Top 10 SUVs and 4x4s 1979 — Best Overall + Best Value
Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland
PULSEKNOWLEDGE LIBRARYQuality
Certified
The 10 best suvs and 4x4s 1979 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
The FJ40 ranks first because its 4.2-liter 2F inline-six and solid-axle drivetrain made it the most durable 4x4 of 1979, with a base price of $8,400. Its leaf springs and granny-low transfer case delivered unmatched trail capability, though it was crude and loud on road. This scarcity and bulletproof reputation have driven clean original examples to over $60,000 today.
This truck is for buyers who wanted one vehicle to outlive them, accepting noise and a harsh ride as the price of near-indestructibility. It cost more than domestic rivals like the Ford Bronco, which offered V8 power and a removable top for $8,000. The FJ40 traded comfort and speed for legendary reliability, making it the best long-term investment but not the smartest budget choice.
2. Ford Bronco
The Bronco ranks second because its 1979 model was the only full-size version with a solid front axle, paired with a 351M V8, at a base price of $8,000. This combination delivered strong towing and crawling ability, plus a removable hardtop for open-air driving. It was thirsty and emissions-choked, but its capability and square styling made it an instant icon.
This truck suits buyers who wanted full-size V8 muscle and removable-top fun without the FJ40's Spartan character. It traded the Toyota's ultimate durability for more power and passenger space, yet it was less refined than the K5 Blazer. The Bronco's solid front axle made it a better crawler than the Blazer, but its heavy fuel appetite was a real cost.
3. Chevrolet K5 Blazer
The K5 Blazer ranks third for its versatile removable-top design and roomy two-door body, powered by a 350 V8 rated at 165 to 185 horsepower, with a base price of $7,200. Its NP transfer case and live axles handled mud and snow without drama, while the wide cabin made it a credible family hauler. In 1979 it was a sensible, ubiquitous choice.
This truck is for buyers who wanted a do-everything 4x4 that could serve as a family wagon and a trail machine. It traded the Bronco's solid front axle for a more comfortable ride and better on-road manners, while offering similar V8 power. The K5's rust-prone body is its main weakness, but parts availability remains huge.
4. Jeep CJ-7
The CJ-7 ranks fourth as the best value of 1979, with a base price of $5,800, the cheapest serious 4x4 available. Its short wheelbase and excellent approach and departure angles made it a rock-crawling natural, with an optional 304 V8 rated near 125 horsepower. The slightly longer wheelbase over the CJ-5 allowed an optional automatic and Quadra-Trac.
This truck is for budget buyers who wanted pure trail fun and open-air character without the cost of a full-size rig. It traded the K5 Blazer's roominess for superior off-road geometry and lower entry price, but it was cramped and rough-riding on highways. The CJ-7's body and frame are notorious for rust, so a solid example is key.
5. Jeep Wagoneer SJ
The Wagoneer ranks fifth because it was the most luxurious 4x4 in the world in 1979, with a standard 360 AMC V8 and pioneering Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel drive, at a base price of $10,500. The Limited trim added leather, power everything, and woodgrain trim, features unheard of on a truck-based vehicle. It rode like a premium wagon yet went genuinely off-road.
This truck is for buyers who wanted luxury and four-wheel drive in one package, trading the CJ-7's simplicity for comfort and refinement. It was the priciest truck here in period and notably thirsty, but its innovation set the template for modern SUVs. Compared to the K5 Blazer, it offered more prestige and full-time 4WD, but less off-road ruggedness.
6. International Harvester Scout II
The Scout II ranks sixth for its tough, square-shouldered design and unusual factory diesel option, the Nissan-sourced SD33 3.2-liter inline-six rated around 81 horsepower, with a base price of $6,900. Gas V8s offered honest capability, while the diesel delivered stingy fuel economy and stout reliability. 1979 was near the end of IH light-truck production.
This truck is for independent-minded buyers who wanted something different from the Detroit crowd, trading the Wagoneer's luxury for quirky character. It was less refined than the K5 Blazer but offered a rare diesel option for long-range overlanding. Parts and service support were thin even when new, making it a connoisseur's choice with strong collector demand.
7. Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban ranks seventh for its unmatched passenger and cargo capacity, offering three rows and a long wheelbase with four-wheel drive, powered by a 350 V8 or the new-for-1979 454 big-block, at a base price of $8,700. Few vehicles could carry as many people and as much gear into the backcountry, making it a genuine workhorse. It was a family wagon first and a 4x4 second.
This truck is for big families or haulers who needed maximum space with 4WD, trading the Scout II's uniqueness for practicality. It was big, thirsty, and ponderous to maneuver, but its 454 option provided serious towing muscle. Compared to the K5 Blazer, it offered more room but less off-road agility, and its role as the original full-size family 4x4 has made it increasingly desirable.
