The AMC Eagle, which was an AWD crossover that debuted 30 years ago, was ahead of its time and kinda funky looking - especially the version based on the Gremlin. Look at a Nissan Murano, Infinity FX or even the VX and tell me you don't see a little bit of Gremlin in them. I'm sure by today's standards its performance would be rather underwhelming but back in the days of Chevettes, B-210s, Pintos and 17 second Corvettes, the motive force from its 4.2 liters wasn't too shabby - and despite the generous ground clearance, it handled more like a car than an SUV.

So that's it then - the Eagle has my vote for the first PUV and spiritual predecessor to the VX.