Goats Jumping on a Porsche, and Why The XJ Jeep Cherokee Was the Most Influential SUV in Car History
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Review and test drive by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle for sale at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at www.AutohausNaples.com, or by phone at (239) 263-8500.
Excellent original article from 1984 on these SUVs from Car and Driver:
www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...
The Jeep XJ is by far the most significant Cherokee, not only to Jeep, but to the car industry as a whole. It was the first new Jeep in 20 years, built by AMC and bolstered by their association with Renault, which was having some US success with the Alliance, if not the fuego.
Unlike every Jeep before, and unlike the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and Ford Bronco II, it was unit body construction, with frame-like supports down the side, and with two solid axles - a tremendous plus for real off-roading, but with enough tweaking and technology to make it handle reasonably well and ride ok on pavement.
In 1984, this was still a new and unproven market. This Jeep, more than any other, helped to prove it. Unlike competitors, it was available in four doors. They marketed it as a sportwagon, and there’s a strong argument it helped to kill the traditional family wagon by making it not just more versatile, but “cool.” It was the first SUV to significantly eat into car sales, and then In 1991, the Ford Explorer came out, and cemented small SUVs as the hottest ticket for manufacturers. Now everything - everything - is a small SUV, the only rare exceptions being midsized and large SUVs.
It came with two engines in 1984, a new AMC 2.5 liter 4-cylinder that shared some architecture with their existing inline 6 - and was surprisingly good, or a Chevy 2.8 liter V6 that was adequate but in no way beloved. There was a 4 and 5 speed manual, and a 3-speed automatic. In 1987, The Cherokee would get the hallowed 4.0 liter inline 6, and this further sealed the XJ as one of the great all time vehicles.
The 2.5 AMC 4 was used from 1984 until 1996, and in this final incarnation had Chrysler fuel injection and 130hp. It would be much more appreciated if it didn’t live in the enormous shadow of the 4.0 I6. Car and Driver was surprised and enamored of the four in their 1984 test, expecting it to be an anemic, gasoline powered noise machines like the fours in the S-10 and Bronco II, and instead finding it responsive and charming, with some even preferring it to the Chevy 2.8. It had been heavily tested for durability by Renault, and was expected and proven to be far more heavy duty than car based four cylinder engines at the time.
The 4WD system was better than most buyers deserved. The solid axles were confident in terrain with excellent ground clearance, angle of attack, and articulation. There were also 2 available systems - Command-Trac and Selec-Trac, the former being for more traditional off-roading while the latter operated a bit like an early AWD system, and could be used at speed on the highway. They also made 2wd models to help entry price and encourage buyers who didn’t need it.
Along with everything else impressive about the XJ, the design absolutely nailed it. It remains fresh in a classic sense today, and many consider it to be the perfect SUV in shape and size. Despite shaving 31 inches and 1200 pounds off the SJ model it replaced, it retained 90% of the interior space. Easy room for 5, fold down or removable rear seating, lots of head space. Roof rack. Simple, angular design that’s all business while still looking clean and attractive - no wonder this SUV lured so many people away from cars, never to return.
I should hate this car. Really. It’s a big reason the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is dead and the Nissan Rogue is alive. It’s partially to blame for most lady drivers over 30 only finding joy in a vehicle that makes them look like wildlife photographers. It inspired the banality of the crossover, and did away with the family sedan and personal luxury coupe. It is almost singlehandedly responsible for the utter dreck inhabiting the roads today, so many of them soulless versions of this SUV with car-derived FWD and the off-pavement capability of a skateboard. It quite possibly also led to widespread acceptance of extreme sports and men unironically wearing $400 hiking shoes and designer lumberjack shirts into an air conditioned Starbucks.
And yet I can’t. Because it was the real deal. It did what it said it would, and did it well. It was simple, rugged, dependable, and unpretentious - unlike many of its buyers. It had rock solid engine and transmission choices, a capable suspension on and off road, and the eager faithfulness of a golden retriever. In the ridiculous state of affairs we live in today - where you can’t trust half the news you read, hear or watch - this XJ is still something to believe in... and that’s why it will always have a place amongst the most beloved and influential vehicles in automotive history.
Пікірлер: 401
I’m here for the auto history lesson and the rambling. Oh and the GOATS too. LOLOLOL
@michaelwhite2823
3 жыл бұрын
Seriously! I couldn't care less about and damned Jeep! LOL
@bradleypollack5658
3 жыл бұрын
I look forward to Bill’s Animal forecasts!!
