The SJ series Jeep Cherokee was a full-size SUV produced from 1974 through 1983 by the Jeep division of the American Motors Corporation . It was similar to the Wagoneer that was originally designed by Brooks Stevens in 1963. The Cherokee was a redesigned reintroduction of a two-door body style, with a single fixed rear side window with an optional flip-out section. Previously, a two-door version had been available in the Jeep Wagoneer line , although this had the same pillar and window configuration as the four-door Wagoneer. Based on the Wagoneer, the Cherokee was marketed as the "sporty"... two-door variant of Jeep's station wagon. The term "Sport Utility" appears for the first time in the 1974 Cherokee sales brochure. A four-door was not added to the lineup until 1977. Other than the base model, the trim levels of the Cherokee included the S , Chief, Golden Eagle, Limited, Classic, Sport, Pioneer, and Laredo. Engine choices consisted of AMC I6 or V8 powerplants. When it was equipped with the powerful 401 cu in AMC V8 engine, it would outrun just about any other 4x4 in its class, and, with 3.
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