The Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ was a Luxury 4WD SUV Far Ahead of Its Time, Until It Became a Classic 

My Mom's was a maroon woody...We lived in a gated beach community on the southern shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana...I remember listening in on their conversation about buying it, and my Mom said to my Dad "I don't care what it costs, we're buying it, because of the winters here on the lake, I want myself, and the children to be safe"...We had it in our driveway by weeks end, lol...My Mom drove it for 10yrs by which time my sisters had grown up, and married, just leaving us three boys at home....Those winters on Lake Michigan were magical, and our Wagoneer was a big reason why, we could go anywhere with that thing, and it made it through the winding, hilly, beach roads like it was nothing, after my sisters moved out my Mom "downsized" to a 0ldsmobile 98 lol 😂....We kept the Wagoneer as a third vehicle, and used it for summer, AND winter vacations

My dad was an early adaptor to the outdoor lifestyle and what would become the SUV. He was a Boy Scott troop leader and eventually worked his way up giving much of his time to scouting. We didn't have much money and grew up in a lower middle glass family. His first new car was a light yellow 1970 Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer. The Grand had not been in the name yet. We used it for camping for our vacations and many trips around the northeast. It was his daily driver and he paid dearly in repairs for that. We did use the roof rack where large tents were carried. It had manual crank windows, black vinal with white striped trim seats that tore over the years and was very basic. But we pulled out several dune buggies when going on sand trails. It got through the muck like nothing else. It had manual wheel locking hubs. It was fun...until it went to the shop the next week where it lived many times as there was always something that went wrong. They were known to drop drive shafts especially if stopped on a mild incline. It had transimison issues. Electrical issues. The engine flooded out easily, they overheated easily and they were major rust buckets. I recall sitting in the back and seeing the road through the rear floor board. Still my dad loved the life style and eventually got a lightly used 1978 AMC model. It was a nice blue with a small line of fake wood along the side. I think it still had manual window cranks but I can't remember . It was slightly nicer with cloth interior and blue carpet. We pulled a small pop up trailer with it and it too lived in the shop way too frequently, as the first one did. I learned to drive on that thing and took my road test and passed the first time in it. My friends called it the old V8 as all their parents in the early 80's had 4 cylinder economy cars. When my dad died unexpectedly in 1984, we had to come to a decision and sold it back to the dealer that serviced it for all it's life. It was bittersweet, but it needed to go. My mom had the memories as well as a fixed income and did not want to maintain such a needy beast. It took many years for me to appreciate what we had and how my dad was very ahead of his time. Reviews like this bring it all back. I even kind of yurn for one, but know it's needs to be pampered and not used as a daily driver. This one you showed was extensively updated. It looks to have new everything inside including that custom wood floor that was never a standard feature to my knowledge. Beautiful lines, great character, but built like it needs a mechanic living nearby. Thanks Bill for reminding me of my youth and my Dads adventures with his beloved Wagoneers.

I had no idea they were still making this into the 90's. I'm not sure I've ever seen one, but then again, I live FAR from Martha's Vineyard. This is beautiful.

Grew up in these - took my driving test in one, drove another off to college. Best vehicle ever made.

John Candy & "The Great Outdoors!"

A good friend had one of these (formerly belonging to his parents) and it was a conversation starter anywhere we drove it. The paint and chrome would always shine up like a new penny. Suffered frequent transmission issues and we were never sure whether it was the gearbox itself or difficulty finding a qualified mechanic to work on it. It also nearly caught fire twice from internal wiring issues but thankfully we got it shut down before there was any major damage. Sadly by about 2010 it was put in the back of their garage and later sold. Yet, we still talk about it all the time despite both of us owning countless cars and trucks since then. There was nothing else like them.

Let me add an "Honorable Mention" for the International Harvester Travelall from 1953 to 1975.

37:35 Bill‘s description of the posh wife is as complete and descriptive as his review of the vehicle. Love it!

I love the old Wagoneer's, especially with the woody side's.

Bill, I hope that you are doing well and survived the horrible hurricane this week. I understand that Naples was hit especially hard. My prayers go out to you and everyone in Florida. Take care.

