Famous Jeeps: The Rides of Breaking Bad

AMC’s neo-western drama, Breaking Bad, is one of those shows that everyone needs to watch. It’s more than just a made-for-TV series—it’s a show that transcends generations. Though the pilot episode debuted nearly two decades ago, Breaking Bad is still widely regarded as one of the most significant pieces of television ever created. 

Breaking Bad follows the rise and fall of Walter White (Cranston)—a mild-mannered chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While struggling in a dead-end job and facing the financial burdens of expecting a child and the medical bills of his eldest son, suffering from Cerebral Palsy, White is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, which would surely bankrupt his family. 

To combat his financial stress, Walter White connects with a previous student and current drug dealer, Jesse Pinkman (Paul), to cook and sell illicit drugs for profit. 

The Rides

Breaking Bad contrasts the midwestern landscape of New Mexico with its iconic vehicles, seen piloted by the show’s protagonists. Some of the most memorable include Walter White’s Pontiac Aztec, Hank Schrader’s Jeep Commander, and Skyler White’s Jeep Grand Wagoneer. 

Walter White’s 2004 Pontiac Aztec

The popularity of Walter White’s personal vehicle, a Fern Green 2004 Pontiac Aztec, wasn’t a happy accident—it was a carefully-chosen set piece hand-picked by Breaking Bad’s showrunner, Vince Gilligan. The unloved, yet practical vehicle perfectly embodies Walter White’s initial state as an ordinary, meek chemistry teacher living an unremarkable life. 

However, as the show progresses and Walter becomes the deranged and powerful drug lord Heisenberg—named after real-life physicist Werner Heisenberg—the Aztek’s mild, utilitarian appearance serves as a stark contrast to Walter White’s dark alter ego. 

Skyler White’s 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Whereas Walter pilots a vehicle with little fanbase or charm, his wife, Skyler, drives the exact opposite. Skyler’s 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a vehicle that’s as unique as it is stylish, featuring a red paint job with faux wood paneling, alloy wagon wheels, and factory-installed bumper lights. Though aging, the Jeep represents Skyler’s once strong, matriarchal role. However, as Walter spirals deeper into illegal activity, the Jeep comes to symbolize financial pressure and the suburban normalcy Skyler desperately craves. 

Hank Schrader’s 2006 Jeep Commander

Hank Schrader, a DEA agent and Walter’s brother-in-law, can be seen driving a 2006 Jeep Commander throughout the series. This vehicle, one of the often forgotten Jeeps, seems to symbolize Hank’s rugged appearance and profession. However, like the Commander, which features rugged looks but a mild, unibody construction, Hank is a bit softer on the inside than he lets on. 

Build Your Own Breaking Bad-Inspired Jeep Grand Wagoneer

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the world of Breaking Bad, without the illegal activity, one of the best ways to insert yourself into the storyline is to drive one of the vehicles piloted by its protagonists. While Walter’s Pontiac Aztec may be the most iconic, for the sake of this “Famous Jeeps” article, we’re taking a look at the vehicle we’d most like to own personally—Skyler’s Jeep Wagoneer. 

Platform

To kick things off, we’ll need a platform that is series-accurate. Though the Jeep Wagoneer was produced from 1963 to 1991, the more luxurious Grand Wagoneer, like Skyler drove, only existed for under a decade, from 1984 to 1991. This special-edition Wagoneer boasted several unique features. 

First off, it’s the newest vehicle to still use the original Wagoneer’s SJ chassis. In 1984, Jeep replaced the old-school, SJ-based Cherokee and standard Wagoneer with the XJ Cherokee, leaving the Grand Wagoneer as the only model still using the aging SJ chassis. Classic bodylines, larger dimensions, and more luxurious features made the Grand Wagoneer a popular option—especially with its wood-paneled exterior and factory-installed fog lights. 

For this build, we’d recommend finding a 1984 to 1991 Grand Wagoneer. Though the platform was basically unchanged throughout its eight-year run, we’d recommend a 1986 and up model for screen accuracy, as 1986 through 1991 used a similar grille style compared to earlier model years. 

Body

The body of Skyler’s Grand Wagoneer is 100 percent stock, still featuring the original wood paneling and body color (Colorado Red). To avoid a costly respray, we’d recommend finding an original Colorado Red Jeep for this build. Additionally, Skyler’s Jeep features the factory chrome bumpers and grille. 

Wheels and Tires

Skyler’s Jeep also sits on factory wheels with stylish turbine (wagon wheel) styling and lightweight alloy construction. While we’d recommend finding a set of factory wheels in good condition, we offer several alternatives if OEM wheels are unavailable. Check out our vintage/retro wheels, like the American Racing Machined AR61 Outlaw I. 

Factory-size tires (235/75R15) also adorn Skyler’s Jeep. Consider ordering a set of high-quality all-terrain tires, like the Toyo Open Country A/T III, for superior traction and performance.

 Auxiliary Lights

While Skyler’s Jeep Wagoneer appears to have factory rectangular fog lights mounted to the front bumper, it wouldn’t be uncommon for these OEM lights to need replacement after years of use. To retain period-correct styling, consider a set of similarly styled halogen off-road lights, like Rugged Ridge 7" rectangular off-road lights. 

Suspension

Lastly, while Grand Wagoneers look killer with a mild lift and oversized tires, Skyler’s Jeep appears to sit at factory ride height. If you’re looking to retain screen accuracy, keeping our Breaking Bad tribute Jeep at stock ride height is the best way to do so. However, consider replacing any worn bushings and suspension components to restore ride quality. All-new replacement dampers, like Bilstein B6 4600 shocks and struts, can make a world of difference in ride quality and overall comfort. 

With these modifications performed, you’ll have your very own Breaking Bad-inspired tribute truck, fully outfitted with screen-accurate styling and accessories. 

As always, we offer all the parts and know-how to piece together this build and countless others at RealTruck®. For additional information, check out the rest of our articles on RealSource™, and don't hesitate to contact the experts.