@MrTruth111
3 жыл бұрын
they a terrifying, I believe they are velociraptors with hair
@a.s.4914
3 жыл бұрын
I keep time to the first huuuuuuhhh.......😁
@KoldingDenmark
3 жыл бұрын
00:32 This scene is a prize winner.
It’s only a matter of time before we see a video with the goats riding with Bill, with their seat belts on and all.
@maclac48
Жыл бұрын
😂
Bad enough when a cat climbs your car and scratches the paint. But goats? Fire up the grill
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely wasn't expecting that this morning.
@joshpeterson7241
3 жыл бұрын
I have a few cats that cl imb all over my cars, but no goats haha!
@ChrisfromGeorgia
3 жыл бұрын
Last month during the gas pipeline shutdown, I had a squirrel chew on a fuel line on my truck! I had just filled it up the night before. When I was heading to work the following morning, my truck wouldn't turn over. I immediately caught a strong whiff of gas. When I opened the door, my truck was literally pissing gas on the ground! I ended up having to call an Uber, and was 30 minutes late for work. With that being said, I'm in the process of relocating the tree rats to another location in the countryside across the river from where I live.
@MrTruth111
3 жыл бұрын
@@curiouscars9282 They know you are scared of them, haha
I lost it at the start 😂😂😂
The beginning of this video is GOLD
Glass of whiskey for Bill's uploaded, those goats would roast up good indeed, lashing of mint sauce.
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
Hello Paulie - they're begging for mint sauce, those things.
I was totally ignorant of Jeeps, and now I feel like I learned something. Thank you Bill.
I can't wait until you get a 1960s Mercury Breezeway with the power down back window as a means to get rid of crawling toddlers.
Looks like a "Goat Lives Matter" protest occurring on the Porsche.
You made my 8 yr old daughter's day with this intro. Future subscriber right here.
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
Oh jeez. I’ll try to keep the stripper talk to a minimum.
@79thump8
3 жыл бұрын
@@curiouscars9282 Please. Until she's middle aged or i'm dead.
@sixdegreesofgaming4719
Жыл бұрын
@@79thump8 who cares lol
Oh, and thank you Bill for discussing the reason people blur out their license plate numbers! I’ve always felt the same way. Especially when most of the people doing that use their full names in the videos they’re posting anyway.
@MrTruth111
3 жыл бұрын
lol🤣🙈
@frazzleface753
Жыл бұрын
Only thing I can think is that the person doesn't want law enforcement to know where they are. Police could theoretically link the plate to a new address with a little bit of investigation and/or subpoena of craigslist of whatever. But I can't honestly see the police going to that much trouble unless it was something very dire. More likely lemmings copying others, just because.
Bill uploads a video and the first thing I see? Goats on a Porsche 💀💀
@ulflei
3 жыл бұрын
@Rob59 It's just a boxer not really a car
@rudolphguarnacci197
3 жыл бұрын
@@ulflei Fake Porsche, like a 914
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
I probably should have intervened, but I didn't want those things coming at me instead of the Porsche.
@ulflei
3 жыл бұрын
@@rudolphguarnacci197 944 and 968 crosses my mind
@billace90
3 жыл бұрын
@@ulflei LOL!! great comment!
If the goats chewed a hole in the convertible top, Peter gonna lose it. :)
C'mon Bill,we all know you gave those poor goats some of your special covid whiskey.gonna miss those goats.
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
Those goats are toast.
"It led to everything bad but it was good" Poetry in motion.
You had me at 'mint jelly and applesauce'..
Absolutely LOVE the XJ. Owned one myself, and my dad had the related MJ Comanche back in the day. Quintessential reagan-era jeep (my personal favorite era)
LOL!!! "... it doesn't really matter 'cause he's a French guy" LOVE IT!
The sinister Goats Of Doom seem to be getting bolder. That brown one just stares at Bill, now. I think they'll be making their move, soon. 😎
His attitude matches mine... Therefore I freaking love his videos
I warned about this. Goats and exotic cars do not mix.
Your explanation and history lesson is the best. This Cherokee looks so good & the price is right too.
Friggin billarious! Yes that’s hilarious but even funnier because it’s Bill.
Love the classic 2 door Cherokee!
Why doesn’t bill start a podcast? He has such a soothing old man voice
@paulie-Gualtieri.
3 жыл бұрын
Bill should be a face reveal at 100k subs.
@dogfishman1012
3 жыл бұрын
That pack-and-a-half a day for 50 years voice 😎
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
I still haven't mastered texting.
