Civilian Universal

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Model/Dates:

Picture: Description:
CJ-2

1944-1945

Based on the Willys MB, the CJ-2 was the prototype for the first civilian version Jeep.  And yes, CJ really does stand for Civilian Jeep.  Only a few dozen CJ-2s were built.  Originally known as "Agrijeeps", they were used at various agricultural test stations around the country. (photographer unknown)
CJ-2A

1945-1949

The CJ-2A was the first of the production CJs.  Over 200,000 units were manufactured.  They featured flat fenders, split windshield (25" tall) framed in round tubing, top-mounted windshield wipers, tailgate, and side-mounted spare tire.  Unlike the MB models, the CJs had "Willys" embossed on the hood sides and the windshield frame. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
CJ-3A

1949-1953

Very similar to the CJ-2A, with only a few ( mostly cosmetic) changes.   The CJ-3A featured flat fenders, a one-piece windshield (27" tall) mounted in square tubing, bottom-mounted wipers, air vent at bottom center of windshield frame, tailgate, side-mounted spare tire, and an 80" wheelbase.  Over 130,000 were produced over 5 years. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
CJ-4

1950

This is the "missing link" between the CJ-3A/3B and the CJ-5.   Only one CJ-4 was built and it was one of the first prototypes to carry the new Willys "Hurricane" F-head engine.  It combined the rear of a CJ-3A, the hood that would later appear on the M38A1, and a unique cowl and front fenders on an 81-inch wheelbase. (photo by Jim Allen)
CJ-3B

1953-1968

This "high-hood" Jeep was essentially a CJ-3A, fitted with the taller "Hurricane" F-head engine.  It featured flat fenders, one-piece windshield (22.5" tall), and of course, the tall hood to fit the new engine.  Over 150,000 were built.  Although produced through 1968, sales diminished after the introduction of the CJ-5 in 1955. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
CJ-5

1955-1983

The most successful of all the civilian Jeeps, the CJ-5 was in production for nearly 30 years, with over 600,000 units built.  Inspired by the M38A1, it featured rounded fenders, one-piece windshield, factory door hinges, an 81" wheelbase (early models), fold-down tailgate, and side-mounted spare tire.  Later models had an 83" wheelbase, no tailgate, rear-mounted spare tire, and a factory roll bar. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
CJ-6

1956-1975

A common complaint among most short-wheelbase Jeep owners was the lack of room.  Introducing the CJ-6, an extended version of the CJ-5.  With its 101" wheelbase (early models), it afforded the storage room of a small pickup and the mobility of a Jeep.  Later models were further stretched to 104 inches.  Only 50,000 or so were produced. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
DJ-3A

1956-1965

The DJ-3A "Dispatcher" was the first two-wheel drive universal Jeep.  Basically it was a CJ-3A, but with 2WD.  It was offered in soft top, hard top, and "surry gala" versions, with or without a tailgate.  Most were used as recreational or delivery vehicles, although a special model was also manufactured for use as a postal truck. (photographer unknown)
DJ-5

1965-1975

The DJ-5 "Dispatcher 100" replaced the DJ-3A in 1965.  It was very similar to the CJ-5, except it was 2WD.  The postal version, with a different grille (pictured here), also had an automatic transmission, extra large doorway, sliding door, and right-hand steering.  AM General Corporation continued to produce variations into the 1980s. (photo by Dan Fedorko)
DJ-6

1965-1968

Extended version of the DJ-5, similar to the CJ-6, but with 2WD like the DJ-5.  This is a very rare vehicle; it took forever to find this picture!  I got it from Derek Redmond's "The CJ3B Page" (photo by owners, Jim & Peg Marski)
CJ-7

1976-1986

The CJ-7 offered a compromise between the CJ-5 and CJ-6, with it's 93.5" wheelbase.  In addition, the CJ-7's U-shaped door openings immediately distinguish it from it's predecessors.  This was the first CJ model to offer an automatic transmission, hardtop, and doors (all as factory options).  Over 375,000 units were produced over 10 years. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
CJ-8

1981-1986

The CJ-8 "Scrambler" was an extended version of the CJ-7, featuring a 103.5" wheelbase.   The Scrambler came in either soft-top or fiberglass hard-top models, which covered the cab only.  With a roll bar in the "bed", the Scrambler looked like a CJ pickup truck.  Less than 28,000 units were built during its short 5-year production period. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
Wrangler/YJ

1987-1995

To address lagging sales of the CJ, AMC introduced the lower and wider Wrangler.  It featured square headlights and turn signal lights, side-opening tailgate, extended sport bar (starting in 1992) for better rear passenger protection, and was available with either soft or hard top, and either full or half doors.  Leaf springs all around. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
Wrangler/TJ

1997-pres

The TJ is a complete redesign over the Wrangler YJ, top to bottom, inside and out.  The quad coil-spring suspension makes the TJ the best-performing and best-riding out-of-the-box short Jeep ever built.  Other distinguishing features include a completely redesigned dash layout, dual airbags, and a return to the traditional round headlights. (photo courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA)
Wrangler/TJ

Rubicon

2003-pres

WOW!  A real trail machine--direct from the Chrysler/Jeep factory!  Dana 44's front and rear, air lockers front and rear, 4-to-1 transfer case, 31" Goodyear MT/R's, all covered by a 7-year/70,000-mile power train warranty (including the engine, transmission, t-case, and axles) and priced starting at less than $25K!  'Nuff said!
Wrangler/TJ-L

Unlimited

2004-pres

Scramblers fans are gonna love this one!  A "stretched" TJ, 103.4" wheelbase.  Same engine, drive train, and suspension as the '97-present TJ (i.e., no waiting for aftermarket accessories to become available).  The only transmission available, though, is the automatic.  Standard 4-wheel disc brakes, Dana 44 rear axle, 3,500-lb towing capacity, SunRider soft top, front & rear tow hooks, air conditioning, full hard doors, and more. 

Note:  The CJ designation actually stands for "Civilian Jeep".   Over the years, many Jeep affectionatos have referred to the YJ as "Yuppie Jeep", and the TJ as "Trendy Jeep", etc, etc.   But that's ridiculous; 'cause everyone knows that TJ really means Trail Jeep! :-)   Seriously though, the YJ, TJ, XJ, ZJ, etc designations do not have any particular significance.

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