1963-1992 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer

The debut of the Jeep Wagoneer in late 1962 marked a pivotal moment for Jeep. Although Willys Motors led the four-wheel-drive vehicle market, their 1940s-era Jeep Station Wagon had seen few updates. However, as competitors emerged in the late 1950s, the need for a contemporary successor became urgent.

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The creation of the Wagoneer was a landmark moment, shaping a new category of vehicles that would evolve over the next four decades. It combined four-wheel drive, spacious passenger and cargo areas, and increasingly luxurious features.

Willys Motors, a subsidiary of Kaiser Industries since 1953, had long dominated the light-duty four-wheel-drive market. Starting with the CJ-2A, the civilian version of the renowned wartime "jeep," in mid-1945, they expanded into four-wheel-drive trucks by 1947.

While the four-wheel-drive market was modest in the years following World War II, Willys held a commanding position. However, in 1961, a new competitor emerged. International Harvester launched its Scout series, offering modern four-wheel-drive vehicles with enhanced space and comfort, directly challenging Jeep's dominance.

Willys management quickly took action. By early 1961, they greenlit a new-product initiative that would introduce a fresh lineup of Jeep models and a new engine. A.C. Sampietro, the chief engineer, was tasked with the technical aspects, while Brooks Stevens, a skilled independent designer under contract with Willys, along with Jim Angers and the small in-house Jeep design team, handled the styling.

When Stevens was commissioned to design a new series of Jeep station wagons, pickups, and panel trucks, it likely felt like a familiar challenge. His association with Willys began in the mid-1940s with a similar request, leading to the creation of the Jeep Station Wagon in 1946. By 1949, a four-wheel-drive version was introduced, marking the birth of the first sport-utility vehicle.

However, times had changed. Willys no longer monopolized the four-wheel-drive market as it had in the past. By the late 1950s, competitors like International, Dodge, Chevrolet, General Motors, Ford, and Studebaker were producing factory-built 4x4 versions of their light-duty trucks. The introduction of the Scout raised the stakes, and Stevens knew he had to deliver something extraordinary to stay ahead.

And he succeeded.

After numerous clay models and countless sketches, Stevens unveiled a stylish station wagon with refined, almost sophisticated lines. Launched in November 1962, Willys named it the Jeep Wagoneer. It was more spacious than its predecessors, comfortably accommodating six passengers.

The generous glass areas provided an exceptionally bright and open interior, a stark contrast to earlier utility wagons. The body's clean, slab-sided design exuded a rugged charm. The front end stood out with its keystone grille and large round vents, nearly matching the size of the headlights. The low hood and minimal ornamentation along the sides added to its understated elegance.

The design was straightforward and genuine, free from unnecessary frills. It broke away from typical truck aesthetics, yet it appeared far more robust than a standard car. This styling perfectly captured the Wagoneer's unique character.

The Wagoneer was packed with family-friendly features, including roll-down windows on every door, a tailgate with a retractable window, and a sleek instrument panel. Engineers seamlessly incorporated four-wheel-drive components into the chassis, ensuring low body height without compromising ground clearance.

The step-in height was comparable to that of a regular car. Willys proudly claimed, "The Wagoneer ... is the first station wagon to combine full passenger car styling with the benefits of four-wheel-drive traction."

With a 110-inch wheelbase, the Wagoneer was nearly half a foot longer than its predecessor, and its overall length of 183.6 inches added over seven inches. These dimensions made it the largest and most spacious wagon Jeep had ever produced.

Car Life observed, "The overall dimensions are nearly the same as the Chevy II ... yet the Wagoneer appears much larger than it actually is -- for reasons we can't quite pinpoint." Despite its size, the Wagoneer felt agile and responsive compared to the International Travelall or Chevrolet Suburban. This perception was key to its popularity. While competitors were seen as trucks, the Wagoneer was viewed as a family car alternative.

A major factor in its success was its role as a testing ground for innovation. The Wagoneer was packed with groundbreaking features. It came in two body styles: a practical two-door utility wagon and a family-friendly four-door version, broadening its appeal significantly.

