fact that Dodge pickup trucks are also Chrysler products made it difficult for the Jeep newcomer to compete with the established Dodge line especially the Dodge Dakota which was also available in 4 wheel drive.
Also, Jeep sales had been declining with the slow death of American Motors Corp. and now it was up to Chrysler to decide what to do with their new division … but especially the Jeep Comanche.
The Comanche pickup was built on the successful Jeep Cherokee platform sharing most major drive train and even some body / interior parts.
I have always felt that the Comanche truck was a handsome looking pickup, as well as being a good size between the compact and full-sized pickups throughout the spectrum of American and Foreign entries.
I currently own an original 1987 Jeep Comanche 4×4 long bed with a 5 spd. standard and the first of the 4.0 Liter engines. I thoroughly enjoy my truck … and have loved most Jeeps for quite some time now. This truck has plenty of power and will go anywhere it is pointed … especially in rough driving conditions.
My truck is smooth on the highway and handles dirt, rocks, mud, snow and ice as well. There are no power windows, seats or locks anywhere on this workhorse.
Chrysler / Jeep has been talking for several years now about building a production pickup to fill the long gap since the Jeep Comanche. In 2005 they came out with the Jeep Gladiator Concept prototype which will knock your socks off. This is one nice looking pickup built on the Wrangler Unlimited platform.
In the meantime, while awaiting new Jeep Pickup blood from Chrysler … there are some nice Comanches still on the road and some are even available to good homes. They can only become rarer with time.
So … grab one up … take care of it … and enjoy the Jeep Experience!