Jeep Wagoneer

This is the article about the full-size Wagoneer. For the compact SUV 1984-1990 Wagoneer, see Jeep Cherokee (XJ). For the mid-size SUV 1993 Grand Wagoneer, see Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ).

Jeep Wagoneer

Manufacturer	Willys-Overland Motors Kaiser Jeep American Motors Chrysler
Also called	Jeep Grand Wagoneer (1984-1991) Jeep Ahoo (Iran, '67-'74) Jeep Simorgh (Iran, '63-'67)
Production	1963-1991
Assembly	Toledo, Ohio Tehran, Iran (Pars Khodro) Cairo, Egypt (AEV)
Predecessor	Willys Jeep Station Wagon
Successor	Jeep Grand Cherokee
Class	Full-size SUV (1963-1991)
Body style	2-door truck 2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Full size Jeep platform
Engine	230 cu in (3.8 L) Tornado 140hp I6 258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6 327 cu in (5.4 L) Vigilante V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick Dauntless V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8 401 cu in (6.6 L) AMC V8
Transmission	3-speed Borg-Warner T-90J manual 4-speed manual 3-speed GM THM400 automatic 3-speed Chrysler A727 automatic 3-speed Chrysler A999 automatic
Wheelbase	110 in (2,800 mm)
Length	186.4 in (4,730 mm)
Width	74.8 in (1,900 mm)
Height	66.4 in (1,690 mm)
Curb weight	4,514 lb (2,048 kg)
Related	Jeep Gladiator Jeep J-Series Jeep Cherokee
Designer(s)	Brooks Stevens

The Jeep Wagoneer was the first luxury 4x4, sold and produced through numerous marques from 1963 to 1991. A "sport utility vehicle" (SUV) for decades before the term was even coined, the 4WD Wagoneer saw only minor mechanial changes during its 28-year plus production run, the third longest in US automotive history.

The Wagoneer pioneered the sport utiliy vehicle marketplace, the most car-like 4x4 in spite of its massive boxy shape. Compared with offerings from International Harvester and Land Rover — which were producing utilitarian work-oriented vehicles with spartan truck-like interiors — the Wagoneer's luxury set it apart. Based on the Jeep SJ platform, the revolutionary Wagoneer sported an advanced overhead cam inline 6 cylinder, and offered features unheard of at the time in any other 4WD vehicle such as power steering and automatic transmission.

The Wagoneer made its debut seven years before Land Rover launched its Range Rover in Great Britain, and 24 years before that upscale marque appeared in the United States. It was succeeded by the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Willys and Kaiser years

With competition from the "Big Three" 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, which dated to 1946 and remained in production until 1965.

Like its long-lived predecessor, the new 1963 Wagoneer took shape under industrial designer Brooks Stevens. Willys' engineering staff handled the technical development. The cost of development was around US$20 million.

The original Wagoneer was a full-size body-on-frame vehicle which shared its architecture with the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck. It was originally available in two and four-door body styles, with the two-door also available as a panel truck 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 cu in (3.8 L) six-cylinder engine, which had debuted in 1962 as an option for Jeep's older-style station wagons. The engine developed 140 hp (104 kW) and was noted for being quite fuel-efficient for its day. However, it was known for cooling issues and "pinging" at altitude, leading the company to introduce a lower-compression 133 hp (99 kW) Tornado in 1964.

1963-1964

In early 1963, Willys Motors changed its name to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. Seat belts were optional.

There were few other changes for 1964, except for optional factory-installed air conditioning.

1965-1966

Super Wagoneer

Late-year 1965 Wagoneers and Gladiator pickup trucks were available with the 250 hp (186 kW) 327 cu in (5.4 L) AMC V8 engine, which proved to be a popular option. Additionally, the Tornado engine was replaced by American Motors' 232 cu in (3.8 L) OHV inline six. According to the automotive press this engine was smooth, powerful, reliable and easily maintained.^{[citation needed]}

The 1966 model year also saw the introduction of the more luxurious Super Wagoneer, initially with a higher-performance 270 hp (201 kW) version of the AMC V8, fitted with a four-barrel carburetor. With comfort and convenience features not standard on other vehicles of its type at the time - e.g. push-button radio, seven-position tilt steering wheel, ceiling courtesy lights, air conditioning, power tailgate, power brakes, power steering, and console-shifted TH400 automatic transmission – the Super Wagoneer is now widely regarded as the precursor of today's luxury SUVs. Production of the Super Wagoneer ended in 1969. Brakes were 11" drums.

