Now that SUVs have taken over the automotive industry, it's time to look back and reflect on the ones you should've kept. Today's SUVs look a lot different from those of the past, with crossovers dominating the market. Most American automakers have already scratched all their cars in their lineup, diverting their focus solely on SUVs and EVs.

Consumers are now beginning to desire something more retro, that harkens back to a time when the SUV was more than just a crossover. A time when the SUV was actually a status symbol or used for utilitarian purposes. This list of 10 American SUVs will include vehicles that all share something special that buyers and collectors are beginning to notice again.

10 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee First Generation ZJ

The first gen Grand Cherokee had one of the most memorable debuts in automotive history; crashing through the glass of the Detroit convention center. The ZJ transformed the luxury SUV class but has yet to receive the same off-road praise as its little brother; the XJ Cherokee. As a result, the ZJ is still cheap without sacrificing much capability. With its legendary AMC 4.0-liter straight six, the ZJ Grand Cherokee is an automotive icon that deserves more attention.

With its unibody frame, rear coil springs and Quadralink suspension, the ZJ is a more comfortable overlander than its XJ baby bro. Part-time 4WD can be accessed using Jeep's floor mounted lever, automatic's can be opted with Jeep's full time Quadra-trac system. Final year models of the ZJ received the 5.9-liter V8, deeming it the fastest SUV of its time.

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9 1991-1994 Ford Explorer

As the only Ford on the list, the Explorer is simply an American icon that forever changed the SUV class. Based on the Ford Ranger platform, It outsold its competition every year and was the cheapest SUV you can buy in the early 90's. Ford created it to compete with the Chevy Blazer and Jeep Cherokee, building an SUV that would go on for generations to be a top seller among American mid-size SUVs. It was the most practical SUV of its time, marketed towards families, which was unheard of during the 90's, since all SUVs were built just for utility.

Unfortunately for the Explorer, it fell victim to government programs like cash for clunkers. Finding a clean first gen Explorer is now hard to come by and its nostalgia and place in American automotive history is what sets it apart on this list. Look for 4x4 models with a manual transmission since the automatics were never reliable. The Explorer concluded in 1994 with the release of the Limited trim which had matching color bumpers, grille and bespoke rims. An appearance in the blockbuster film, Jurassic Park, helped solidify the first gen Explorer as an American legend.

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8 Pontiac Aztec

Marketed as a Sport Recreation Vehicle or SRV, the Aztec was a lifestyle crossover before lifestyle crossovers were cool. Pontiac didn't sell many Aztecs, largely due to its poor looks and niche market, so finding one today could be a challenge. With its rarity and on-screen popularity thanks to the hit series Breaking Bad, the Aztec is slowly developing a cult following.

Thanks to its versatility, the Aztec is a do it all vehicle that is perfect for campers. With a recent boom in outdoor activities post pandemic, the Aztec would fit perfectly in today's SUV line-up. With its built in sliding tailgate, cooler, air inflator and optional camping tent, this SUV was designed for recreation. Add the optional full-time all-wheel-drive called 'Versatrak' and the Aztec is ready for anyone looking for an adventure.

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7 Hummer H3 Alpha

Thanks to its smaller platform and weaker powertrain, the H3 never had the same street credibility as its big brother H2. But that all changed after 2008, when General Motors decided to produce the H3 Alpha. The Alpha added the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine, bumping the H3 up to around 300 horsepower. Combine the H3's two speed transfer case and locking rear differential with its now 4.10:1 axle ratio and the Alpha was now ready to power through any terrain.

The Alpha was built for just a few years towards the end of the H3's production run. General Motors retired the Hummer brand after the recession, making the H3 Alpha a rare beast of a truck. With the addition of the new GMC Hummer EV, the brand name is gaining traction again -- as long as you don't mind cheap plastics and its over the top chrome accents.

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6 Jeep Cherokee XJ

The XJ Cherokee has been recognized in the off-road community as an affordable alternative to the Wrangler. As a result, values have gone up, thanks to its bulletproof powertrain and off-road capability. Built with unibody construction, the Cherokee was the first compact crossover that can take you anywhere you want to go, on or off pavement.

The XJ's simple, boxy design has aged very well, especially for an SUV that began production back in the mid-eighties. The Cherokee concluded production in 2001 and yet, you still see so many of them on our roads today. The XJ owes its great real world usability to its well packaged and proportioned lightweight frame. Jeep's Part-time command-trac two speed transfer case, solid axles and class leading power from its straight six; all contribute to the XJ's off-road capability. The Jeep Cherokee is simply the total package and has a lot more room to climb up in value.