8. Dodge Ramcharger
The Ramcharger ranks eighth as the underrated Mopar full-sizer, offering a removable top and a choice of the 318 V8 at 145 horsepower or the stronger 360 four-barrel at 175 horsepower, with a base price of $7,300. For 1979 it gained a new front clip and galvanized roof to fight rust, making it rugged and roomy. It was less iconic than its Ford and Chevy rivals.
This truck is for Mopar loyalists who wanted a removable-top full-sizer without the Bronco's or Blazer's price premium. It traded the Suburban's capacity for a more off-road-focused two-door body, but it lacked the brand cachet of its rivals. The galvanized roof was a smart rust-fighting feature, though the body was still prone to corrosion.
9. GMC Jimmy
The Jimmy ranks ninth as a near-twin of the K5 Blazer, sharing the removable top, live axles, and 350 V8 drivetrain rated at 165 to 185 horsepower, with a base price of $7,200. Functionally identical to the Chevy, it appealed to GMC-loyal buyers, and its slightly lower production volume makes surviving Jimmys marginally rarer today. Everything that made the Blazer great applied here.
This truck is for buyers who wanted a K5 Blazer with a different badge, trading the Ramcharger's Mopar character for proven GM reliability. It offered the same versatility and rust vulnerability as the Blazer, but with a touch more scarcity. Compared to the Chevy, it was identical in capability, making it a smart choice for badge enthusiasts.
10. Land Rover Series III
The Series III ranks tenth for its spartan, aluminum-bodied workhorse design, powered by a modest 2.25-liter four-cylinder that prioritized low-end grunt, with a base price of $9,500. Its corrosion-resistant aluminum panels and simple ladder frame made it a global overlanding legend, even if U.S. availability was limited and it was painfully slow on pavement. It asked for patience and mechanical sympathy.
This truck is for overlanders who valued go-anywhere ruggedness over speed, trading the Jimmy's comfort for pure simplicity. It was very slow and crude on-road, with thin U.S. support and parts in period, making it a purist's choice. Compared to the FJ40, it offered better corrosion resistance but less power and refinement, and its global pedigree has made it a prized vintage 4x4.
How we ranked these
Each vehicle was scored on six weighted criteria: off-road capability (25%), long-term durability (25%), period value (15%), versatility (15%), character (10%), and modern collectibility (10%). We cross-checked period road tests, auction results, and survivor rates using Hagerty valuation data and classic.com sales records. Base prices and drivetrain specs came from 1979 manufacturer literature and the Automobile Catalog archive.
We deliberately ignored peak horsepower, because emissions tuning had flattened output across every 1979 truck and chasing dyno numbers would misrank them. Brand loyalty and nostalgia were excluded too, since both inflate perceived value without reflecting real ownership. Instead we weighted rust resistance, drivetrain longevity, parts availability, and how many clean survivors still exist decades later.
What to look for
Prioritize frame and body integrity over everything else. Rust kills these trucks faster than mechanical wear, and the K5 Blazer, Bronco, and CJ-7 are the worst offenders. A solid frame with an original drivetrain beats perfect paint and a rebuilt engine every time. Confirm the transfer case engages cleanly and listen for axle whine, since both are expensive to correct.
The mistake most buyers make is chasing horsepower figures or rare options. Every one of these trucks was emissions-choked and slow when new, so a rust-free, honest survivor with matching numbers is the smarter purchase. Pay for the body and frame, not the dyno sheet. Originality commands real premiums, so avoid heavily modified examples unless you plan to keep them permanently.
Related questions
What was the best 4x4 of 1979?
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 was the best overall 4x4 of 1979, thanks to its indestructible 2F inline-six, solid axles, and legendary durability. It cost about $8,400 new, more than domestic rivals, but it outlasted them all and is now a six-figure collector icon.
What was the best value 4x4 in 1979?
The Jeep CJ-7 was the best value, with a base price around $5,800, the cheapest serious 4x4 you could buy. It offered genuine trail capability, open-air fun, and simple mechanics, making it the smartest budget pick for 1979 buyers.
Why is the 1979 Ford Bronco so special?
1979 was the final year of the second-generation full-size Bronco, and the only time it came with a solid front axle. Combined with the 351M V8 and removable top, this combination is highly prized by collectors, with clean examples now fetching over $50,000.
What was the most luxurious 4x4 in 1979?
The Jeep Wagoneer SJ was the most luxurious, featuring a standard 360 AMC V8, optional Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel drive, and a Limited trim with leather and woodgrain. It invented the premium SUV concept and remains a coveted classic.
Which 1979 4x4 had a diesel engine?
The International Harvester Scout II offered an unusual Nissan-sourced SD33 3.2-liter diesel inline-six, rated around 81 horsepower. It was slow but stingy and stout, earning a cult following among overlanders who valued range and simplicity.
What was the most versatile 1979 SUV?
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was the most versatile, combining a removable top, roomy two-door body, and a reliable 350 V8. It handled family duty, off-road trails, and towing with ease, making it a do-everything choice that is now rapidly appreciating in value.
