Jeep Comanche
The Jeep Comanche (designated MJ) is a pickup truck version of the Cherokee compact SUV that was produced from 1986 to 1992. Rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models were available as well as two cargo box lengths of six and seven feet.
Jeep Comanche Overview
The Jeep Comanche (MJ) is a notable chapter in Jeep’s history, representing the brand’s foray into the compact pickup truck market. Developed from the Cherokee XJ platform, the Comanche offers a unique blend of Jeep’s off-road prowess and the utility of a pickup truck.
The Comanche is a monocoque (unibody) vehicle, an unusual form of truck design, like the Volkswagen Rabbit pickup and Dodge Rampage. Jeep designers based its body, styling, and suspension on the Cherokee, which had been introduced for the 1984 model year.
AMC’s Jeep engineering staff designed a subframe that connected to the modified Cherokee unibody structure to support the cargo box. Two such subframes were designed; one for the long-bed model, which appeared first, and a second, shorter version for the short-bed, which debuted for 1987. Jeep offered the Comanche with a selection of engines, including the 4.0 L, 242 CID straight-6 engine found in many Jeeps from 1987-2006.
The Comanche aimed to penetrate the compact pickup truck market, which was quite competitive at the time with strong offerings from Japanese and American manufacturers. Production ceased in 1992. The Comanche’s departure marked the end of Jeep’s presence in the pickup truck market for several decades, until the introduction of the Jeep Gladiator (JT) in 2019.
Over the years, the Comanche has developed a cult following, especially among Jeep enthusiasts. Its unique positioning as a Jeep pickup based on the beloved XJ platform has cemented its place in automotive history.
Jeep Comanche Sales Figures
Although it was well-received for its build quality, off-road abilities, and unique design, the Comanche never reached the sales volumes of some of its competitors. Economic conditions, internal competition with Chrysler’s other trucks (after Chrysler’s acquisition of AMC in 1987), and other factors contributed to its relatively short production run.
Jeep Comanche U.S Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 9,557 |
| 1986 | 33,386 |
| 1987 | 38,094 |
| 1988 | 37,971 |
| 1989 | 25,074 |
| 1990 | 12,154 |
| 1991 | 6,663 |
| 1992 | 3,181 |
