The Jeep brand has always stood for freedom and adventure, and the classic Jeep CJ-7 is no exception. In fact it may be one of the best Jeeps ever made. The Jeep CJ-7 is an updated iteration of Jeep’s popular CJ model and the seventh generation of the original, seeking to improve on the fan-favorite CJ-5 with many updated features and designs that kept the customer’s needs and desires at the forefront.

The "CJ" stands for "Civilian Jeep," as before release of the CJ model, Jeeps were primarily known for their use in military operations and as the backbone of WWII transportationAlthough a CJ-6 was created from 1955 to 1956, it fell short of most expectations and was mostly sold to Sweden and South America rather than in the United States.

Many have called the CJ-7 the “perfect replacement” for the CJ-5, and it is still a favorite of Jeep and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Available with several different engines and transmissions, the CJ-7 was better able to suit individual customer proclivities. Additionally, since the trim packages were varied over the 11-year production of the CJ-7, there were many ways of distinguishing your ride and opting for customization preferences as well.

Let's first take a closer look at the CJ model as a whole.

A Brief History Of The CJ Model

1982 Jamboree Edition Jeep CJ7
Via: Wikipedia

The Jeep CJ came to be back in 1945 after Jeep decided to begin offering to the general public. Initially, the CJ was introduced as the “Willys Jeep,” which was the first mass-produced vehicle with four-wheel drive offered to the public. From there, the Jeep brand exploded in a multi-branched evolution of different models.

One of the unique features of the CJ was that they were produced with separate bodies and frames, allowing the manufacturer to quickly swap top-side bodies on identical frames making them sturdier for off-road use.

Throughout the model numbers, as Jeep continued adjusting production of the CJ, the parent company owning the Jeep brand changed hands several times. More than 1.5 million Jeeps in the CJ line were created, ranging from the standard SUV to even a venture into a Jeep pickup truck, but the general shape and body style remained the same for nearly 45 years.

CJs became common sights in many unique arenas as they continued their original use in the military while taking on such tasks as agricultural and farm work in place of tractors. By the time the CJ-7 came about, the CJ model was already prevalent, and Jeep enthusiasts abounded.

RELATED: Dennis Collins Talks Of His Newly Acquired Shockingly Well-Preserved 1988 Jeep YJ Wrangler And Rare Comanche Pickup

What Made The CJ-7 Unique

1985 Jeep CJ7 Renegade
Via: Streetside Classics

As an upgrade on the CJ-5, the CJ-7 included many features that made the Jeep more accessible for most everyday drivers. Many of the features and add-ons for the CJ-7 were being offered for the first time in Jeep’s history. The wheelbase was longer than that of the CJ-5 by ten inches and curved off to allow for hinged doors.

The additional length made it so that the iteration could have an automatic transmission. On top of that new advancement, Jeep also offered an optional add-on for a Quadra-Trac all-wheel-drive system for the first time on the CJ-7. In another first, Jeep also offered optional molded tops and steel doors.

Additionally, the CJ-7 saw a new chassis system that improved stability by leaving room for shock absorbers to be mounted near the outside of the body, and many consider these adjustments the beginning of the “custom shocks” movement that has become so recognizable and persists in the Jeep brand still today. These adjustments also allowed for the CJ-7 to stay true to the Jeep name as a rugged and off-road-centric brand.

Features in the CJ-7 varied widely by trim and engine as Jeep continued to experiment and appeal to a broader range of customers through the 11-year reign of the model. Some of the most common trim packages included the Renegade, Golden Eagle, Laredo, Golden Hawk, and two limited-edition trims in the form of the Limited and the Jamboree Commemorative Edition.

Engines varied as well and included both a 150 and 151 cu in 2.5 L, 3.8 L, 4.2 L, 5.0 L V8, and even a 2.4 L Diesel, depending on consumer option and associated trim. The CJ-7 had so many different options that it ensured that it would, in some variation, have something for everyone interested in the brand.

RELATED: These 10 Upgrades Will Turn Your Jeep Into A Beast

Cost And Availability Of The Jeep CJ-7

There have been instances of highly collectible or altered Jeep CJ-7s selling for large amounts of money. For example, a recent auction to benefit a charity for US military personnel and their families saw one sell for the astounding price of $1.3 million. However, that is not often the case.

Currently, you can find a CJ-7 for sale for anywhere from $18,000 to $33,000, for one in drivable and very-good condition. Some of the rarer or more desirable trims tipping the top of that range include the Renegade and the Golden Eagle when in near-mint condition. Although the CJ-7 is not hard to locate for sale, finding one with lower mileage and in good condition may be a difficult task, as many purchasers of the edition took the vehicle’s marketing campaign seriously and put their Jeeps to the test off-road and cross-country, causing much wear and tear.

In contrast, original purchasers of the CJ-7 back in 1980 could have picked it up for an average retail cost of $11,300, according to NADA guide. That suggests, as far as value, the CJ-7 is one of the best at holding its overall value over time and is still a worthwhile investment for a fan of the Jeep brand.  

NEXT: Here's How Much A Classic Jeep Cherokee Is Worth Today