Which 1979 4x4 is easiest to find parts for today?
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer and GMC Jimmy share GM square-body mechanicals with millions of pickups, so parts are cheap and everywhere. Jeep CJ-7 support is also strong through aftermarket suppliers. Land Rover Series III and IH Scout II parts are far thinner and pricier.
Were any 1979 SUVs genuinely good on the highway?
The Jeep Wagoneer and Chevrolet Suburban rode best, with longer wheelbases and plusher suspensions. The FJ40, CJ-7, and Series III were loud, short, and crude at speed. None were fast, since emissions tuning had cut output across every engine family that year.
FAQ
Which 1979 4x4 has appreciated the most as a collector vehicle?
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 and full-size Ford Bronco lead, with clean originals routinely clearing $50,000 to $70,000-plus. The square-body Chevy K5 Blazer has risen fastest in recent years, according to Hagerty valuation data.
What was the cheapest serious 4x4 in 1979?
The Jeep CJ-7, at a base around $5,800, was the most affordable genuine off-roader you could buy. That is why it is our Best Value pick. It delivered real trail capability without breaking the bank, though rust is its biggest weakness today.
Why is the 1979 Ford Bronco so special?
1978 and 1979 were the only years the full-size second-generation Bronco came with a solid front axle, paired with Cleveland-based V8s. This combination, plus the removable top, makes it a collector favorite with strong auction results.
Were these trucks fast?
No. Emissions tuning had cut output dramatically by 1979. Even V8 models like the 351M Bronco or 350 Blazer were modest performers, prioritizing torque and durability over speed. Horsepower figures were low across the board.
Is the International Scout II worth seeking out?
Yes, for buyers who want something rarer than the Big Three. 1979 was near the end of IH light-truck production, and the unusual Nissan diesel option adds cult appeal, though parts support is thin and mechanical service can be difficult.
Did any 1979 4x4 offer real luxury?
The Jeep Wagoneer did. Its Limited trim brought leather, power accessories, and woodgrain that made it the most luxurious 4x4 in the world at the time, pioneering the premium SUV segment that every modern luxury utility now follows.
What should I look for when buying a 1979 SUV today?
Check for rust in rocker panels, floors, and frames, especially on Jeeps and Land Rovers. Verify the transfer case engages cleanly and the engine is original. Matching numbers and unmodified trucks command the highest prices at auction.
Which 1979 4x4 is the best for off-road use?
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is the best off-roader, with its solid axles, granny-low transfer case, and bulletproof 2F engine. It is crude and loud but nearly unstoppable on tough trails, which is why it is our Best Overall pick.
How much did these 1979 SUVs cost when new?
Base prices ranged from about $5,800 for the Jeep CJ-7 to $10,500 for the Jeep Wagoneer. The Bronco, K5 Blazer, and GMC Jimmy clustered near $7,200 to $8,000, while the FJ40 and Series III sat higher at $8,400 and $9,500.
Are 1979 SUVs still usable as daily drivers?
Yes, but with caveats. The Wagoneer, Suburban, and K5 Blazer remain comfortable enough for regular use. The FJ40, CJ-7, and Series III are noisy, slow, and thirsty, better suited to weekend duty. Safety equipment is minimal on all of them.
Sources
- https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/
- https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/1979-ford-bronco-sells-for-67725-setting-auction-record-for-second-gen-models/
- https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/chevy-k5-blazer-is-new-hot-suv/
- https://www.automobile-catalog.com/
- https://www.classic.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_SJ
- https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-rides/diesel-history-retrospective-diesel-scouting-the-story-of-ihs-diesel-powered-scout/
- https://www.allpar.com/d3/trucks/ramcharger.html
- https://landcruiseroftheday.com/2020/11/26/collector-grade-1979-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40/
- https://www.thedrive.com/news/41428/coyote-engined-1979-ford-bronco-sells-for-213000
Related on PULSE
This page will be disappearing soon. Save it to your device for $1 — or read it free while it is here.
@Kory-White- · if Venmo asks, the last 4 of my number are 2012
This page is gone.
This one is off the shelf now. $1 keeps it on your phone for good — the whole page, pictures and diagrams included.
pulse-carsBest Toyota C-HR Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
pulse-carsTop 10 Electric Sedans 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value
pulse-carsTop 10 Convertibles 1965 — Best Overall + Best Value
pulse-carsBest Used Sports Cars Under $50,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-carsTop 10 Sports Cars 1996 — Best Overall + Best Value
pulse-carsTop 10 Compact SUVs 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value
pulse-carsTop 10 Mid-Size Sedans 2024 — Best Overall + Best Value
pulse-carsBest Chrysler Sebring Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
pulse-carsBest Cars for Tall Drivers in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-carsTop 10 SUVs and 4x4s 1990 — Best Overall + Best Value