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Related: Here's Why The Jeep Cherokee XJ SUV Is Going Up In Value

5 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Second Generation

The Escalade may have single-handedly been responsible for saving the Cadillac brand. First introduced in the 90's as a re-badged Tahoe, the Escalade really came into its own during its second stint in production. After 2002, the Escalade began to gain popularity in American pop culture, as that ostentatious status symbol you couldn't help see on an episode of MTV Cribs. The longer ESV and pick-up truck EXT provide versatility in the Escalade's lineup of options.

Built on GM's durable GMT-800 platform, the Escalade captivated its buyers with luxury and creature comforts that extend beyond its plush seats. If the burl wood-grain and Bulgari analog clock don't do it for you, then its soft-riding, Road Sensing air suspension will. The AWD models came equipped with GM's Vortec 6.0-liter V8, providing class-leading power and torque. The Escalade made Cadillac cool again, ask Tony Soprano, he wrecked his and then went out and bought a new one.

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Related: An American Pop Culture Icon: How The Second Generation Escalade Saved Cadillac

4 Hummer H2

The Hummer is on this list for a lot of the same reasons as the Escalade; its nostalgia and celebrity factor. However, the H2 is unique in that there will never be another SUV like it again. A brash and bold V8 gas guzzling tank that has more in common with an eighteen-wheeler than it does an SUV. While the H2 was more popular among celebrities when it was new, its now retro and boxy design has become appealing again to buyers who couldn't afford them.

The H2 was discontinued over a decade ago and since then the automotive industry has taken a hard left turn away from inefficient polluters. As a result, the H2 is now forbidden fruit that everyone wants again. Based on GM's GMT-800 platform, the H2 is unique in that it's half 1500, half 3/4 truck frame, makes it a larger than life hybrid of a specimen. With its two speed transfer case, locking rear differential and adjustable suspension combined with its durable Vortec V8; the H2 is a capable monstrosity of American machinery.

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Related: Here's Why The Hummer H2 Is Going Up In Value

3 1995-1999 Chevy Tahoe Two-Door GMT-400

American SUVs that are basically trucks with a shell on them have gone through a renaissance. Two-door SUVs from the 80's and 90's like the Dodge Ramcharger, K5 Blazer and OJ Ford Bronco have already begun to increase in value. While those vehicles may have reached their ceiling, the two-door GMT-400 Chevy Tahoe is next in line to receive the same attention.

Built between 1995-1999, the two-door Chevy Tahoe was a modern take on the classic American SUV that preceded it. While the Blazer name lived on as mid-size SUV, it was the Tahoe that replaced the K5. Now with creature comforts, the GMT-400 Tahoe was a grocery getting family hauler built on a rugged truck platform. The desirable Z71 package added Bilstein shocks, a G80 rear locker and skid plating to an already capable two speed 4x4 system. Prices for the two-door Tahoe will continue to increase thanks to attrition and the popularity of vintage American truck-like SUVs.

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2 Jeep Wrangler LJ Unlimited Rubicon

Some have already crowned the Unlimited LJ Wrangler as the holy grail of Jeeps. Thanks to its stretched out wheelbase, the LJ was introduced in 2004 and was a better on-road and off-road Wrangler than anything that came before it. Based on the TJ Wrangler, the Unlimited Wrangler was the perfect sweet spot for Jeep enthusiasts that needed a more balanced vehicle. The 10-inch increase in wheel-base and 15 inches of total length made the Wrangler more useable as a daily driver or a rock crawling toy.

The Rubicon trim was added in 2005-2006 and has become highly sought after in the Jeep community due to its rarity and off-road prowess. It added a Dana 44 axle in the front to complement the rear, a more torquey axle ratio, front and rear differential lockers and beefier tires. Now that the majority of Wranglers produced are 4-doors, the LJ gave everyone a glimpse into what Jeep buyers really wanted. A slightly longer Wrangler that can take you and your family, plus your gear, anywhere on Earth.

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1 Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ

Since 1963, the SJ Wagoneer pioneered the Luxury SUV class as a practical, 4WD, family hauler. Coincidentally it's the second car on this list featured in Breaking Bad, unfortunately, the Jeep Commander isn't worth much, sorry Hank. However, values of the Wagoneer have already begun to skyrocket, causing Jeep to reinvent the old nameplate in a full-size SUV.

The Wagoneer is appealing to Jeep enthusiasts and classic car collectors because of its vintage, timeless design. Like its distant cousin, the XJ Cherokee, the Wagoneer largely remained unchanged for decades. The SJ bridged the gap between socio-economic classes, rich or poor, everyone wanted one. The Wagoneer became "Grand" after 1984 with an array of standard luxury features. Later models of the Grand Wagoneer are the most valuable, thanks to improvements to the vehicles overall quality, making it more useable on today's roads.

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