Bar Talk: The SUV Conundrum
Car, Truck, or Something in Between?
Motor Trend's 1998 Truck of the Year was the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. That choice inspired the launch of our Sport/Utility of the Year for 1999, with the Lexus RX 300 named as the first winner. Since then, truck-based SUVs have become a small, niche segment while "crossovers" have evolved. Every year, we have to determine how to define the term "sport/utility." Fact is, this has been an issue for more than 75 years.
1935 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban: The truck-based wagon didn't become a separate nameplate until the late '60s. Base price ('36): $685
1946 Jeep Station Wagon: Willys quickly turned Army Jeep production into civilian Jeep production with this all-steel two-door station wagon, produced through 1965. An overhead-cam six was added for '63. Base price ('46): $1495
1948 Jeepster: Six decades before the BMW X6 and Acura ZDX, Jeep put the "sport" into sport/utility. Sold in original form through '51. Base price ('48): $1765
1961 International Scout: This favorite of the U.S. Postal Service was built through '80, and prompted Ford to design a competitor. Base price ('61): $1771
1966 Ford Bronco Sports Utility: The pickup version of the Bronco may have helped launch the "sport/utility" moniker. Built from F-100 parts, base engine was a 170 cubic-inch inline-six. Built through '77. Base price ('66): $2480
1977 Matra Simca Rancho: A Matra hatchback with fiberglass SUV bodywork from the B-pillar back. Built through '79. Not sold in North America.
1980 AMC Eagle: Manufactured in a variety of Concord- and Spirit-based body styles, the last Eagle wagon was a 1988 model, eight years before the Subaru Outback. Base price range ('80): $6999-$7946