The Cars With The Longest Production Runs Of All-Time
The Cars With The Longest Production Runs Of All-Time
Many classic 1980s, '90s, and early 2000s classic cars have a production run spanning decades.
Their longevity speaks to excellent engineering and that their manufacturers found a winning formula they could make slight (or large) improvements upon with each new model while maintaining the same basic elements that make these vehicles timeless.
These are some of the longest production runs in American automotive history, with many of these cars still being produced to this day.
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer was first developed in 1962 by Kaiser Motors, intended as a do-it-all vehicle and successor to the Jeep Station Wagon. This body-on-frame design became known as the "sport utility vehicle", and as such, the Wagoneer (SJ version) is the original SUV. The Wagoneer was sold under the Jeep name as the name changed hands multiple times since 1962, eventually becoming the property of Chrysler. The last Jeep Wagoneer was produced in 1991.
The original SUV had 29 years of faithful service through three generations until 1993. No new iterations of the Wagoneer were released until 2022, when Jeep revamped the Wagoneer as a full-size luxury SUV.
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Land Rover Defender
While originally a British vehicle, the Land Rover Defender has become something of a favorite among American off-roadies and collectors alike, particularly those who might own a Land Rover Series I from 1948! However, the modern Land Rover Defender was first released on the American market in 1993, giving them the shortest production run on our list of just 31 years.
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Chevy Van
The Chevrolet Van was built from 1964 to 1996 and, sold in both passenger and cargo van configurations, it was a rival to the ever-popular VW Bus. While it may not immediately spring to mind as a vehicle with longevity, 32 years of vans isn't something to scoff at.
Renault 4
Although it enjoyed a short run in the United States, the Renault 4 has maintained popularity in Europe since it was first introduced by the French automaker in 1961, with ample space in the trunk for deckchairs and luggage. The American version of the Renault 4 featured three-speed and four-speed manual transmissions and was most commonly sold as a five-door hatchback. The Renault 4 was produced for 31 years, concluding its storied run in 1992.
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