Praying Bill came through the Hurricane safely. 🙏🏾

I always thought these were kind of ugly but it is definitely come around and they are now cool in light of the cars that are available today. One thing I remember from car and driver back in the day was people who bought these had the highest gross income of any car buyers in the US when they were new.

My grandfather drove these in the late 60’s through the early ‘80’s when he retired. He always had something special in the garage, like a Chrysler 300, Chrysler New Yorker, Mercury Marquis Brougham, even a Chevrolet El Camino. Those cars never got many miles on them because the Jeep was his “go to” car.

Bought my wife an FSJ two-door Cherokee from 1985, with a monster brush bar on the front. The thing was a beast and could climb over anything. The Wagoneer was the pinnacle of unnecessary opulence in American cars. It was an exact copy of the one her Dad had when she was a kid. He passed away and I found this thing, and that was the reason I bought it for her. We got a plaque for the dash and she drove it for 5 years, to help her over the loss of her father. We let it go almost10 years ago, thanks to finances but I think she truly appreciated the opportunity to have a few more memories of her dad, after he left us. Great video! Thanks, Bill!

I always remember these for being the ride John Candy drove in The Great Outdoors.👍 Another awesome review Uncle Bill. Keep ‘em comin.

Bill thank you so much for doing this one. My late grandfather loved these full size Jeeps. He bought one of the first Cherokee Quadra-Trac models back in 1974, then followed up with two Grand Wagoneers in the 80s. I was a kid back then and remember riding around in those beasts quite a lot. I also remember that even on the most miserably hot and humid days, the A/C was intolerably cold

Bill, I consider you one of the premium automotive historians of our time. Thanks for your content.❤

ive been praying for u and all your cars in Naples. You was the first person I thought of. peace and blessings. Praying that GOD get you thru the storm.

This was an absolute treat compared to that boring Tesla you just reviewed, Bill. Thanks alot

Hope your all safe after the Storm!

The resurgence in the 80's was due to the luxury trim and features. Friends who owned them claimed 8 mpg in town, and only a bit higher mileage on the highway. The Martha's Vineyard friends bought the plain versions in order to blend in, and very common in Aspen during the winters. The International Travelall was the competition.

My favorite car in history! Had one as my first car, an ‘88. Such comfort and ruggedness! Fun to drive too in my opinion.

I worked at a Dodge, Chrysler Plymouth dealer all through the 1980's. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer was an outstanding vehicle. The 360, 4 barrel was a great motor, it was backed by a 727 Torque Flight MoPar transmission. Dana 44 differentials. If you perform strict maintenance on them to include all the fluid changes on a regular basis and kept them clean they will run forever.

This thing reminds me of The Great Outdoors - great movie and a fantastic vehicle. That movie also has a sweet w126 and a Miller v-drive boat in it. Vehicularly elevated content for sure.

11:10 I remember that stuff; it was on the countertops of the 1955 house in which I grew up. Ugly as sin, but it was good a hiding dirt. There was a metal edge around the whole thing which pressed up against the ungrounded refrigerator, so if you leaned on it while cleaning a pan, you got a little tingling shock.

I hope you are safe and the storm impact hasn't been too bad where you are. Our prayers to all folks effected.

Bill I hope y’all out there in Naples are doing ok I’m over here in Cape Coral big fan of your stuff. Hope to hear from you soon and you and your family are safe.

LOVE! Jeff Bridges drove one of these in the '85 film 'Jagged Edge' with Glenn Close. Same color too.

First fell in love with Jeep Grand Wagoneer in high school, with a number of them sporting Reagan/Bush '84 stickers on the bumper (in Austin, Texas no less).

As someone who was born in the ‘60s, I saw these things through my childhood and into early adulthood. But I never understood the appeal until 1996 when I followed a then girlfriend to a medical conference/ ski junket in Aspen, CO. And when I got there, I was floored by all the Grand Wagoneers there were. Even though they had been discontinued in ‘91, I’d never seen so many in one place in my life. It would be like on safari and finding the secret place where elephants go to die. But then I realized why so many were there. They had plenty of cargo space and roof racks for skis and related gear. They had legendary Jeep 4WD that could handle any Aspen snow. And it was luxurious enough that you looked and felt great going anywhere.

