Jeep Wagoneer (SJ) — BrandWiki

Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)

Overview

Jeep Wagoneer

manufacturer	Kaiser Jeep (1963–1970) American Motors (1970–1987) Chrysler (1987–1991)
production	1962–June 1991
model years	1963–1991
class	Luxury full-size SUV
predecessor	Willys Jeep Station Wagon
successor	Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited (ZJ) Jeep Wagoneer Limited (XJ) Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (WS)
layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
engine	230 CID Tornado I6‡R1R‡ 258 CID AMC I6 327 cuin Vigilante V8 350 cuin Buick Dauntless V8 360 CID AMC V8 401 CID AMC V8

The Jeep Wagoneer is a luxury 4x4 produced and marketed under the Jeep brand from the 1963 to 1991 model years.[4] Introduced as the replacement for the Jeep Station Wagon, the Wagoneer was the first Jeep model line completely distinct from the Jeep CJ.[5] Designed as a truck-based station wagon, the model line became a progenitor of the modern sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

Designed by a team led by industrial designer Brooks Stevens,[6] the Wagoneer shared its Jeep SJ chassis with the Jeep Gladiator full-size pickup truck (later renamed the J-Series). Alongside the five-door wagon, the Wagoneer was also marketed as a three-door wagon and a two-door panel truck (effectively giving Jeep its own van). After 1968, the Wagoneer was sold exclusively as the five-door wagon; the three-door wagon was reintroduced as the Jeep Cherokee for 1974.

Along with developing a sport-utility vehicle smaller than the Chevrolet Suburban

width	74.8 in

length	186.4 in

body style	2-door panel truck 2-door SUV 4-door SUV

aka	Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1984–1991) Jeep Simorgh (Iran, 1963–1967) Jeep Ahoo (Iran, 1967–1974)‡R2R‡

height	66.4 in

weight	4514 lb

platform	Full size (SJ) Jeep platform

assembly	United States: Toledo, Ohio (Stickney Plant) Iran: Tehran (Pars Khodro) Egypt: Cairo (AEV) Argentina: Córdoba (IKA)

wheelbase	110 in ‡R3R‡

related	Jeep Gladiator Jeep J-Series Jeep Cherokee

designer	Brooks Stevens

Kaiser years

With competition from the "big three" automakers advancing on Jeep's four-wheel-drive market, Willys management decided that a new and more advanced vehicle was needed. Conceived in the early 1960s while Willys-Overland Motors was owned by Kaiser Jeep Corporation, the Wagoneer replaced the original Willys Jeep Station Wagon, originally introduced in July 1946 and produced until the 1964 model year.

It was introduced in November 1962 for the 1963 model year as a successor to the Willys Jeep Station Wagon that had been built since 1946. Although sharing a pickup truck chassis (like its predecessor), the Wagoneer had a sophisticated station wagon body design that was more carlike than any other 4×4 on the market.[10] Compared with offerings from GM, Ford, International Harvester, Toyota, Nissan and Land Rover — which were producing utilitarian work-oriented vehicles with spartan truck-like interiors — the Wagoneer's luxury set it apart. Together with the Gladiator, the revolutionary Wagoneer SJ platform included an advanced overhead cam straight-six engine, and offered features unheard of at the time in any other mainstream 4WD vehicle, such as independent front suspension, power steering, automatic transmission,[11][12] a factory radio, and optional air conditioning.[1]

Like its long-lived predecessor, the new 1963 Wagoneer took shape under industrial designer Brooks Stevens, while Willys' engineering staff handled the technical development. To appeal to mainstream consumers, the Wagoneer received a relatively low stance and car-like manners. The lower entry height was accomplished with a transfer case and a compact running gear design. Suspension tuning gave it a good ride, but because it was developed as a truck, it could haul and tow as needed. Development took three years and cost around US$20 million ($0 in dollars).[13]

At its introduction, the Jeep Wagoneer had no direct competition. For comparison, it took another eight years for Land Rover's Range Rover to start in only a two-door body style.[14] It took until 1981 for the four-door 4×4 to be developed and Range Rover sales in the United States began in 1987.[14]

1963–1964

The original Wagoneer is a full-size body-on-frame vehicle that shared its architecture with the Gladiator pickup truck. At first, it offered many body types, suspension, and drivetrain options. Available as both two- and four-door wagons, the two-door could be had as a "Panel Delivery" model with windowless sides behind the doors and double "barn doors" in the rear instead of the usual tailgate and roll-down rear window.

