1989 Chevrolet Blazer, Big Rigs of 1989
1989 Chevrolet Blazer

Fact: Nowhere in the 1989 edition of Consumer Guide: 4X4s, Pickups & Vans is the term “sport-utility vehicle” used. Let’s call this period in time the calm before the storm.

XXX
All prices and specs share here are as presented in the 1989 edition of Consumer Guide: 4X4s, Pickups & Vans.

What we’ve come to identify as SUVs were described at the time, likely for the last time, as “compact 4WD vehicles,” and “full-size 4WD vehicles” by Consumer Guide and most other organizations reviewing vehicles.

A storm of epic proportions was brewing, however, and the fallout of that event would forever change the way Americans looked at trucks. By summer of ’90, the Ford Explorer landed in showrooms blurring permanently the lines between car and truck.

Quite suddenly, trucks became family vehicles, and the term SUV was scribbled for the first time on countless car shoppers’ test-drive lists.

So here we celebrate that last model year before the confusion. Presented here are the six vehicles described by Consumer Guide as full-size 4WD vehicles. If you’ve ever owned one, or just spent time with one, we’d love to hear about it.

See also:

The Cheapest Cars of 1989

Goodbye Gran Fifthlomat: The Chrysler M-Body Cars of 1989

 

Chevrolet Blazer 

1989 Chevrolet Blazer
1989 Chevrolet Blazer

Base price: $15,355 (plus $550 destination)

Standard engine: 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8

Optional engine: 130-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 diesel

EPA fuel economy (5.7-liter V8 with 4-speed manual): 13/15 (mpg, city/highway)

Temporary Trucks: 5 Rigs You’ve Probably Forgotten

 

Dodge Ramcharger

1989 Dodge Ramcharger
1989 Dodge Ramcharger

Base price: $12,444 (plus $550 destination)

Base engine: 170-horsepower 5.2-liter V8

Optional engine: 190-horsepower 5.9-liter V8

EPA fuel economy (5.2-liter V8, 4-speed manual): 11/14 (mpg, city/highway)

 

1989 Ford Bronco
1989 Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco

Base price: $15,909 (plus $525 destination)

Base engine: 150-horsepower 4.9-liter I6

Optional engine: 185-horsepower 5.0-liter V8

Optional engine: 210-horsepower 5.8-liter V8

EPA fuel economy (4.9-liter I6, 4-speed manual): 14/16 (mpg, city/highway)

 

GMC Jimmy

1989 GMC Jimmy
1989 GMC Jimmy, as seen in the motion picture “Tremors.”

Base price: $15,415 (plus $550 destination)

Standard engine: 210-horsepower 5.7-liter V8

Optional engine: 130-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 diesel

EPA fuel economy (5.7-liter V8 with 4-speed manual): 13/15 (mpg, city/highway)

 

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Base price: $26,395 (plus $645 destination)

Base engine: 144-horsepower 5.9-liter V8

Optional engine: none

EPA fuel economy (with standard 3-speed automatic): 12/14 (mpg, city/highway)

Jeep Wagoneer: Vintage SUV That’s Simply to Die For

 

Toyota Land Cruiser

1989 Toyota Land Cruiser
1989 Toyota Land Cruiser

Base price: $20,898

Base engine: 155-horsepower 4.0-liter I6

Optional engine: none

EPA fuel economy (with standard 4-speed automatic): 12/14 (mpg, city/highway)

Toyota Land Cruiser: Exclusivity Without any Bling

Follow Tom on Twitter

Share this: