Jeep History - 1955-1983 JEEP CJ-5

On October 11th, 1954, Kaiser announced the arrival of the CJ-5, and featured softer styling lines, including rounded body contours based on the 1952 Korean War M-38A1. The CJ-5 was better on every front: it was stronger, more comfortable, more versatile, and more off-road capable. It was slightly larger than the CJ-3B, as it featured an increased wheelbase and overall length. Improvements in engines, axles, transmissions and seating comfort made the 81-inch-wheelbase CJ-5 an ideal vehicle for the public's growing interest in off-road vehicles.

Big news in 1965 was getting a new “Dauntless” V6 engine that produced 155 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine nearly doubled the power of the standard four-cylinder engine. Beginning in 1973, all Jeep CJ models were offered an available AMC-built 304-cubic-inch V8 engine with 150 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Spanning thirty years, the CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep Brand vehicle, and in the sixteen years of Kaiser ownership, Jeep Brand vehicle manufacturing plants were established in thirty foreign countries, with Jeep Brand vehicles marketed in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Many special editions were offered, including the 1964-1967 “luxury” Tuxedo Park, the 1969 Camper, the 1969 “462”, the 1970 Renegade I, the 1971 Renegade II, the 1972-1983 Golden Eagle, and 1973 and 1976 Super Jeep. The CJ-5 was a popular vehicle in fire departments and was outfitted to help put out brush fires. A two-wheel driver version DJ-5 was offered through 1974. A popular and enduring legend, the CJ-5 has probably logged more trail miles than any other Jeep Brand vehicle.