This was the Mercedes G Wagon of the 70’s and 80’s. They actually had vacuum operated 4x4 all the was back in 1973 with the original Quadra Trac AWD system. Although the G Wagons lived on the same platform for a full 40 years from 1979 till 2019 beating the Wagoneers reign of 29 years in the end.

I had a '91. It rode a little firm but handled incredibly. The 360 4bbl. was ballsy. Goodyear especially made the tires for this vehicle. I won't lie, an Edelbrock manifold and a Holley Weber transformed the smoothness. 14mpg. no matter what.

This is by far the greatest and most honest review of a vehicle I’ve ever seen !

Martha's Vineyard residents don't need much firearm storage in their personal vehicles. They store their firearms with their hired security.

Oh man hurricane Ian probably totaled all those beautiful cars in Naples 😢... We need an update Bill!

Back in the early 70's when I was a kid, the Wagoner was the "IT" vehicle for all the doctors and lawyers in my home town. They could haul the family, commute to work, then take it to the deer lease on the weekends

I don't know where you find these gems Bill ... perhaps you have a time machine using alien technology from Area 51 ... but I digress ... I use the term 'Americana' ad nauseum, in my comments when describing some of the vehicles you review for us ... This Jeep Grand Wagoneer is simply beautiful ... you can see yourself putting some camping gear (and a howitzer/ammunition) in the back and heading up into the mountains ... perhaps stopping at a small town diner or two on your way there ... Leaf springs, wood paneling, actual bonnet springs (not gas struts), oversized door handles and switches, 70's leftover shag pile carpets, ash trays ... and just a time capsule of a time passed ... 🥰

Our used car sales manager daily’ed a new 84 Grand Waggy in the same colors as this example. I got to ride and drive in a lot of new and used vehicles growing up in the car sales world. Had driven a number of Cherokees and Wagoneers but the 80s Grand Wagoneers were something else. They rode and drove very nice for a 4x4. The seats were Cadillac good. They smelled great inside when new. Nowdays a mint example would be a great collectible to have in your quiver. PS these are a beast in hood high snow..

This is what 38 year olds drove 38 years ago.

I learned how to drive on an '86. Same color brings back memories! I had no clue back then how sought after they would be today!

You left the dealership, are you continuing this? We all look forward to every new video. You’re videos are in-depth and I enjoy learning things about these cars. Where you get your information none of us know … you’re a good teacher. Don’t quit this.

Bill, Praying 🙏 you weathered Hurricane 🌀 Ian w/o a scratch!!!!

I remember muddin’ in one of these in the woods of Indiana. Fun times

Great video I owned an 87 here in New England . At the time it was 1993 . You didn’t see to many around so it got a. Lot of attention. Loved it Very smooth and comfortable

I hope all is well with you down there in Naples with the storm take care

7:46 One of the advantages of the Jeep "Station Wagon" in 1946 was that it had only short-draw body stampings, so Jeep could switch over to civilian production almost instantly, and, with WPB/CPB allocations still a challenge, use less malliable grades of steel, while the Big 3 had to retool just to get their warmed over 1942 models back on the market.

Hey Bill, just started getting into your auto reviews. Hope you weathered the storm okay. Looking forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.

SKYLARK! DUDE! Thank you! That pattern on that material has been in my head since '94 without a name. I'm happy now...

Hey Bill, hearing bad things about the weather down your way. Hope you have been able to stay well away from the storm, and no lost cars. Take care.

Dad had an 89 about 20 years ago, the carburetor was fidgety and actually ended up burning up on him while it was warming up one winter's day. That thing was fun to drive regardless.

I find it facinating how & where they added modern features to as you said was basically a 1960's vehicle. Some blend in very well...others look like a 16 year old designed it & picked the location to mount it. I get it, the basic body design was over 20 years old when this example was built, but since a third of the price for these was pure profit, you'd think they would have done a better job with the presentation of certain things. I really like it though even with its quirks.

