Jeep Wagoneer history

The prototype of the Wagoneer was the model Station Wagon. Since 1962 Wagoneer became a completely new without anything similar to the previous models. The Wagoneer was the first of a series of Full Size Jeeps (SJ) Introduced by Willys. It had 4 and 2 wheel drive. In early 1963, Willys Motors changed its name to Kaiser Jeep Corporation.

In early 1963, Willys Motors changed its name to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. In 1966 the more luxurious Super Wagoneer was introduced. It had a higher-performance (270 hp), it was more comfortable and convenient. Now the Super Wagoneer is regarded as the precursor of today's luxury SUVs. Production of the model ended in 1969.

The 1963-1965 Wagoneers had a small grill inserted in the front valance that known as the "Rhino" grill. In into the early 1970 models the Razor grill was used. The grill has adopted the "Cheese Grater" style name and was used through the 1973 model. From 1974 through the 1978 model year, the grille had same basic frame, but with a plastice grill insert known as the "Egg Crate".

Jeep Wagoneer

In 1970 Kaiser Jeep Corporation was acquired by American Motors Corporation. 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. In 1974 AMC introduced the two-door Wagoneer as the Cherokee. The model replaced the Jeepster Commando because its sales had not met expectations. However AMC began to move Wagoneer upmarket after introducing the Cherokee culminating in more luxuriously equipped model the 1978 Wagoneer Limited.

In 1981 the Wagoneer line was expanded to three models: The Custom Wagoneer (the basic model), a new Brougham model (with an upgraded interior trim that included woodgrain for the instrument cluster and horn cover, floor mats, power tailgate window) and the Limited Wagoneer (it had 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).

Grand Wagoneer

In 1984, when the smaller XJ Wagoneer was introduced, the Full Size Wagoneer name was changed to Grand Wagoneer. In 1987 Jeep was bought by Chrysler Corporation. The Grand Wagoneer remained popular and largely it was left untouched.

A number of upgrades were made with 1987-1991 years model. Wood siding and aluminum wheels were upgraded. Exterior colors were applied in a two stage base/clearcoat system.

Also a number of improvements were made for the 1989-1991 model (leak-prone air conditioning compressor was replaced, visually identifiable rear wiper assembly was added, also an interior overhead console, taken from Chrysler's popular minivans, was also added).

The full size Jeep Wagoneer was in production till 1991. A luxury version called the Grand Wagoneer was also introduced in 1984. However, with the introduction of the Grand Cherokee in 1993, Jeep stopped production of the Wagoneer.

However, Grand Wagoneer was still popular. Chrysler decided that the cost of updating the full-sized Grand Wagoneer would be too great. Chrysler introduced the compact Grand Wagoneer ZJ in 1993 and it was was based on the new Grand Cherokee. But sales did not warrant a return of the Grand Wagoneer for the 1994 model year, and thus the ZJ Grand Wagoneer was on the market for only one year.