Jeep CJ
Jeep
Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jeep CJ: The Original Civilian Jeep
The CJ (Civilian Jeep) was the direct descendant of the World War II military Jeep, the rugged 4x4 that launched the brand for everyday buyers.
The CJ series, produced from the mid-1940s into 1986, brought the legendary wartime Jeep to civilian buyers. These simple, rugged, go-anywhere vehicles established the template for the off-road 4x4 and built Jeep's reputation for capability.
Across decades the CJ evolved through many versions, from the early CJ-2A to the popular CJ-5 and CJ-7, gaining various engines and refinements while keeping its bare-bones, capable character and removable top and doors.
The CJ is the foundation of the entire Jeep brand and the direct ancestor of the Wrangler. Classic CJs are beloved by off-road enthusiasts and collectors as automotive icons.
Frequently asked questions about Jeep CJ
What does CJ stand for?
CJ stands for Civilian Jeep, the post-war version of the military Jeep.
When was the CJ made?
The CJ series was produced from the mid-1940s into 1986.
What did the CJ lead to?
The CJ is the direct ancestor of the Jeep Wrangler.
What are popular CJ versions?
The CJ-5 and CJ-7 were among the most popular versions.
Why is the CJ important?
It brought the legendary Jeep to civilians and established the template for the off-road 4x4.