@billace90
3 жыл бұрын
I totally agree. A podcast would be super for Bill. So much knowledge about cars should be shared.
@paulie-Gualtieri.
3 жыл бұрын
@Modern Classic Collectables Thanks found it, very funny video, especially the tearing down the Confederate statue bit, plus MaryAnn looked lovely.
The goats on top of the Porsche is hilarious!
My parents bought a brand new red 4 door model off the showroom floor in 1984. It was a curious mix of stripper and optioned. It had the command track and the 2.8 GM V6 with the automatic and air conditioning. Yet, it had a dealer installed radio, the smaller gas tank, no rear window wiper or defroster. It also had vinyl seats and no carpet. It also had crank down windows as you might imagine.
Best car reviews on the KZread!
Had a pickup version 4 banger was great. Downside being here salt ate it up. Looking forward to the grilled 🐐 👌 🏄
A NEW BILL!!!!! happy wednesday everyone 🥃🍺😋
Goats on a Porsche....EPIC..great informative review...had a few XJ's and they are AWESOME off road and dead reliable in the 4.0 flavor
@randolfo1265
3 жыл бұрын
Snakes on a plane would have been bad enough!
Bill this is another great video. Something tells me from watching your videos that you must have tended bar back in your day and probably were the favorite of many patrons. Cheers!
@frazzleface753
Жыл бұрын
Bill is an excellent raconteur. Most good salesmen are. The art of drawing you in to the point that you feel like the guy (who is about to slaughter you financially) is your friend. Slipping in superlatives about the product without making it seem at all forced or untruthful, just like sleight of hand. Great salesmanship is an art and a talent.
Haha that goat scene got me.
Yes indeed.....I wish jeep would release the vehicle just like it was back for 2022. I think it would sell just as well as it did back then. Basic utilitarian four-wheel-drive transportation. These were so hard to beat
@curiouscars9282
3 жыл бұрын
Agree - very few vehicles are as good as what they claim as this Jeep was.
@theboyisnotright6312
9 ай бұрын
Yep, before Mopar and Mercedes cheapened the heck out of them.
I figured it out... Bill IS the G.O.A.T.
Would be nice to see a set of the factory 5 spoke pressed steel wheels on it, the factory shift knob and a factory head unit. It would be beyond reproach then for originality, cleanliness and pure glee.
Nice brief video, I got halfway through now have to work will watch the 2nd half later
@johnwhitneykokalis9990
3 жыл бұрын
I am with you on that.
@randolfo1265
3 жыл бұрын
I listen to Bill while I work, very soothing in this terrible time. You know because I have to wait until I get home to have corona virus whiskey
Bill, please do an instructional video on driving a three speed on the column with manual steering and brakes.
My first car was an AMC two door Concord. I loved that car. The roomy interior and power straight six was like magic on the highway. The Renault Alliance was a lot of fun to drive. My sister had one but refused to sell it to me because it was garbage and she didn't want me to hate her for life. Still managed to do that but oh well.
I bought a Jeep and named it Elizabeth Warren because its all white but it says its a Cherokee.
@vincentcardenas776
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! That was the comment I was hoping to find here!
Just found your channel several weeks ago. Great information, love the cars especially love your reactions to the goats, birds,and kitty cats. God Bless.
How Bill doesn’t have a podcast is beyond me.
The goats are killing me!
You could review a toilet and I'd play it. I'm a disabled veteran stranded in the middle of nowhere with my lap dog in a trailer park. I enjoy what you say but, even just hearing a human voice in the background is comforting.
@jblfd4600
3 жыл бұрын
I think this gentleman sums up what a lot of us are thinking. In a world that has become so politically correct and got everyone wrapped up tighter than their own sphincter, hearing a "down-to-earth" guy giving a history in a "matter of fact" format is quite comforting and enjoyable that regardless of where you stand on just about any topic, you get some laughter and insight to what was going on in the world at the time these vehicles were released. Thank you hendo337 for your service to this country and thank you Bill for giving a lot of us an opportunity to forget about our own troubles and laugh at the "lighter side" of things!
Fun fact: The Area 51, Wackenhut security guards drove these Cherokees before they switched to F250s and Raptors.
@garrisonnichols7372
3 жыл бұрын
Good to know where our tax money is going 🤣
Who's the trolls giving a thumbs down. Woman with the strange hat and bag of shit (priceless) Great Video Bill
I love the surprise late nite posts!