Early Wagoneers were powered by Willys' new "Tornado" SOHC 230 CID six-cylinder engine, which had debuted in 1962 as an option for Jeep's previous Station Wagons. The engine developed 140 hp and was noted for being fuel-efficient for its day. Both a 3-speed manual and automatic transmission were offered, each available with either rear-wheel-drive or part-time four-wheel-drive without a center differential, but with manually locking front hubs. The Warn hubs were utilized to engage or disengage the front wheels, to switch the drivetrain between two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive mode.

Like on the original Willys Wagon,[15][16] independent front suspension instead of a rigid front axle was again offered to give the Wagoneer a more car-like ride and handling. The original Wagoneer featured independent front suspension (IFS) as standard on the rear-wheel drive models and was optional on the four-wheel drive,

AMC years

1970

In early 1970, AMC acquired Kaiser Jeep Corporation and began refining and upgrading the range. American Motors improved manufacturing efficiency and lowered costs by incorporating shared components such as engines. Reducing noise, vibration, and harshness improved the Wagoneer driving experience. Visually, a big change was made during the 1970 model year by replacing the metal grille with a new plastic grille having an egg crate pattern instead of vertical bars.

1971

The 1971 model year included a special "X-coded" model finished in "golden lime" with unique wood-grain side panels, numerous convenience features, and power assists, that was priced $1,000 more than the deluxe "custom" model.[24] After 1971, the outsourced Buick 350 was replaced by the 360 CID AMC V8, with the 401 CID later becoming available.

1972–1977

The innovative Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system, which broadened the appeal of Jeep products to people who wanted four-wheel-drive traction without the inconvenience of a manual-shift transfer case and manual locking hubs, was introduced in 1973.

In 1974, AMC redesigned the greenhouse of the defunct two-door Wagoneer, with much wider D-pillars and single, long rear side windows, and reintroduced it as the Cherokee. This replaced the Jeepster Commando, whose sales had not met expectations despite an extensive 1972 revamp. The Cherokee appealed to a younger market than the Wagoneer, which was regarded as a family SUV.

Also in 1974, front disc brakes were introduced as standard equipment. While the new Cherokees still had 4-wheel drum brakes standard, front discs could be had as an option.

From 1976, all Wagoneer and Cherokee models received strengthened frames with stronger cross-members and boxed side rail construction.

1978

After the introduction of the Cherokee, AMC began to move the Wagoneer upmarket, and that brought high demand from a new market segment. Midway through 1978, the "Limited" was introduced, more luxuriously equipped than the earlier Super Wagoneer, offering Quadra-Trac, power disk brakes, air conditioning, power-adjustable bucket seats, power door locks, power windows, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, plush carpeting, AM/FM/CB radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rack, forged aluminum wheels, and "wood grain" trim on the body sides.[13] The two-barrel, 360 CID AMC V8 engine was standard with a four-barrel, 401 CID available at extra cost. Even though the US$10,500 ($0 in dollars) suggested retail price was in luxury Cadillac and Lincoln territory,[25] the Limited's high-level specification attracted buyers, and sales were strong with a total of 28,871 Wagoneers produced in 1978, and 27,437 in 1979.

1979

On other SJ models, there were few styling changes until 1979, when all Wagoneer, Cherokee, and J-Series pickup models received a substantial styling update with one-piece aluminum bumpers and a new one-piece chrome plastic grille with a protruding middle section shaped somewhat like a pig's nose, horizontal slats, and square headlights.[13] This front-end appearance was described as the "pig nose grill" and continued on Wagoneer models through 1985.[26][27]

1980

For the 1980 model year, AMC decided to offer the four-wheel-drive platform using a station wagon body style but on a compact platform, and introduced the AMC Eagle.

With the V8s the primary choice among Wagoneer buyers, the 258 CID six-cylinder engine was dropped in the 1970s, only to return as an option when Jeep sales – particularly of the high-volume Cherokee – were hit by the 1979 energy crisis. The Wagoneer continued to sell relatively well in comparison to luxurious station wagons offered by Ford, Chrysler, and GM, while production dropped to 10,481 in 1980, but increased to 13,741 in 1981, 18,709 in 1982, and 18,478 in 1983. When reintroduced, the engine came with a manual transmission as standard equipment, but in 1983, automatic transmissions with “Selec-Trac” four-wheel drive became standard. With this combination, the Wagoneer achieved EPA fuel-consumption estimates of 18 mpgus city and 25 mpgus highway – outstanding for a full-size SUV.[28] This allowed the company to advertise good fuel mileage, although the more powerful 360 V8 remained popular with certain buyers despite its greater thirst for fuel.

