Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Prototype (1982)

This early Jeep Cherokee (XJ) drawing & prototype photo are from 1982 issues of Popular Science magazine.

Detroit Report - AMC XJ [1982]

American Motors' XJ, a four-wheel-drive Jeep-type line that will be introduced early next year, looks bigger than it actually is. The difference is important. XJ is smaller than the Wagoneer and Cherokee lines, bigger than the CJ Jeeps. In AMC's plans, it will initially replace the Cherokee. Later it will probably take over the Wagoneer slot, too. It has a more modern, cleaner look than the Cherokee; it's actually more like the British Land Rover. It is 1,000 pounds lighter than the Wagoneer and 21 inches shorter overall. That adds up to a neater package for off-road trips. It also means that the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will achieve up to 25 mpg in city driving when equipped with the optional five-speed manual transmission. XJ will have a hatch opening at the rear, despite the objections of many inside the company who favored a drop tailgate with retractable window.

New XJ from Jeep [1982]

AMC has a surprise: It's a completely new Jeep line for 1983, smaller and lighter, with updated styling and a big improvement in fuel economy. The base engine will be a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine supplied by Pontiac, with a Chevy 2.8 liter V6 optional. AMC predicts 25 mpg in city driving with the four, 20 mpg with the V6. That will make the new Jeep an economy leader among four wheel drive utility vehicles. Code lettered XJ, the new line will fit between the Wagoneer and CJ Jeep lines. But don't be surprised to find the XJ replacing the Wagoneer/Cherokee in a couple of years. AMC wants to see how buyers respond to XJ before making a final decision on Wagoneer. The XJ is 21 in. shorter than the Wagoneer and weighs only 2,750 pounds. The chassis is a unit body type, a first for Jeeps. "We made it smaller, but you won't get a pantywaist," is the way AMC vice president Dale Dawkins describes the vehicle. "We will maintain superiority in size over Ford and GM 4WD products that are coming next year," adds Dawkins. AMC hopes the 4WD market, which it describes as a "disaster" right now, will rebound because of more fuel efficient vehicles such as the XJ.