Jeep Comanche Named 'Four Wheeler of the Year'

The Comanche was named 'Four Wheeler of the Year' by the editors of Four Wheeler magazine.

Competitors in the competition included:
Jeep Comanche
Ford Ranger Supercab
Isuzu Spacecab
Nissan Pickup
Susuki Samurai
Toyota 4Runner

Vehicles were rated in the following categories:
Power and performance
Overall economy
Ruggedness
Comfort and convenience
Handling and brakes (on-road)
Utility
Fit and Finish
Service Access
Value for Cost

In honor of this award, Jeep will make a limited edition Comanche available in Spring 1986

Limited 'Four Wheeler of the Year Comanche' edition features:
Premium two-tone sterling metallic and black paint
Black or Mesa fabric interior
Styled wheels with bright trim rings and center hubs
P205/75 black radial tires
Chrome dual side mirrors
Chrome door and tailgate handles
Chrome taillight trim and rear step bumper
All standard equipment features of Comanche X series


Source:
The Windsor Star - Feb 24, 1986
D2

Jeep 7.9% APR

Restored Comanche Advertisement from the Waycross Journal-Herald

Source:
Waycross Journal-Herald - Jan 15, 1986
P-12

Jeep Comanche smart looking and functional

Specifications for 1986 Jeep Comanche:
2,926 lb

Available engines:
2.5L 4 cylinder - 135 ft/lb of torque
2.8L 6 cylinder (V6) - 150 ft/lb of torque
Turbo-Diesel

Standard Gas Tank Capacity:
16 Gallons

Price:
Base: $6,999
Fully Loaded: $11,119

Standard Features:
Front Coil Springs
Rear Leaf Springs
Quadra-Link front suspension

Cargo Bed:
88.5 inch long
55.3 inch wide

Hauling Capacity:
Standard - 1,200 lb
Heavy-Duty Package - 2,205 lb

Available Extras:
Deep Metallic-Blue Paint - $161
Bucket Seats - $188
Automatic Transmission - $670
Air Conditioner - $765
Power Steering - $274
Sliding Rear Window - $111
Tinted Glass - $47
"X Package" - Fancy interior and exterior trim - $588
Tilt Steering - $118
Cruise Control - $205
AM-FM Stereo - $177
Dual outside mirrors - $54
Rear step bumper - $176
Intermittent Windshield Wipers - $57
Extra Large Gas Tank, 23.5 Gallons - $50




Source:
Boca Raton News - Jan 5, 1986
Page 6C

Comanche Target Market, Name Origin

The Comanche is aimed at a target market of "light construction, hauling, and farming, as well as pleasure - to transport motorcycles or surfboards, for example".

The name Comanche was chosen from a list of 11 finalists.  It ties in with the name Cherokee, the SUV which the Comanche is based upon.

The target market average annual income of a Comanche owner is $19,000.  This is compared to the normal target market for all Jeeps, 25-49 year old men with an annual income of $32,000.

Source:
The Milwaukee Journal - Nov 12, 1985
Page 1, 2

Comanche Keeps on Truckin'

(This is an excellent article discussing the Comanche and what makes it a great vehicle, please view the original source.)

 Photo enhanced and restored from "Reading Eagle - Nov 3, 1985 - taken by Richard J. Patrick"
 
Source:
Reading Eagle - Nov 3, 1985
C-18

Jeep Comanche Test Vehicle Specs Released

Wheelbase: 119.6 inches
Overall Length: 194 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Height: 63.7 inches
Base curb weight: 3,023 lb

Box size:
88.5 in long
55.3 in wide
16.4 in height

Cargo volume:
46.4 cubic feet

Payload capacity:
1,200 lb

Optional metric ton payload:
2,205 lb

Tow Rating:
Class I Hitch: 2,000 lb, 250 lb tongue
Class II Hitch: 4,200 lb, 500 lb tongue

Engine:
Standard: 4 cylinder 250 cubic inch (2.5 L)
117 hp @ 5,000 rpm
135 ft-lb torque @ 3,500 rpm
24/27 mpg

Optional: 6 cylinder
"more torque at lower rpm"
17/22 mpg
(other statistics missing)



Source:
Morning Call - Allentown, PA
Sep 7, 1985, page 143

AMC Launches Pickup Truck

American Motors Corp announced a mid-size pickup line today called the "Jeep Comanche".  Per AMC, this truck is based upon the Jeep Cherokee.

Source:
San Jose Mercury News (CA) Sept 4, 1985
3F Business