Jeep CJ History

Off-road SUV · 1945–1986

Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

The CJ ('Civilian Jeep') line began with the CJ-2A for 1945, adapting the wartime Willys design for farmers, ranchers, and recreational off-roaders. It evolved through the CJ-3A, the long-lived CJ-3B, and the popular CJ-5 and longer CJ-6.

The CJ-5 alone ran from 1954 to 1983 — an exceptionally long production life — while the CJ-7 (1976–1986) added a longer wheelbase, an optional automatic transmission, and an available hardtop. The CJ-7 was directly replaced by the first Wrangler (YJ) for 1987.

Generations

CJ-2A / CJ-3A · Early flat-fender (1945–1953)

The first civilian Jeeps, adapting the WWII design for civilian use.
CJ-3B · High-hood flat-fender (1953–1968)

Raised hood to clear a taller engine; very long production run. // Source: Wikipedia "Jeep CJ" / cj3b.info — US production 1953–1968 (public sales to 1964, commercial/military to 1968); overseas (Mitsubishi etc.) ran far later, excluded from this US span.
CJ-5 / CJ-6 · Round-fender (1954–1983)

The defining classic CJ; the CJ-5 ran 1954–1983, the longer CJ-6 1955–1975.
- 1974
  Photo: “1974 Jeep CJ-5 (35167263565).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
CJ-7 · Long-wheelbase CJ (1976–1986)

Longer wheelbase, optional automatic and hardtop; directly replaced by the 1987 Wrangler.
- 1981
  Photo: “1981 Jeep CJ-7.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.