The Top Vintage SUVs
Modern SUVs have extensive driver-assist programs, flashy infotainment systems, and luxurious interiors. So why is this the best time to buy a vintage SUV?
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Vintage
SUV
s are back in style and now is a good time as ever to scoop one up before prices skyrocket. The ‘80s and ‘90s not only brought us stellar music and plenty of hairstyles we’d like to forget, but we also obtained some pretty cool sport-utility vehicles. According to
MotorTrend
, “With the luxury market only beginning to awaken towards the end of the Rad Era, these trucks instead focused primarily on 4x4 prowess and day-to-day utility, making them solid and inexpensive-to-maintain drivers even decades later.”Check out our favorite vintage SUVs, because you may want to snag one sooner than later.
Vintage SUVs from the ‘80s and before
Nothing screams adventure like the 1989/1993-1995 Isuzu Trooper RS. It’s a low-volume, Japanese two-door 4x4 with 120 hp.
It’s powered by a 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine, and according to MotorTrend, “If you can't find one of the 800 '89s that were sold, you can go for the mightier (215 hp, 3.5-liter V6) and more common (roughly 2,000 built) second-generation RS examples that were also imported.”
During its 15 years of production, the two-door 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport had a niche following. According to MotorTrend, “Its unibody design and identical wheelbase compared to its four-door sibling make it both comfortable and practical as a daily driver.”
The nostalgic 1980-1988 AMC Eagle is a family car through and through. AMC offers hatchbacks, wagons, coupes, sedans, and convertibles. And you’ll pay much less for this four-wheel-drive, wood-paneled classic than a Ford Bronco or Jeep in the same class.
While the 1976-1986 Jeep CJ-7 first appeared in the late ’70s, it’s an icon that we’ll never forget. Known as the original Jeep Wrangler, it’s harder to find and comes with a bigger price tag. However, rest assured that the value of the Jeep CJ-7 will continue to increase each year.
The 1960-1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 is an easy-to-modify off-roading machine that is much more durable you’d expect. Maybe its cuteness has got us fooled. This notable model has one of the most reliable engines Toyota has ever produced.
MORE: What is the Best Luxury Hybrid SUV?
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Awesome vintage SUVs from the ‘90s
If you’re ready to take on the trails, the 1996-2005 Chevrolet Blazer ZR2 is a ‘90s two-door wide-track hauler. It’s got 8.6 inches of ground clearance with a V6 engine and 190 hp. According to MotorTrend, “Chevy went out of its way to add stronger bearings and axles to the ZR2 mix, too.”
While you’ll find the classic Toyota Land Cruiser with a much bigger price tag, the early ‘90s version shouldn’t be looked over. The 1991-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 comes with a reliable straight-six engine and a comfy cabin.
It also “features full-time four-wheel drive, and represents the hinge in the SUV's transition from savannah-conquering utility wagon to stealth luxury ride,” notes MotorTrend.
We’re suckers for an SUV convertible, especially when it’s a cult classic.
The 1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Convertible is a small 4x4 that first popped up in the ‘80s. These models had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 66 hp. There’s nothing better than showing up to the beach with a bunch of friends in this compact off-roader.
The 1999-2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS isn’t quite the hardcore rock-crawler you may be looking for, but it does have a sophisticated torque-on-demand computer-controlled four-wheel-drive system. The duck-like body is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 215 hp. It definitely turns some heads.
How to insure a vintage car
If you’ve got your eye on one of these classic SUVs, keep in mind that there are various factors to consider when it comes to insuring a vintage car. But where do you even start?
If you want cheap car insurance quotes fast, check out
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