I’ve never been so overwhelmed before as I was seeing the goats on the boxster 😂☠️
I’m starting to think Peter set them up to come out whenever they detect there’s a car in the driveway that isn’t german..
Priceless intro. Great vid as usual. Greetings from France.
Instead of coffee I have a cup of bill in the morning
@randolfo1265
3 жыл бұрын
Try both, and a side of corona virus whiskey. The day looks better and better!
Before I was born, my family had one just like this. It was an early 90's two-door in bright red. They had it for several years with no issues and in 2002, we traded it in for a ZJ Jeep Grand Cherokee in dark green (either a '96 or '97 since it had the redesigned dash with dual airbags). I was five years old at the time but I still remember having fond memories of that car. My mom drove us from Florida to Rhode Island and back with no issues. As a result, she loved it. She also found it very comfortable to drive. We had that for three years until trading it in for a Nissan Altima. I miss that car. Honestly, if we had held onto it, it would still be just fine. Those 4.0L inline-six engines were pretty bullet proof. It's no surprise finding one for sale with over 300,000 miles on it.
I USED TO HAVE ONE AND IVE BEEN WAITING FOR BILL TO REVIEW ONE VERY CHIPPER WATCHING THIS💯💯
I generally hit the like button before I watch Bill's videos. 🤭
Oh, the 🐐 goats on the Porsche Boxter! 😂😂😂
I’m just waiting on that goat roast and lamb chops. Hey Bill, save me a plate
I daily an XJ and if I manage to kill it I will want another. It’s my second one and one of my favorite vehicles I’ve owned.
Bill I been a fan for a while B4 The Goats I mean u can’t even make this shit up so Funny Pal Standing on the Car ur weather reports have some Competition finally with Goat Reports & for a Bonus u get an informative review of a Car In Thanks for All you do for your fans
The most amazing thing about that car is that it hasn't been chopped up, lifted half-way to Neptune and turned into a rock crawler. A Cherokee that hasn't been ripped apart by the Pirate 4x4 crowd is a rare gem indeed!
Bill is a classic!!!!!
My brother had the four door Cherokee. I remember the rear doors seemed unusually tiny, requiring a head first sideways lunge in order to get in.
@davidtrevino5211
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds normal to me at this point after 3 of these.. LOL
Perhaps Peter can put little mittens on the goat hooves..
I sold Jeeps for 8 years, and the 4.0 six was absolutely bullet proof. In my humble opinion maybe the best inline 6 ever made. I wish I had one today.
It's 7.06 here in the UK, and I can't believe I haven't got time for this 45 minute treat. Gotta go to work. Catch you later Bill. You are an immense tonic in these strange times.
@kevinford6420
3 жыл бұрын
🇬🇧 Good to see a fellow Brit 😁👍
@michaelcope856
3 жыл бұрын
@@kevinford6420 Same here. I also like Harry's Garage and Jay Leno but nobody, absolutely nobody, does cars like Bill does.
@kevinford6420
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, Michael, I watch them too but agree with you. Bill is the best by a country mile 👍😁
These thing withstood the test of time! I love the 96 model that has an interior that harkens back to the early 80’s but all the modern features. I collect these and WJ’s. I have to bring them from places like Nevada. I live near the factory!!!!!!!!!!
Always enjoy the background of the vehicles you present... Yes I'm sure those hooves are great for the clear coat on that boxster...
hey bill, I just got to the 37 minute and 30 second point in your video, where you talked about the little cubby hole that would be good for drugs or maybe a switchblade. you speculated that the better appointed versions of the Jeep would have something in there. I had a 1989 XJ wagoneer, the ultimate upscale version of what you're driving there. four doors, power everything, factory sunroof, every conceivable option. and it had a little cubby hole there which was just about the right size for some drugs or a switchblade.
Hi Bill. Hope your doing well. I love those old 2 & 4 door jeep Cherkees, their so cool. Keep up the cool videos & thank you for doing all you do to put out these videos. Take care & stay safe.
Your videos are awesome. Thank you Bill.
Welcome back Bill, those dam goats, bet Peter will not be happy if he knows they have climb over his car. Sorry the weather is not to your liking.
The design reminds me of timeless design of Mercedes 190e. After 30 years they both look fresh & nice. Thanks for the review Bill, take care.
This is the greatest intro to a video ever
Keep us updated on the goat roast
The design is beautiful, everything. Only from the inside I realized how old it was.
