1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (Blue w/Wood Grain Panels)

1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (Blue w/Wood Grain Panels)

When the new downsized Cherokee was introduced in 1984, its top end model was actually renamed the Wagoneer. That didn’t signal the end of the 1963 era body, though. If anything, it was given a new lease on life in the form of the top-of-the-line Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which became the America’s first dedicated luxury SUV. That year also saw some minor trim tuck and nip that saw the original wrap-around tail lights become rectangular. It also saw a six-cylinder, the robust 4.2-liter AMC unit, return as the base engine, and a 360 cubic inch V-8 was optional. For 1987, the V-8 was so popular that the six was dropped. By the end of production in 1991, the Grand Wagoneer had set the bar for luxury SUVs, including the ones from imported and domestic luxury brands.