Who makes the Grand Wagoneer?

The Grand Wagoneer is a powerful and exceptionally well-equipped large SUV with a long and interesting history. We’ll cover that history and why the SUV model was launched and explain some of its manufacturing processes here.

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History of the  Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Motor Vehicle Company manufactures the Grand Wagoneer. It was initially known as the Full-Size Jeep (FSJ). The FSJ version was released for the first time way back in 1963. Its engineering was so impressive that it continued on the market for decades with only minor changes during that time. The FSJ was transitioned into the Grand Wagoneer in the early 1980s, and its production continues today. Both came with many new features to the class during their respective decades, including power brakes, high-definition radio, power steering, and tilting steering columns.

Defining the Classic Wagon Look: 1970s and 1980s

The early Wagoneers were dialed up to a new level of luxury during the 1970s with heavy-duty wood paneling and plush upholstered seating. Many outdoor-friendly features were added during this time, so the vehicle was marketed as luxurious and rugged. Sales spiked considerably during the early 1980s after major interior updates that left behind the old ‘60s and ‘70s styles.

Leather bucket seating was added, and the engine was upgraded to a truly camping-capable level in the form of its first V-8. The classic wagon-looking Grand Wagoneer ran for around $19,000 during this time. The Jeep company would change hands during the late 1980s, and the vehicle’s style would change too. Map lighting, a rear windshield wiper, and a full sunroof were all 80s additions.

End of the Age of the Wagon: The 1990s

The 1990s saw a sharp decrease in wagon popularity in general, especially early in the decade, and the Grand Wagoneer saw a temporary end of production during the same period. During that time, it was one of the most straightforward and user-friendly vehicles globally, worth almost $200,000 in modern dollars. Major issues with the model included a seriously high fuel consumption rate and a lack of current-gen features in the utility category.

Resurrection of the Grand Wagoneer: 2022, 2023, and Beyond

Jeep wowed the automotive world with the resurrection of the Grand Wagoneer in the early 2020s. The simplicity of the old wood-paneled Wagoneer was abandoned in favor of a fully modern overhaul. The look of the Grand Wagoneer transformed into that of a long, powerful, and overwhelmingly luxurious mega-SUV.

The style and feature updates were pulled off in an incredibly economical manner, greatly increasing the Grand Wagoneer’s capabilities while dropping its modern dollar price by over $100,000 to between $80,000 to $96,000 on average. The new version of the Grand Wagoneer is set to be regularly updated with new and interesting technologies, so keep an eye out for those developments.

Reasons for New Production

Jeep had gone without a large flagship SUV for many years, favoring its midsize Wrangler model lineup instead. As impressive and incredibly versatile as the Wrangler was, it could not fill the niche occupied by such competitors as the Escalade, the Yukon, the X7, or the LX.

The Grand Wagoneer was brought back to bring Jeep into more comprehensive competition with its competitors. In doing so, the company soundly proved that it could manage more than one flagship line at a time. After almost 30 years out of production, the new 2023 Grand Wagoneer is set to dominate the large SUV market landscape.

Choosing a Production Location

Jeep had a lot to consider when considering the possible production plant locations for the new line of Grand Wagoneers. They could have outsourced production and chopped up installation between locations, as many manufacturers do, to increase profits. And they could have done it all in a nearby nation to balance the books between delivery speed and cost.

Instead, they chose a far more honorable route: moving toward the resurrection of motor vehicle production in the Motor City itself: Detroit, Michigan. Almost 6,000 Americans found jobs at the new Wagoneer manufacturing base in Detroit. Jeep intends to keep those jobs in American hands and expand the production area over time.

Behold the Amazing 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2023 version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is available in four trim levels: the Series I, Series II, Obsidian, and Series III versions. Two engines are available to power the 2023 Grand Wagoneer: a 3.0-liter six-cylinder and a 6.4-liter V-8. The first generates 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the second grants 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.

This Grand Wagoneer is a masterful towing machine, rated to pull up to 8,260 pounds. This is enough to handle some of the largest trailers, campers, and boats pulled by civilian vehicles today, connecting the Grand Wagoneer with its adventurous roots. It can carry up to 1,360 pounds of additional cargo in an area measuring 27.4 cubic feet, or 94.2 cubic feet, with the seating area included.

Music lovers will adore this SUV. Its options include a set of 23 McIntosh premium speakers and a 1345-watt amplifier, capable of producing high sound quality and intensity. It also comes with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch display.

Find Out More About the Grand Wagoneer at Meadowland

Whether you want to learn more about what the new Grand Wagoneer models have to offer or delve deeper into the storied history of the vehicle, we’re here to help at Meadowland of Carmel. Our kind and professional staff know every Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram on our lot as if they were their own. Our dealership can be found at 1952 US-6 in Carmel, New York. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. We’re closed on Sundays.

We at Meadowland of Carmel are at your service whether you want a new vehicle or need to have your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram serviced. No matter what you need, feel free to come in at your convenience. We’ll treat you like family.

Photo Credit: grand wagoneer by Paul Comstock is licensed with CC BY 2.0