The 1980s SUV market was a time of innovation and design, with brands like Dodge, Jeep, and Toyota pushing the boundaries of what an SUV could be. While modern SUVs are certainly stylish, the functional simplicity of 1980s models has aged incredibly well, and some of these classic SUVs still turn heads today. Here's a look at five of the most stunning SUVs from the 1980s, each with its own unique story and impact on the industry.
The International Harvester Scout II
The Scout II, produced until 1980, is a classic SUV that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Volkswagen's reinvention of the Scout nameplate as an EV subsidiary is a testament to its enduring appeal. The 1980 model year, in particular, stands out with its square headlights and strong lines integrated into the boxy shell. The single-piece ABS grille adds to the easily distinguishable front end, making it one of the most attractive classic SUVs. What's fascinating is how the Scout II's design has influenced modern electric vehicles, with Volkswagen's new models heavily inspired by the original.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60, produced from 1981 to 1987, is a legendary SUV that has stood the test of time. Its redesign warranted a larger frame and body, resulting in a utilitarian design that screams 1980s. The sleek curves and panel-dividing techniques prevent it from becoming a plain box on wheels, striking a wonderful balance between aggression and minimalism. The FJ60's exceptional reliability and off-road capability, thanks to features like the two-speed transfer case and anti-roll bar, instantly made it one of the leading nameplates in the segment. Even without mods, it's still a massively capable off-road vehicle that has stood the test of time better than most.
The Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco, produced from 1980 to 1986, is one of the most recognizable SUVs on American roads. Its third-generation model, with the iconic "bullnose" front end and egg-crate grille, is a mean-looking SUV that still turns heads today. The side panels are also a little flatter than those of others on this list, but they use clever color combinations to add plenty of visual interest. The SUV remained predominantly the same on the outside during its third-gen run, but for 1982, Ford added the iconic oval badge onto the grille, giving it a small but noticeable touch of visual interest.
The Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, produced from 1974 to 1983, is a vintage SUV that has a unique feel thanks to its station wagon design style. The early '80s Cherokee had a bullnose-style front end, and the huge horizontal-slated grille stretching from end to end adds to its vintage appeal. The same can be said for the rest of this Cherokee, having much more defined lines that enhance the boxy philosophy. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities and iconic design have made it a beloved model that continues to inspire modern SUVs.
The Dodge Ramcharger
The Dodge Ramcharger, produced from 1974 to 1985, is a classic SUV that has a more aggressive look. The earlier Ramcharger side panels were quite flat, so adding extra width made a huge difference to the design. Later on in the second generation, Dodge changed the iconic egg-crate style grille by adding crosshair-style lines across it, making it look cleaner. The Ramcharger's massive windows also made more of a statement than many of its direct rivals, adding to the already massive scale of the SUV. The Ramcharger's design has influenced modern pickup trucks, with its aggressive look and utilitarian design still resonating with drivers today.