The Wagoneer pioneered the inclusion of an automatic transmission in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a feature highly sought after by car buyers. The optional Borg-Warner automatic, controlled via a column shifter, made the Wagoneer a top choice for many new-car shoppers.

Another first for the Wagoneer was the availability of an independent front suspension, replacing the standard leaf springs with long torsion bars for a smoother, more car-like ride. This innovation also improved maneuverability by reducing the turning radius by 16 inches.

The four-wheel-drive system was operated using a floor-mounted lever, offering high and low ranges for four-wheel drive, as well as standard two-wheel drive. However, models with automatic transmission lacked the low-range option. Indicator lights provided clear visibility of the current drive mode.

Innovation extended under the hood with the introduction of the "Tornado OHC" six-cylinder overhead-camshaft engine, which fit perfectly into the spacious engine bay. Initially launched late in the 1962 model year as an option for Jeep utility wagons, pickups, and panel trucks, this engine was specifically designed for the new Jeep lineup.

As the sole overhead-camshaft engine from a U.S. manufacturer at the time, its performance was impressive: the 230 cid engine delivered 140 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 210 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm, surpassing Willys's older Super Hurricane 226-cid L-head six by 35 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque.

Willys boasted that the Tornado had "the lowest specific fuel consumption of any production gasoline engine." It was the only engine available in Wagoneers, as Willys did not offer a V-8. A three-speed manual transmission with a column shifter was standard, with overdrive optional for two-wheel-drive models.

The Wagoneer, designated as series J-100, launched with two trim levels. Base models featured simple upholstery and rubber floor mats, while the more upscale Deluxe versions included full carpeting, premium upholstery, and enhanced door trim. Later in the year, the Custom series replaced the Deluxe, though no significant changes in equipment were made.

The two-door Wagoneer was the most affordable option, particularly in two-wheel-drive configuration, starting at $2,546. The four-door, four-wheel-drive version was priced at $3,332. As with most American vehicles of the era, the base price was just the beginning, with numerous options available.

The Wagoneer came with an extensive range of optional features. Beyond the automatic transmission, customers could opt for power steering, power brakes, a push-button AM radio, an electric clock, backup lights, seat belts, an electrically operated tailgate window, chrome wheel covers, and more. Four-wheel-drive models included a dash-mounted compass as standard, while it was optional for two-wheel-drive versions. Practical options like snowplows, winches, and even a rotary broom were also available.

Automotive publications praised the new Willys. Four-Wheeler described the Wagoneer as "a bold and impressive design evolution" and highlighted "significant progress for four-wheel-drive vehicles." Car Life noted that the OHC six-cylinder engine was "notably smooth and quiet." Their tests recorded a 0-60 mph time of 15.9 seconds with the automatic transmission and 17 mpg on a 60-mph highway drive. City driving yielded 14.5 mpg, which Car Life called "a clear testament to the OHC engine's exceptional efficiency."

Proceed to the next page to explore additional reactions to the new Jeep Wagoneer.

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The Reaction to the Jeep Wagoneer

The response to the Jeep Wagoneer was extraordinary. Crowds gathered at Jeep dealerships to catch a glimpse of the new model. Despite Willys' expectations of higher sales, they struggled to meet the overwhelming demand.

In 1963, the Wagoneer played a key role in setting a new retail sales record for Jeep in the U.S., with sales jumping 42 percent to $220,799,000 and an operating profit of $9,357,000. New dealers eagerly joined the Willys network, and by the end of the year, the number of franchised dealers reached 1,600, the highest in years.

In March 1963, a historically unfortunate decision was made: Kaiser Industries vice president Steve Girard announced the discontinuation of the Willys Motors name. From then on, the division would operate under the name Kaiser Jeep Corporation. The change aimed "to align the Toledo company with the expanding Kaiser family of industries." However, the Willys name continued to be used in some international markets.

While the 1964 Wagoneer saw no major design updates, it introduced a feature that families particularly valued — air conditioning. Although not as widely sought after then as it is now, this addition reinforced Jeep's commitment to offering passenger-car comforts and solidified its reputation for innovation.

To address concerns about engine knocking in high-altitude regions, a lower-compression version of the Tornado OHC engine, producing 133 bhp, was introduced.

Sales remained strong, with Kaiser Jeep reporting a $11.1 million operating profit for 1964 on record sales of $255,582,000. The dealer network expanded to 2,150, and Wagoneer production began at several overseas facilities.

To continue exploring the Wagoneer's journey into 1965, proceed to the next page.

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1965 Jeep Wagoneer

The 1965 Jeep Wagoneer marked the first notable updates. At first glance, the changes weren't immediately apparent.

The introduction of the optional Jeep Vigilante engine was a welcome addition. This new engine was a two-barrel-carburetor version of the American Motors 327-cid V-8, delivering 250 bhp. Paired with the V-8 was an optional automatic transmission, General Motors' highly regarded Turbo Hydra-Matic.

Motor Trend tested a V-8/automatic Wagoneer, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 14.5 seconds. Fuel efficiency ranged from 11.5 to 15.2 mpg. "The added power allows the Wagoneer to cruise smoothly at 75 mph, provides ample low-speed torque (340 pound-feet compared to 210 for the six-cylinder), and enables it to tackle steep inclines with ease," noted Motor Trend's Bob McVay.

The Tornado OHC remained the base engine. Both engines were paired with a three-speed manual as standard. Overdrive was available for either engine, but only on two-wheel-drive models. Wagoneers with the six-cylinder engine still offered an automatic option, though not the new General Motors unit.

Later that year, the Wagoneer received a stylish new full-width grille. Simultaneously, the Tornado OHC was replaced by AMC's more robust 232-cid, 145-bhp seven-main-bearing ohv engine, which Jeep named the Hi-Torque Six.

A new standard safety package introduced features like padded sun visors and dashboard, front and rear seat belts, two-speed electric wipers with washers, backup lights, a chrome exterior mirror, a safety-glass windshield, and dual-circuit self-adjusting brakes. For the first time, a low-range option was made available for four-wheel-drive models equipped with the automatic transmission.

To explore the 1966 Jeep Wagoneer, proceed to the next page.

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1966 Jeep Wagoneer

The 1966 Jeep Wagoneer was a groundbreaking model that would later be celebrated as a milestone in automotive history. The Super Wagoneer introduced a novel concept: a luxurious four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Priced at $5,943 (a $2,163 premium over the four-door Custom with four-wheel drive), it came equipped with air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, an electric tailgate window, a radio, and a tilt steering wheel.

Exterior highlights included a vinyl-covered roof, a standard roof rack, mag-style wheel covers, whitewall tires, and distinctive fender ornaments. Antique Gold trim panels adorned the sides, complemented by a matching panel on the tailgate.

Inside, the Super Wagoneer boasted luxurious bucket seats, a center console, and plush carpeting. Under the hood, it featured a powerful 270-bhp four-barrel version of the Vigilante V-8.

The Super Wagoneer, produced until 1968, was the most opulent and refined four-wheel-drive wagon of its time, setting the standard for today's luxury SUVs.

To explore the evolution of the Jeep Wagoneer from 1967 to 1977, proceed to the next page.

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1967-1977 Jeep Wagoneer

Over the next ten years, the 1967-1977 Jeep Wagoneer experienced numerous updates. Two-wheel-drive models made their last appearance in 1967, and the less popular two-door Wagoneer was phased out after the following year.

Significant changes began after American Motors acquired Kaiser Jeep Corporation in 1970. Roy D. Chapin, Jr., Chairman of American Motors, recognized the potential in the sport-utility market and directed his team to enhance and modernize the Jeep lineup.

By 1970, the Buick 350-cid V-8 had taken the place of the Vigilante engine. However, in 1971, AMC introduced its own 304- and 360-cid engines as optional V-8s for the Wagoneer.

The standard six-cylinder engine was replaced by AMC's 258-cid, 150-bhp unit. Midway through 1970, an optional electric sliding steel sunroof was introduced, likely the first of its kind on an SUV. Interiors were refined, and AMC engineers focused on reducing noise and vibration issues.

A significant outcome of the AMC acquisition was the integration of Jeep dealers into AMC's broader sales network. This expansion allowed more dealers to sell Wagoneers, leading to steadily increasing sales throughout the 1970s.

