History of Civilian Jeep

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.

CJ-2 A 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.

CJ-3 A 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.

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.

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

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.

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

DJ-3 A 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

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.

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.

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.

Wrangler/YJ 1987-1995
The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987. It was a new design with a longer wheelbase, less ground clearance, and more comfort, and some of its inspiration came from its stable mate, the Jeep Cherokee, rather than from its CJ predecessor alone. (This prompted some Jeep purists to interpret the YJ as a "yuppie Jeep" upon the model's introduction.) 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995. The YJ was replaced in 1996 by 1997's TJ. YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights

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.

Wrangler/TJ Rubicon 2003-pres
The 2003 TJ became available with some unique options. The package was only available in the new name Rubicon. This vehicle deserved the right to be called by the legendary trail name. Equipped with push button actuated locking Dana 44 axles front and rear, 4 to 1 low crawl ratio transfer case with the flange output shaft instead of a weak slip yoke and many more options not available on any production Jeep ever before
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!

Wrangler/TJ-L Unlimited 2004-pres
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with a 10 inch (~25.4 cm) longer wheelbase; it is also known by its unofficial designation of LJ. In 2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited, which has the wheelbase of the Unlimited and the off-road features of the Rubicon as well as many other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.

JK Wrangler

The Wrangler Unlimited is in its final year of production to be replaced by the 2007 4-door JK Wrangler

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.