1967-1971

Two-wheel drive models, which the four-wheel-drives had outsold from the beginning, were discontinued after the 1967 model year, and at the end of 1968 the slow-selling two-door versions were also discontinued.

For 1968 through 1971 Wagoneers were powered by Buick’s 350 cu in (5.7 L) 230 hp (172 kW) Dauntless V8. The Buick made less horsepower than the previous AMC V8 (230 hp vs. 250), but more torque at lower rpm (350 foot-pounds force (470 N·m) at 2400 rpm vs. 340 ft·lbf (460 N·m) at 2600), and it had 5 main bearings instead of the AMC’s 4.

After the 1971 model year, Wagoneers were exclusively AMC powered.

The AMC years

1970s Jeep Wagoneer

In early 1970 American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser Jeep Corporation and set about refining and upgrading the range. AMC also improved manufacturing efficiency and lowered costs by incorporating shared components such as engines. Reducing noise, vibration, and harshness improved the Wagoneer driving experience.

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.

After 1971, the outsourced Buick 350 was replaced by the 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8, and later the 401 cu in (6.6 L) was made available. 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 resurrected the two-door Wagoneer 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 more as a family SUV.

There were few styling changes during this time. However after introducing the Cherokee, AMC began to move the Wagoneer upmarket that brought high demand from a new market segment. The Limited, more luxuriously equipped than the earlier Super Wagoneer, offered 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. The 2-barrel, 360 cu in (5.9 L) AMC V8 engine was standard with a 4-barrel, 401 cu in (6.6 L) available at extra cost. Even though the US$10,500 suggested retail price was in luxury Cadillac territory,^{[citation needed]} 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.

With the V8s the primary choice among Wagoneer buyers, the 258 cu in (4.2 L) 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 fuel crisis. (The Wagoneer continued to sell relatively well after 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 manual transmission as standard equipment, but in 1983 automatic transmission with “Selec-Trac” four-wheel drive became standard. With this combination the Wagoneer achieved EPA fuel-consumption estimates of 18 mpg_-US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg_-imp) city and 25 mpg_-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg_-imp) highway – outstanding for a full-size SUV. 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.

In 1981, the Wagoneer line was expanded to three models. The Custom Wagoneer was the basic model, yet it included a 4-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 moulding with a narrow woodgrain insert, roof rack, as well as bright door and quarter window frames, and a lower tailgate moulding. The Limited Wagoneer 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 retractable cargo cover.

The basic "Custom" model was eliminated for 1983, and a new Select-Trac system became standard equipment. A dash-mounted control allowed the driver to change between two- and four-wheel drive. The switch activated a vacuum-activated spline clutch that was built into the front axle assembly.

The 1984 saw consolidation with the end of the Brougham model, while the Limited became the Grand Wagoneer. Thus, starting in 1984, only one fully equipped version was available, and this would remain until the end of the Grand Wagoneer production under Chrysler. Production reached 20,019 in 1984 with just one version available.

1980s Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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 for 1985.

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 the now defunct American Sunroof Company, became a factory option. However, the most significant change was the installation of a fully revamped interior including a new dashpad, new instrumentation, new door panel design, a decorative tailgate "cap", shorter nap cut-pile carpeting, more modern headliner and visors, new leather seat cover designs and front seats that now featured adjustable headrests. Changes were made to the instrument panel that now featured square gauges, featured woodgrain overlays and contained an improved climate control system. A new two spoke steering wheel also included new stalks for the lights and wiper/washer controls on the column. The Select-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.

The last model year developed under AMC, 1987, was also the 25th anniversary of the Wagoneer design. Standard equipment included the 360 cu in (5.9 L) 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 Dolby cassette and four Jensen speakers. The exterior featured revised woodgrained sides in English Walnut 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 for 1987.