1981–1982

In 1981, the Wagoneer line was expanded to three models. The Custom Wagoneer was the basic model, yet it included a four-speed transmission, free-wheeling hubs, power steering, and power front disc brakes, as well as passenger area carpeting. A new Brougham model added an upgraded interior trim that included woodgrain for the instrument cluster and horn cover, floor mats, power tailgate window, as well as the "convenience" and "light" packages. The Brougham's exterior included a thin side body scuff molding with a narrow woodgrain insert, a roof rack, as well as bright door and quarter window frames, and a lower tailgate molding. The Wagoneer Limited was the top-of-the-line with standard Quadra-Trac, automatic transmission, air conditioning, tinted glass, power windows and door locks, cruise control, AM/FM stereo radio, extra-quiet insulation, power six-way driver and passenger bucket seats with center armrest, upgraded door panels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, extra-thick carpeting, and a retractable cargo cover.

1983

The basic "Custom" model was dropped starting with the 1983 model year, and a new Selec-Trac system became standard equipment. A dash-mounted control allowed the driver to change between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The switch activated a vacuum-activated spline clutch that was built into the transfer case, which engaged the front axle assembly. A shift lever mounted on the side of the transmission hump allowed the driver to shift between four-high and four-low while the vehicle was moving, although the transmission had to be shifted to neutral and the vehicle had to be moving at less than five miles per hour to accomplish this.

1984: SJ and XJ

For 1984, AMC replaced the SJ-body Cherokee with the all-new, compact, and more fuel-efficient unibody Jeep Cherokee (XJ), and introduced an upscale version of the (XJ) known as the Wagoneer. The compact XJ Wagoneer was available in two trim levels: the "Wagoneer" and the "Wagoneer Limited." AMC originally intended for these vehicles to replace the SJ-body Wagoneer models, but high demand prompted the company to keep the old SJ-body Wagoneer in production alongside them even though the design, largely unchanged since 1962, was becoming increasingly antiquated.

The SJ-body Wagoneer line saw consolidation in 1984 with the end of the "Brougham" model, while the "Limited" was renamed the "Grand Wagoneer" to free up the "Wagoneer Limited" nameplate for the compact XJ Wagoneer. In mid-1984, AMC introduced a less expensive version called the Wagoneer "Custom", without the simulated woodgrain exterior. The Custom had steel wheels with hubcaps, standard equipment was pared down, and it had part-time four-wheel drive. Despite its lower price (US$15,995, about $3,000 less than the "Grand"), sales were low, and it was dropped after 1984.

Thus, at the end of 1984, production reached 20,019 with just one fully equipped version available. The Grand Wagoneer remained "the gold standard of the SUV market", and from 1985, it would continue in one version using the old SJ-body until the end of the Grand Wagoneer production under Chrysler.[28]

For the Mexican market, the Grand Wagoneer was built and distributed by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos, and was offered with the 282 CI engine.

1985

An improved handling package was introduced in 1985 that incorporated a revised front sway bar, gas-filled shock absorbers, and lower-friction rear springs. A total of 17,814 Grand Wagoneers were built in 1985.

1986

Starting in the 1986 model year, the Grand Wagoneer received a new four-part front grille and a stand-up hood ornament. An updated audio system became a standard feature, and a power sunroof installed by American Sunroof Corporation became a factory option. However, the most significant change was the installation of a fully revamped interior, including a new dash pad, new instrumentation, new door panel design, shorter nap cut-pile carpeting, new leather, and corduroy seat cover designs, as well as front seats that now featured adjustable headrests. Changes were made to the instrument panel that now featured square gauges and contained an improved climate control system. The metal glove box door was also replaced with a plastic door featuring a woodgrain overlay. A new two-spoke steering wheel also included new stalks for the lights and wipers, and washer controls on the column. The Selec-Trac driveline gained a new Trac-Lok limited-slip differential to send power to the wheel with the best traction. There were 17,254 Grand Wagoneers built in 1986.