Innovations continued to emerge. In 1973, the Wagoneer introduced the Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system, eliminating the need to manually switch between drive modes. This feature appealed to drivers who found traditional 4x4 systems cumbersome. Quadra-Trac wasn't just for casual drivers, though.

After testing a Quadra-Trac-equipped Wagoneer, Pick-up Van & 4WD hailed it as "the best 4WD vehicle in the world." Quadra-Trac set a new standard, and today, full-time four-wheel drive is a staple in premium SUVs.

In the following year, the standard Wagoneer engine became a 175-bhp, 360-cid V-8, with a more powerful 235-hp 401-cid engine introduced as the upgrade option. By 1975, Quadra-Trac was included as standard equipment.

To rival emerging truck-based SUVs like the Chevy Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger, Jeep introduced the Cherokee in 1974, essentially reviving the two-door Wagoneer concept.

With the addition of a four-door Cherokee in 1977, the Wagoneer was streamlined to a single model, offering features similar to the previous Custom version. However, this exclusivity was short-lived.

Proceed to the next page to learn about the 1978-1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited.

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1978-1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited

The launch of the 1978-1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited revolutionized the sport-utility market. As a spiritual heir to the Super Wagoneer, the Limited redefined luxury in four-wheel-drive vehicles, offering an unprecedented level of opulence.

Priced at $10,500, the Limited came with a list of standard features that rivaled luxury cars like Cadillac. These included whitewall radial tires, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, an AM/FM stereo with optional CB radio or tape player, a 360 V-8 engine, automatic transmission, Quadra-Trac, power seats, windows, and locks, and leather trim on the steering wheel, bucket seats, rear seat, console, and door panels — marking the first use of leather in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Exterior highlights included wood-grain side and rear trim panels, stylish aluminum wheels, and a wood-grain roof rack. "With the Wagoneer Limited, Jeep now offers a vehicle of unmatched luxury and prestige," wrote R.J. Gilchrist, general marketing manager, to dealers ahead of the Limited's release.

Initial advertising targeted upscale magazines with affluent audiences. Automotive journalists were highly impressed by the Limited; Road & Track dubbed it "The Champagne of 4-wheel-drives." Buyers were drawn to it in droves, creating a waiting list almost immediately.

These were prosperous times for Jeep, with the factory running at full capacity, a backlog of eager buyers, and substantial profit margins. (Annual Wagoneer production ranged between 20,000 and 29,000 units from 1976 to 1979.) However, in 1979, a fuel crisis struck America.

This marked the second oil embargo of the decade; the first occurred in late 1973 and lasted until the following spring. While Cherokee sales plummeted, Wagoneer sales remained relatively stable. Nevertheless, uncertainty about the crisis's duration prompted the factory to implement changes aimed at improving the Wagoneer's fuel efficiency.

To continue the Jeep Wagoneer's story into the 1980s, proceed to the next page.

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1980-1989 Jeep Wagoneer

Throughout the 1980s, the Jeep Wagoneer underwent significant development and refinement. New models were introduced, while existing ones were enhanced to offer better functionality and more appealing features.

In 1980, Jeep reintroduced the 258-cid six-cylinder engine, offering part-time four-wheel drive and a choice between an automatic or four-speed manual transmission as an alternative to the standard 360 V-8, automatic, and Quadra-Trac setup. (The optional four-barrel 360- and 401-cid V-8s had been discontinued after 1978.) With the six-cylinder engine, the Wagoneer achieved an impressive 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

In 1981, the Wagoneer Brougham was introduced, positioned between the base model and the Limited. The Brougham featured enhanced interior trim, additional insulation, a power tailgate window, a roof rack, and a variety of premium features.

The six-cylinder engine returned as the standard option, with the 175-bhp, 360-cid V-8 available as an optional upgrade for all models. Base Wagoneers and Broughams came with a four-speed manual transmission as standard, while automatic transmission with full- or part-time four-wheel drive was optional. The Limited retained Quadra-Trac and automatic transmission as standard.