This thing cannot be more unthinkable of in the europe of that time. Love it. Killer wood panels

Just when Bill thought that the weather couldn't get worse along comes a Cat 4 hurricane! Yikes! Hopefully you're out of there, Bill!

My Dad was trying to buy one of these new in 1975 when Jeep was still AMC. Man, these were expensive vehicles...close to $15k. We ended up buying a nicely equipped 1975 Mercury Montego Villager wagon instead for $6100. They were the ultimate vehicle to have. My Dad kept everything with regards to the cars he owned and all the sales literature, which he passed over to me. Interesting stuff inside that box and I'm glad he kept it all.

One of my absolute favorites. From any angle i always thought the Wagoneer with or without woodgrain is just so damn handsome. Ive always thought these along with Cadillac Brougham represent the last gasp of the 50s 60s mentality of what made a luxury vehicle. The sunday driver, the special occasion car. A car that gave you an experience.

I love how the interior just screams AMC. I used to have an Eagle wagon years ago and the resemblance is striking. I miss that car so much!

Truly a beautiful luxurious SUV, when price of gas didn’t matter! Classic!

Owned an '89 that I bought in 2000. Drove it for a couple years until it was the victim of a random hit and run that caused the insurance company to total it. Loved it. Best turning radius I've ever experienced. The interior was comfortable and huge. Tried to buy another several years ago off eBay. Turned out I was bidding against the Wagonmaster (based in Kerrville, TX) so dropped out early. Pricing for these things has gone through the roof.

I grew up in Colorado and remember being very impressed with these, there was a hotel in Aspen that made limousines out of them.

These were a real status symbol -- Diane Keaton's character drove one in Baby Boom!

Love it Bill!! Keep the videos coming 👍🏻

In 1989 i bought a 1979 2 doors Golden Eagle , 360 cu 4 speed gear drive , chevy diff …. Nice SUV , had it for 5 years , sold it :( but made great profit , it was a nice truck , good on gas , lot’s power , not bad riding , and can pull what ever , i have to say , a great all around SUV ❤

Gotta love a good Jeep. They're iconic.

Watching hurricane footage of Naples and hoping Bill and his special lady friend are okay, that Peter's place is still above sea level, and that all the fine cars of southern Florida are being kept safe and dry. Best of luck.

Thanks Bill, it is a bit boring when you take a break but I guess it makes a new video even better! Keep it up and see ya soon I hope!

I like tech with analog switches and buttone.. I like tech that compliments my cognitive ability to use them. Growing up in the 70's and labled as a boomer simple is a good thing. Bill your not alone. Love this wagoneer,

Just discovered this channel after watching a few videos I wanted to say thanks for documenting all these cars in the hilarious but meticulous way you do. Cheers from Canada eh

Hi Bill. Just a quick note to let you know, me like many of your fans are thinking of you and your family after this unprecedented horrible disaster Naples has faced. I hope you are safe and we get to hear from you soon.

I️ wonder how many folks only concern with this hurricane is whether or not Bill made it?

Two Vidjyas in less than a week!!!!! Woohooooo!!!!! I love those old school Wagoneers man they are really cool to me. This one looks really nice Mr. Uncle Bill sir! Thanks for sharing fella! This makes our week!!!

I have had two AMC Eagles and for some reason never realized how much switchgear was shared. Thanks Bill!!

I sure hope you're safe down there and that yours and Peter's houses survived the hurricane.

Stay safe down there, Bill! All the best to you and yours.

my friends parents had one and we took a few camping trips in it. the grand wagoneer was a 85 and this was prob in 1989 or 90...and all of us would make fun of how old the thing looked. on top of being in massachuttes it had visible rust all over by than. As boys we all did think it was kinda cool. the ac was completley added on like an aftermarket unit as i recall

Bill youre my hero. Thank you so much for doing this, this is what my mother drove during my early childhood. It was driven everywhere, and still ran when she gave it to a friend. Truly a one of a kind vehicle, to get my hands on one today this clean I know it would cost upwards of $15k. Worth every dime.