Standard equipment for late Grand Wagoneers included:

• -15" All-Season Radial Tires
• -15" Alloy Wheels
• -A/M-F/M Stereo w/ Cassette Player
• -Four AccuSound by Jensen Premium Speakers
• -Air Conditioning and Heater, Manual Controls
• -Dual Front Power Bucket Seats
• -Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• -Leather and Velour Seating Surfaces
• -Digital Quartz Dashboard Clock
• -Full-Size Glove Box
• -Roof Rack w/ Roof Rails
• -Chrome Front Grille w/ Hood Ornament
• -Front Fog Driving Lamps
• -Power Windows and Door Locks
• -Adjustable Tilt Steering Column
• -Dual-Note High/Low-Pitch Horn
• -Power Rear Hatch Window
• -Tinted Windows
• -Faux Wood Body Side Vinyl Wood Appliques

The final years under AMC

In 1984, AMC replaced the SJ-body Cherokee with the new, smaller and more fuel-efficient unibody Jeep Cherokee (XJ), but high demand prompted the company to keep the old SJ-body Wagoneer in production. The Wagoneer Limited was renamed the Grand Wagoneer and in mid-1984, Jeep introduced a less expensive version of the Grand Wagoneer named the Wagoneer Custom without the simulated woodgrain exterior. Wheels were steel with hubcaps, and standard equipment was pared down. It had part-time four-wheel drive. Despite its lower price (US$15,995, about $3,000 less than the "Grand"), sales were poor.

The Grand Wagoneer remained "the gold standard of the SUV market" and it would continue in one version using the old SJ-body "for 1985 and beyond".

The Chrysler years

1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Chrysler bought out American Motors on March 2, 1987. Despite its advancing age the Grand Wagoneer remained popular. Chrysler largely left it untouched over its few years overseeing Grand Wagoneer production from the final setup under AMC's watch, and even continued to build the Grand Wagoneer with the carbureted AMC V8 instead of its own (and, arguably, more modern) fuel-injected V8s. Year-to-year changes were minimal. At the time of Chrysler's purchase, customer demand for the Grand Wagoneers continued to be steady, and it was a very profitable model generating approximately five to six thousand dollars on each unit.

The 1987-1991 model years "are considered the best of the breed" due to a number of upgrades. These include upgraded wood siding and modernized aluminum wheels that lost their gold colored inlays in favor of gunmetal grey metallic. All exterior colors were now applied in a two stage base/clearcoat system.

Finally, a number of further 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 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, and an infrared remote-controlled key-less entry system.

The last model years also featured new paint colors. These "new" colors included the rare Hunter Green metallic that was only available in the 1991 model year and is the paint color of the 91 Grand Wagoneer in the Chrysler museum, as well as the color of the very last Grand Wagoneer ever made, which was a significant part of the historic collection at the National Automobile museum.

End of the line

The Grand Wagoneer enjoyed one of the longest production runs of any vehicle. The powerful V8 engine and high towing capacity made the Grand Wagoneer popular among its many repeat buyers, and as of 1991, it was the longest domestically produced vehicle (29 years) on the same platform. The 1987-1991 models years "are considered the best of the breed and still have a loyal following among a select group". Late model low mileage Grand Wagoneers have become highly collectable with some vehicles selling for nearly as much as their original sticker price more than two decades after they rolled off the assembly line.

A total of 1,560 SJ Grand Wagoneers were produced in the 1991 model year. Owners had the option of having a "Final Edition Jeep Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The last Grand Wagoneer produced rolled out of Chrysler's Toledo Assembly Plant on June 21, 1991.

Competition

The Wagoneer was occasionally used in rallying, mainly in the United States. Wagoneers placed first and second in the first-ever running of the Sno*Drift rally in 1973.[1]

The Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 models have their own mild modification desert racing class "Jeepspeed 1". The "Jeepspeed 2" desert racing class includes the ZJ and WJ Grand Cherokees.

A Grand Wagoneer also competed in the 9,000-mile 1988 Trans-Amazon Rally.

Revival

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, that the Grand Wagoneer name will be revived for an "upper-scale" 7-seat SUV to be introduced January 2013. The new Grand Wagoneer will replace the outgoing Dodge Durango that has been produced since 2010, and will be produced at the same plant as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP). It will seat seven or eight passengers and will feature the same specs as the current Durango. It will be priced similarly to the Durango, starting at around $28,000.00.

See also

• Jerrari

External links

• International Full Size Jeep Association
• Vintage Jeeps
• wagoneers.com