Your sense of humor and observations on animals are totally delightful. I had a 4wd 6 cyl '92 Cherokee - came with a bad windshield water leak at the firewall. Gas tank rotted literally in one year. Exhaust lasted a few years longer. Window regulator failure. Other than that, I did like the vehicle. I admit, I wish I had it today. *edit* I now see this is a 2WD 4 cyl. Ugggh. That's all I'll say.
I have a silver CLK Cabriolet with a black roof and the cats and foxes near me seem to have it as a favourite to walk on and sit on the roof. ... and goat curry is lovely!
Epic review,as usual.
Liked it just for the GOATS!
I was 16 in 1984 when these came out. I first saw one in the movie “The Goonies” that year. I then saw one in person in the Summer of ‘84 in Washington DC. I was surprised when the TV show Motorweek said the tailgate was fiberglass! 👍😎👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸. Don’t forget the pickup truck version of this called the Comanche, this came way before the current Gladiator pickup!
Galeana still sells cars in Columbia, SC. And my family had 3 Cherokees (sister had a 97, I had a 98, and stepmom had a 99). We all loved them! My brother eventually ended up with mine, and he recently sold it to some teenagers who fixed it up, and it still runs around the little town he lives in.
This review deserves more views.
I Lost it with the goats on the car...Laughed my Ass Off so much. Bill these videos keep me going. God Bless You... !!!! :) :)
I enjoyed all 45:54. I had a 4.0 '89 and I loved that car. Brakes were a little suspect though. I towed my little 18' Donzi with it and because of the trailer brakes, it actually stopped better trailering that heavy little boat, than it did otherwise. Thank you sir
I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING WITH THIS REVIEW!!! LOLOL... THNX BILL!!!
I had the long bed pickup version of this for about 10 years. Four of those were as an employee of an electrician with the truck as my company transportation. When I started working the truck has 36,000 miles. Four years later when K moved on it had 82,000 miles and was sold to me for $500. It was a 6cyl, 5spd,RWD version and ran great only needing fluid changes and a starter on all that time.
My parents bought a new XJ Cherokee Wagoneer in 1986. This body style with wood grain. It’s was awesome And my family had the only one in town. Now there were lots of grand Wagoneer’s in town. But we had the only small XJ Cherokee Wagoneer. I wish they would’ve waited till 87 to buy it so they could get the 4.0 in line 6. Instead the one my parents bought was saddled with the GM 2.8 V6 which was as fast as speeding molasses
Bought the 4-door Wagoneer version of this car in 1984. Had the 4-cylinder with the 4- speed manual. Perfectly adequate for the 55 mph speed limit era-got about 26 mpg on the highway at that speed with the electronic carburetor. Served us well for 8 years until the 3rd child came along. Then it was minivan time. If memory serves the 4 cylinder proved considerably more reliable than the GM V6.
Great suv and reasonable price on your website.... great video too
always nice to see a clean XJ in the sea of lifted trap music blaring punisher skull bro Cheros
@knockrotter9372
3 жыл бұрын
@Modern Classic Collectables Cherokees adorned with punisher skull decals and the like
My Bro had 2-door 4x4 manual trans w/ classic straight 6. Most left here N of Chicago are shot. Would like to find a nice one. Love Bill’s perspective.
Exactly like my XJ! Except mine is the 4.0ltr HO (high out put) 190hp 4x4! Cant wait to restore mine!
Damn. I subbed to your channel yesterday. Wish I had been on board sooner. Would have loved to have had a shot at purchasing this vehicle. It's perfection imo.
Thanks for this beautiful Cherokee, I have one in 1989 nice car thank you bill
Had 6 of them and loved them all!
That goat was staring a hole through you, Bill 😂😂 They were working on a video of the Boxter.. " Dalton has messed up the windows on this Box..Wait...There's that damned guy.. He's terrifying..looks like he wants to roast us.Let's just continue with our Boxter video... " 😂😂 I still think that fat ass cat is the kingpin of their operation.. Great video as always, Bill! Thank you!
Bill, those goats are definitely evil. They may have made a misstep though. That excursion onto Peter’s Porsche could be the beginning of the end for them. Make me a plate with mint jelly if the goat roast comes to fruition. 😂😂😂
Bill, I think that a listen to Goats Head Soup by The Rolling Stones would really make you chipper!
Where else on KZread can we get a lesson on coronavirus prevention, history lesson on Jeeps and the start of the SUV craze/the demise of cars, method of cooking goats, cat control, weather updates, and a road test?? And bring it all together?? Only from Bill!
OMG the goats ... I'll make some sides for the company goat roast ...
Good looking truck Bill! My dad had a white 4 door!