Bill, I don't have to agree with everything you say for me to like that you are unapologetically you. I always get a good laugh and I always learn something.

Webcome back Bill. Thanks for making our day! Great review as usual...

I LOVE these cars! Would love to own one... and have the lifestyle that goes with it 🙂 Great video, thank you for posting.

I love this channel.We get immaculate 80's and 90's cars with a natural comedy that's based on a commonly shared reality.

That startup sound gives me goosebumps. Great video and info. Cheers.

I've been waiting for this one thank you Bill. My favorite part was your description of the classic eighties Vineyard wife. Love it.

TY Bill! Your videos are WORLD CLASS!!!!!

Thanks Bill right up there with the Gen 1 Cordoba review. I grew up with these and the Pickups.Have a 1978 J20 these days that I daily in the no salt months.Brings lots of smiles.

Great video as always!!!

Thanks Mr. Bill... Enjoyed the time travel back to this Jeep.. Take care and I... like so many of your loyal fans look forward to your next Show Case..

Another awesome video by Bill the Great!! Also, good to hear the new owners are good people. Best of luck to you Bill!!!

Lest we forget, it was just the Wagoneer until 1984, when AMC/Renault decided to make an XJ Cherokee with 4 bizarro headlights and fake wood panelling the "Wagoneer" (and they changed the cool wrap-around tail lights from the big Wagoneer to the simpler 2 piece, brake light and separate side marker from the SJ Cherokee at the same time). When I was in college in the early 1990's, I found a 1963 Kaiser-Willys Wagoneer with the overhead cam straight 6 and three on the tree for sale in New Mexico. Unfortunately, being a college student, I couldn't afford it 😪

fantastic review Bill, as usual

I have a couple of memories of these, even having never owned one, or even wanted to. A cousin of mine had a late '70s Wagoneer in the late '80s. He put so many speakers in that thing that when he cranked it all the way up, the headlights dimmed and brightened to the beat of the music, which matched the rhythm of the movements of the ammeter gauge. Coming a bit closer to that landed gentry thing was the financial advisor of a friend of mine, who had one like the one in your video, but in maroon. He'd managed to talk my friend into buying a lot in Ford's Colony in Williamsburg before he managed to go bankrupt himself. Too bad my friend never managed to build there, as houses there go for a cool million or two. Somewhere in my archives is the issue of Motor Trend that has a road test of the original Wagoneer, I think it was the March 1963 issue. It's the one with tests of two versions of the Impala SS and a Mercury Monterey with that Breezeway window.

Great to hear you again

These things were iconic. The parents of a good friend of mine in college had one of about this vintage. This was in the mid-'80s. The view out over the shapely hood was fantastic.

Bill, good to see you. My son just bought a Pontiac Solstice. I don't see that you have covered it or the Saturn Sky stablemate. Would you be interested in showing his car?

Fantastic example. I use to see these often in upscale neighborhoods here in LA in the 1980s and 90’s. Actress/singer Doris Day always drove a 1970s and late 80s Wagoneer while living in Beverly Hill and Carmel, CA.

Bill we love and missed you please don't stop making RU-vid videos no matter where you work 😁👍

Hi Bill! Hope you are well and the hurricane whiskey is doing what it's supposed to do. Take care.

Cool video. Thanks, Bill!

Though being someone who don't quarrel with the electric future, this is one of the very few SUVs, I love.

Love your sardonic description of people, places and cars. Another great car review Bill, and thanks for being you!

The Jeep J10 Pickup was AWESOME!!

First of all, missed your videos. Second, I was working for a company in the mid to late 80s which had a fleet of these Grand Wagoneers. Well, in the winter/snowy season, they would shuttle us to and from the office, to our vehicles. Let me tell you, I fell in love with the way it drove/rode in hard compact snow.. To this day, I love this thing. I have never owned an American vehicle( Have always purchased Japanese/European) but If I ever was to purchase something Domestic? THIS would be it.. Thanks for bringing this nostalgia back. PS: Glad you mentioned the original Jeep Gladiator, as one of my co-workers had one..