Chevrolet Suburban Caryall 1935. Few remember that it was the 1992 Suburban that revolutionized ride and comfort in full-size SUVs.
However, the SUV craze probably dates to the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, released in 1983. The Bronco II was released in 1984 in response. The Bronco II led directly to the Explorer, in 1991.
IMHO, the coincident releases of the Explorer and Suburban, both of which brought new levels of control and comfort to truck owners, started the SUV “craze.”
I have an ‘84 S10 Blazer. Pretty dependable, I only drive it if I need to haul something or pull someone out of a ditch.
Problem with that was 2.8L just ain’t enough spunk for a vehicle of that weight.
One more thing. If you have the choice of changing a starter in one of those or slitting your wrists, break out the razor blades. What an effin nightmare! It did go in, and it works fine, but NEVER AGAIN!!