When looking at the best sports utility vehicles from yesteryear, you’ll notice they don’t make them like that anymore. During the ‘90s, SUVs surged in popularity. And, as fate would have it, you can find some bulletproof makes and models from that period on the used car market.
According to MoneyGeek.com, the average cost of a new non-luxury SUV last year was around $47,061, while the average was $70,170 for luxury SUVs. If you don’t have that kind of money, one option is to get a used SUV from a period when they were designed to last.
Maintenance and Repairs Count for Something
Even the most reliable vehicle will suffer a shortened lifecycle if not properly cared for. So, if you should find a used SUV from the ‘90s or whatever period, get it checked out by a mechanic.
Keep reading to learn about 14 sport utility vehicles from the ‘90s that will last forever. They’re in no particular order, so see if any of your faves made this list.
Toyota RAV4
Saying that the Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV is an understatement. It currently outsells all other vehicles outside of trucks in the U.S. The RAV4 arrived in the U.S. in 1996 equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now in its fifth generation, these SUVs are renowned for their reliability. A ‘90s RAV4 in reasonably good condition could be a good buy that lasts a long time.
Ford Explorer
While many SUVs today look more like crossovers than true SUVs, the Ford Explorers from the ‘90s were the quintessential SUVs for people who love SUVs. Back then, they were pretty reliable, had good towing specs, and had sufficient space for people and their things.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
While Mercedes-Benz started manufacturing the G-Wagon in 1979, the SUV didn’t arrive in the U.S. until 2002. But better late than never for the classically stylish, boxy, reliable off-roader. While it wasn’t available in the U.S. during the ‘90s, it was available elsewhere. It has a truck-like ride — something some people won’t want — and an upscale interior.
Toyota 4Runner
If you want an SUV with Toyota reliability but don’t want a RAV4, consider a Toyota 4Runner. It’s far from the only alternative in the Toyota roster of SUVs. But it has a cult following. If you find a high-mileage 4Runner from the ‘90s in good condition, you can get plenty more life out of it.
Toyota Land Cruiser
One source says Toyota Land Cruisers have an estimated lifespan of 271,000 miles. But there are plenty of examples of these super-reliable SUVs from the ‘90s lasting much longer. Check out the used car market for proof of high-mileage Land Cruisers that still set sail…on dry land. They also hold their value well because of their build quality and time-tested reliability.
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Cherokees have above-average reliability. If you can find a used one from the ‘90s that wasn’t driven by a maniac, you can expect it to last a long time. The ‘90s is a good period to focus on if you want your SUV to look like an SUV.
Mercury Mountaineer
Do you remember that Mercury Mountaineer? It was a luxury mid-size SUV sold from 1996 to 2010 by Mercury. According to AutoEvolution.com, Mercury in 2006 rolled out the third generation of the Mountaineer “as an upscale interpretation of the Ford Explorer.” Online reviews from owners are a mixed bag, with some saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread and others suggesting that it’s nothing to write home about. However, the general consensus is that the Mercury Mountaineer can be a reliable vehicle if properly maintained.
Honda CRV
Honda says its CR-V has been the best-selling crossover utility vehicle in the U.S. since it launched in the U.S. in 1997. Reliability has been a strong point. For instance, Kelley Blue Book says owners rated the 1999 model year of the SUV a quality rating of 4.8/5.0. While the RAV4 beats the CR-V head-to-head, that doesn’t mean the older ones aren’t dependable.
Hummer H1
While these behemoths seem out of place on city and suburban roads, they also have a reputation for being reliable, dependable, and fun to drive. That’s especially true if you like looking down at all the little cars around you on the road. These 4WD SUVs based on the M998 Humvee don’t come cheap. But they are reliable and will last forever if you maintain them.
Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper was first offered in the U.S. in 1984. Isuzu Motors America stopped selling passenger vehicles in the U.S. early in 2009. Troopers are reliable and mechanically straightforward — making repairs less of a headache. According to Kelley Blue Book, of the 136 owners who shared feedback on the 1999 model, 93% recommended the SUV.
Mitsubishi Montero
Are you looking for a relatively inexpensive off-roader from the ‘90s? The Mitsubishi Montero is one option. While one reviewer remarks that “the Montero commands much less respect than a late-90s Toyota 4Runner or Land Cruiser,” he adds it’s a leading bargain off-road SUV.
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Suburbans from the ‘90s were highly regarded for reliability and safety. Since they don’t make them like they used to, get an older Suburban if you love the brand. For the 1990 model year, the Suburban has an EFI 5.7 liter V8 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. You can get a used 1990 model for between $1,531 and $8,366.
Chevrolet Blazer
Owners say Chevrolet Blazers from the ‘90s are extremely reliable, have a good build quality, and have ample power. A 1990 Blazer has a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 210 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, a 4-speed manual tranny, and 4WD.
Land Rover Defender
It might surprise you that older Land Rover Defenders are quite reliable. So, if some of the reliability woes of more modern models frighten you, get one from the ‘90s. One of these durable, rugged, and relatively simple SUVs will be a blast from the past.
Older is Sometimes Better
Some older makes and models will have you wondering why they can’t make them as reliable and sturdy anymore. That’s especially true if you like the way SUVs used to look. Not everybody wants a crossover that claims to be an SUV.
Check Out the Options on This List
If you’re in the market for an old-school SUV that can last forever, check out the 14 options on this list. Count yourself fortunate if you own any of them. They might outlast you if you keep up with maintenance.
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