For 1982, a five-speed manual transmission was introduced, and the Quadra-Trac system was replaced by Selec-Trac in April. Selec-Trac allowed drivers to switch to rear-drive-only mode for improved fuel efficiency when road conditions permitted, controlled via a dashboard switch.

The base Wagoneer was discontinued in 1983, leaving only the Brougham and Limited models. Manual transmissions were also phased out, with an automatic transmission and Selec-Trac becoming standard. Equipped with the six-cylinder engine, the Wagoneer delivered an impressive 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway — exceptional for a full-size SUV.

In 1984, American Motors made headlines with the launch of the smaller, more fuel-efficient Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer XJ models. However, the arrival of these new models didn't signal the end for the classic Wagoneer.

The former Wagoneer Limited made a comeback as the Grand Wagoneer, which AMC dubbed the "Big Daddy" of Jeep vehicles. Visually, it closely resembled the old Limited, though it featured new vertical taillights instead of the original horizontal wraparound design, and the woodgrain side decals were slightly updated.

The six-cylinder engine remained standard, but the two-barrel 360 V-8 was a highly sought-after option. The Grand Wagoneer came packed with features like Selec-Trac, automatic transmission, power steering, brakes, windows, and door locks, six-way power seats, dual electric mirrors, halogen fog lamps, air conditioning, leather upholstery, a tilt steering wheel, a quartz digital clock, aluminum wheels, a roof rack, and an AM/FM stereo with a tape player, maintaining its status as the pinnacle of the SUV market.

In 1984, a full-sized Wagoneer Custom was briefly offered with a more modest list of standard features, including air conditioning, automatic transmission, AM/FM radio, part-time four-wheel drive, wheel covers, bucket seats, and full carpeting. Despite its lower price of $15,995 — about $3,300 less than the Grand Wagoneer — it failed to attract significant buyer interest. The Grand Wagoneer remained the preferred choice for those seeking a full-sized SUV.

To explore Jeep's evolution in the early 1990s, continue to the next page.

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Jeep in the Early Nineties

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jeep's Wagoneer saw gradual improvements, including an upgraded suspension, "shift-on-the-fly" Selec-Trac (1985), a redesigned instrument panel (1986), the return of a standard V-8 engine (1987), and additional convenience features.

Despite its age — by 1987, it had been on the market for 25 years — the Wagoneer still delighted buyers and reviewers. That year, Road & Track praised the Grand Wagoneer as "one of the most capable off-road vehicles available," described its interior as "truly grand," and concluded it was "a first-rate off-roader and inclement weather vehicle that AMC has refined to near perfection." Few 25-year-old designs could have garnered such acclaim.

The Wagoneer officially ceased production in 1991. After a brief recovery in the early 1980s following the 1979 fuel crisis, sales gradually declined. Chrysler Corporation — Jeep's owner since acquiring AMC in mid-1987 — decided to end Grand Wagoneer production at the close of the model year.

However, some things are difficult to part with, and it appears that a limited number of 1992 Grand Wagoneers were produced. One enthusiast claims to have identified four 1992 models, suggesting that as many as 300 may have been built.

The reason behind such a small production run is unclear. It could have been to fulfill last-minute orders, to use up remaining parts, or a combination of both.

In 1993, a revival of sorts occurred with a fully equipped, wood-grained version of the all-new Grand Cherokee. However, it failed to attract significant sales. After three decades, loyal Wagoneer owners had grown accustomed to top-tier quality and were unlikely to accept anything less.

Interested in learning more about the classic Jeep Wagoneer? Visit the next page for detailed mechanical, vehicle, and engine specifications of the 1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4.

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1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4: Selected Specifications

Jeep vehicles tapped into a steadily expanding market for four-wheel-drive models following World War II. Faced with increasing competition, Willys modernized its family-sized Jeep Station Wagon, leading to the introduction of the Wagoneer in 1963. Combining four-wheel-drive capability with car-like style and comfort, it carved out a unique niche and enjoyed success for 25 years. Below are selected specifications for the 1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4:

1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4 Vehicle Specifications

1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4 Engine Specifications

*Net.

1965 Jeep Wagoneer 4x4 Mechanical Specifications

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