1981 brought no major changes to the Jeep Wagoneer line, which is not surprising at all, given the few changes that were made to the line throughout its 28-year history. Still, with a 402-cubic-inch V8, a 360-cubic-inch V8, and a 258-cubic-inch straight six-cylinder, the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer embodied everything that the Wagoneer and Jeep itself stood for: rugged dependability, safety, and a whole lot of fun. The three transmission options - a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, and a 3-speed automatic - made sure that anyone could get a 1981 Jeep Wagoneer just the way they wanted it.

Like so many other Jeep Wagoneers today, the 1981 Wagoneer is used often for off-roading pleasure. Easily restored, repaired, and customized, the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer can plow its way through just about any terrain the driver needs it to. Parts are easy to find if anything goes wrong, because Jeep Wagoneers are so similar that their parts are practically interchangeable. Also, many off-roading companies exist that make customized parts for the Jeep Wagoneer. And with air conditioning, cruise control, and a massive interior, the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer can also be used quite easily as a more family oriented vehicle as well.