The Jeep Wagoneer, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), was first introduced in 1963 and continued production until 1993. After a long hiatus, the iconic SUV made a comeback with the 2022 model year. The Wagoneer’s production journey has seen it pass through the hands of various manufacturers, including Kaiser Motors (1962-1971), American Motors (1971-1987), Chrysler (1987-1993), and Stellantis from 2021 onward.
On September 3, 2020, a concept model was unveiled, reviving the Jeep Wagoneer nameplate. The production model was launched on March 11, 2021, with sales beginning in the latter half of 2021 for the 2022 model year versions.
Wagoneer First Generation SJ 1963
The first generation of the Wagoneer, known as SJ, was produced from 1962 to 1991. It was launched in November 1962 for the 1963 model year, replacing the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, which had been in production since 1946. The Wagoneer was a full-size, body-on-frame vehicle, sharing its architecture with the Gladiator pickup truck. Initially introduced as a station wagon, its innovative design later earned it the “sport utility vehicle” (SUV) moniker.
Initially available with rear-wheel drive, the four-wheel-drive SJ-body Wagoneer continued to be produced for 29 model years (1963–1991) with minimal changes to its body structure. Read more
Wagoneer Second Generation XJ 1983
The second-generation Wagoneer, produced between 1983 and 1990, was an upscale iteration of the unibody-based compact XJ Cherokee. There were two trim levels available: the “Wagoneer” and the “Wagoneer Limited”. Initially, these models were supposed to replace the first-generation SJ-body Wagoneer. However, due to high demand, both American Motors and Chrysler (post-1987) decided to keep the original SJ-body Wagoneer in production.
Wagoneer Third Generation ZJ 1993
In 1993, the Wagoneer nameplate made a comeback for a year as the premier model of the Jeep ZJ platform, which premiered with the mid-size Grand Cherokee. This model, known as the Grand Wagoneer, came with a comprehensive list of standard features, including the Magnum 5.2 L V8 engine, a unique leather interior, and the traditional exterior woodgrain applique synonymous with the Grand Wagoneer. After producing 6,378 units, the model was discontinued in 1994, making the Grand Cherokee Limited the top-tier Jeep model.
Wagoneer Fourth Generation WS 2022
Fast forward to 2022, the fourth-generation Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer emerged as full-size SUVs and luxury SUVs based on the Ram 1500 (DT) chassis. Unveiled in March 2021 for the 2022 model year, these vehicles have been positioned as the flagship models of Jeep. Production of the fourth-generation Jeep Wagoneers commenced in 2021. Read more
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