The absolute supremacy of SUV models in today’s automotive market is undeniable. Just look out the window, and you’ll see; they are everywhere. Even then, it is shocking to learn that there are over 130 SUV models on sale globally, making it, by far, the most popular vehicle segment. However, this level of domination didn’t happen overnight. It actually crept on us quite slowly, gaining in popularity a little more every year. With that being said, one of the trucks that had an indisputable impact on the subsequent turn of event is the Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer.
But to really understand the influence the Wagoneer had on the current automotive market, we’ll have to go back to its roots and take a look at some of the features that turned it into a true American Icon.
Background
The Jeep brand practically created the off-road vehicle class with the introduction of eponymous Jeep Willys in the early ’40s. Although it was first and foremost a military vehicle, once WWII was over, Jeep successfully transformed it into a civilian vehicle and it was quickly adopted worldwide. Along with Willys Overland Station Wagon and pickup, buyers were introduced to rugged, durable, and immensely capable four-wheel-drive vehicles that could go anywhere and do anything.
Read more: Jeep Shows 2021 Grand Wagoneer Full-Size SUV in a Concept Form
However, as capable as those vehicles were, something was missing. Was it comfort, modern features, a suitable interior? Your guess is as good as mine but, in all cases, customers wanted more. All early Jeeps were relatively small with only essential equipment, harsh ride, and stiff suspension, better suited for challenging terrain than paved streets and driveways. Not long after the war, Jeep noticed the majority of its customers were farmers, campers, and hunters who required some level of comfort beside the all-terrain capability.
The solution was to re-engineer the Willys Overland Station Wagon into a brand new and much more advanced vehicle. The initial development of what was to later become the Wagoneer started in the late ’50s, with the production version introduced in November of 1962.
Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1984)
When the original Jeep Wagoneer hit the market, it was indeed a revolutionary vehicle. For the first time in automotive history, an off-road vehicle wasn’t just a dressed-up military runabout. Instead, it was a well-designed, comfortable four-wheel-drive wagon with modern features, plenty of interior space, a big trunk, and lots of cargo space. It had a softer ride, solid performance, and could cruise the interstates with ease. It had a contemporary look and was equally at home off the beaten paths as in the suburbia mall parking lots.
The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was, without a doubt, the first and most influential SUV model since it managed to combine off-road usability with on-road comfort successfully. This vehicle introduced the industry to the idea of an “all-around car” and created the trend, which is now, more than 50 years later, developed beyond the wildest dreams of its original creators.
First models
The first Wagoneers came equipped with a 3.8-liter straight-six engine producing 140 hp – nothing to brag about but very economical, durable, and suited for the purpose. Jeep offered the Wagoneer in several trim levels, along with optional air-conditioning and other creature comforts. The initial sales were good, and the automotive press praised the unique blend of on-road comfort and off-road usability.
The sixties
By the late ’60s, Jeep realized that more and more customers opted for luxury trims and decided to equip the Wagoneer with an AMC V8 engine and later Buick V8. Those were called Super Wagoneers and came with chrome trim, nicer wheels, an upscale interior, and 230 or 250 hp engines, finally providing owners with decent performance.
The seventies
In the early ’70s, the Jeep brand was acquired by American Motor Corporation, and AMC’s market strategist realized the model’s potential. Thus, the Wagoneer line was steadily improved and upgraded, and every model year brought something new.
In 1973, a new Quadra-Track four-wheel-drive drivetrain was introduced, greatly improving off-road capabilities. Disc brakes and a beefed-up frame entered production a year later in 1974. Also, since buyers concentrated on V8 engines (AMC’s 360 and 401 V8), the six-cylinder was discontinued.
The Eighties
By the late ’70s/early ’80s, Wagoneer was at the height of its fame with almost 30,000 examples sold every year and a base price of around $10,000. Even though it ain’t that impressive by today’s standards, in those days, Wagoneers could rival Cadillacs and were AMC’s most expensive product.
The late ’70s Wagoneers were typical trucks of the period with plush interiors, leather trim, chrome grilles, and characteristic wood-grain side panels. Owners rarely took them off-road, and you could mostly see them parked in front of golf courses and country clubs.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1984 to 1991)
AMC was in deep financial trouble by the early ’80s, but somehow, it didn’t affect Jeep as a brand. The Wagoneer was still as popular (and expensive) as ever, but just before it went into bankruptcy, AMC decided to improve the Wagoneer even further and introduced the Grand Wagoneer in 1984.
Those models came fully loaded with power windows and mirrors, premium audio systems, chrome roof rack, and power rear hatch. Only the sunroof and towing package were optional. Even though the Grand Wagoneer was expensive and had a design straight from the ’60s, customers loved its boxy appearance and classic American feel.
Production lasted until 1991, making the Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer the Jeep product with the longest production history and easily one of the American manufacturer’s biggest success to date.
Immediately after Chrysler (which bough the AMC in 1987) discontinued the Grand Wagoneer, it became an American classic with prices steadily rising ever since. Today, Grand Wagoneers may be outdated in terms of design or performance, but it is still a pretty decent off-roader. Its well-known reliability and old-school vibe may explain why prices are still quite high, and why it’s a sought-after model in the collector’s car world.
Legacy
To better understand the phenomenon and its success, you have to realize that in the mid-’80s, the general automotive market was just starting to accept the idea of a luxury off-roader. The Wagoneer defined the genre and the Grand Wagoneer set the standard for all other manufacturers. Sure, the Range Rover was another luxury SUV built at the same time, but Land Rover’s model was never even close in terms of equipment level, quality, and style, especially in the eyes of American customers. Jeep defined what SUVs should be, shaped the whole segment, and set the bar so high that very little manufacturer managed to produce a luxury off-roader of this caliber, even to this day.