1987

The last model year developed under AMC, 1987, was also the 25th anniversary of the Wagoneer design. Standard equipment included the 360 CID V8 engine and self-sealing Michelin "Tru Seal" P235/75R 15 radial tires. The sound system included a new AM/FM electronically-tuned stereo with a Dolby cassette player and four Jensen speakers. The exterior featured revised woodgrained sides in "marine teak" with new nameplates and V8 badges. On the inside were new tan or cordovan trims that replaced the honey and garnet colors, while the interior assist pulls on the door panels were removed. A combined 14,265 units were built by AMC and Chrysler in 1987.

Standard equipment for late Grand Wagoneers included:

Optional equipment included:

15″ Michelin all-season whitewall radial tires
15″ alloy wheels
AM/FM stereo with cassette player
Four AccuSound by Jensen premium speakers
Air conditioning and heater with manual controls
Dual front power bucket seats
Leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel
Leather and velour seating surfaces
Digital quartz dashboard clock

Chrysler years

1987–1991

Chrysler bought out American Motors Corporation on March 2, 1987. At the time, AMC was already working on designing a replacement for the antiquated SJ platform. Chrysler had other priorities, and although the Jeep J-Series pickups that shared the SJ platform and directly competed with Chrysler's Dodge Ram pickups were discontinued in 1988, Chrysler left the Grand Wagoneer largely untouched over its first few years overseeing Jeep production, and even continued to build the model with the carbureted AMC V8 instead of its own (arguably, more modern) fuel-injected V8. Year-to-year changes were minimal. At the time of Chrysler's purchase, customer demand for the Grand Wagoneer continued to be steady, and it was a very profitable model, generating approximately five to six thousand dollars on each unit.[29]

The 1989–1991 model years are considered the "best of the breed" because of many improvements. These include upgraded wood siding and modernized aluminum alloy wheels that lost their gold-colored inlays in favor of gunmetal grey metallic. Chrysler also introduced an electrocoat primer for better rust-proofing, and all exterior colors were now applied in a two-stage base-clearcoat system. In 1988, Jeep's first full year under Chrysler, a total of 14,117 Grand Wagoneers were produced.

Many improvements were made for the 1989–1991 model year series, including a quality replacement for the earlier, leak-prone air conditioning compressor, the addition of the visually identifiable rear wiper/washer assembly, as well as a general improvement in fit and finish. An interior overhead console, taken from Chrysler's popular minivans, was also added. This functional console featured much brighter map lights, an outside temperature sensor and compass, a storage compartment for sunglasses, as well as an infrared remote-controlled keyless entry system.

The last three model years also featured several new exterior paint colors, and the tan interior color was replaced with a lighter color that Jeep called "sand." The "new" exterior colors included a hunter green metallic that was only available in the 1991 model year and is the paint color of the 1991 Grand Wagoneer in the Chrysler Museum, as well as the color of the very last Grand Wagoneer ever made.

Discontinuation

The Wagoneer enjoyed one of the longest production runs of any Jeep product.[30] Despite its combined fuel economy of only 11 miles per gallon,[31] its powerful 5.9 liter V8 engine and high towing capacity, and the fact that unlike most competitive full-size SUVs of the era it had four doors, made the Grand Wagoneer popular among its many repeat buyers through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. By 1991, it was the longest-running domestically produced vehicle (29 years) on the same platform.[9]

As a result of the 1990 oil price shock, gasoline prices in the United States rose 11 percent in less than a year.[32] Sales of the gas-guzzling Grand Wagoneer plummeted from over 10,000 units in 1989 to 6,449 in 1990. Slow sales continued during the Gulf War and only 4253 Grand Wagoneers were produced in the 1991 model year.[33]

Collectibility

Even before Chrysler assembled the final SJ Grand Wagoneer, there were specialized companies that were refurbishing and restoring them.[38] Grand Wagoneers that are in top condition seem not to decrease in value.[38]

The 1989–1991 model years are considered "the best of the breed and still have a loyal following among a select group."[39] Later model, low mileage, rust-free Grand Wagoneers have become highly collectible with some pristine examples selling for more than their original sticker price over three decades after they rolled off the assembly line.[40]

In 2013, the 1963–1991 models were in a list of eight SUVs that have become collectibles and, depending on the condition, desirable items at car auctions.[41]

By 2019, the appraisal values of Grand Wagoneers had been increasing an average of 2–6 percent with each bi-monthly update for most of past ten years according to