1985 Jeep Wagoneer
The first on & off-road capable luxury American wagon
Father of the modern SUV
Nostalgic woodgrain by those who remember them from their youth
Simply put, the Jeep Wagoneer is the father of all modern luxury SUV’s. Comfort, quality, and convenience were combined for the first time within a platform that allowed the owner to utilize the truck either on or off road. The Wagoneer was introduced 24 years before the Range Rover was sold in the United States, setting the standard for what a luxury SUV should look and drive like. Today, luxury SUVs represent a significant percentage of new cars sold in the United States, though there was a time when Jeep was the sole manufacturer in this bracket.
Production of the Wagoneer lasted for nearly three decades, from 1963 to 1991 with only minor changes over the 28-year run. Jeep introduced several industry firsts on the Wagoneer including the first automatic transmission in a 4x4 vehicle, the first 4x4 vehicle with independent front suspension, and the first full time 4x4 system. The on and off-road advantages of 4x4 combined with the comfort of a luxury automobile put Jeep into its own class for many years. The Wagoneer was truly the first truck loaded with high end options such as power brakes and power steering, making the truck just as comfortable on the pavement as it was capable off it. In the late 1970’s, the first Wagoneers were sold with its “woody” body style, further encaptivating high-income buyers with its charming look. In 1984, the Wagoneer evolved into the Grand Wagoneer as Jeep introduced smaller models, though the truck still only introduced incremental changes.
Behind the wheel of the Grand Wagoneer, the driving experience feels shockingly modern. Power adjustable leather seats and a tilt steering wheel allow the driver to get comfortable in the ideal driving position. On the road, the truck uses its off-road DNA to create a very balanced driving experience – the truck does not feel too front heavy or top heavy at any given point. The 144 horsepower 5.9-liter V8 does not feel “fast” at any given point, but the 280 ft./lbs. of torque allow the truck to easily get out of its own way. On the road, this truck hardly drives like a truck at all; until however, you decide to veer off the road and its character completely changes.
Specifications
Engine: 5.9 Liter V8
Horsepower: 144 @ 3200 RPM
Torque: 280 ft./lbs @ 1500 RPM
Top Speed: 91 MPH
Transmission: Three-Speed Automatic
Weight: 4490 lbs.