The 1970s through the 1980s was a golden age for Jeep CJs, and Jeep aficionados will appreciate the details found within the four main trims. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between the trims, we've got you covered.
History of the CJ-7
Because of Jeep's popularity with the military in the early 1940s, the brand developed a Civilian Jeep (CJ) in 1945. The Jeep CJ underwent numerous revisions over a few decades into its most impressive era. In 1976, Jeep introduced the CJ-7 to provide drivers with several upgrades from the original CJ-5.
The CJ-7 had a longer wheelbase to allow an automatic transmission and featured squared-off doors instead of rounded door frames. In 1982, consumers could purchase higher-end CJ-7 trims with the introduction of the Laredo and the upscale Limited. Here's a look at the four CJ-7 trims and what makes each of them unique.
Base Model
Jeep made the CJs extremely customizable in the base model, and you can order accessories and upgraded wheels or find old jeep parts for sale to create the CJ best suited for your driving needs. Features that set the base trim apart from the Renegade, Laredo, and Limited trims include simple white steel wheels, no side rocker panel moldings, no trim covers, and plastic interior features. If you're looking for a CJ that you can customize to design the perfect Jeep for your lifestyle, consider getting a used CJ base trim.
Renegade
The CJ Renegade gives you a few upgrades from the base model. When you move up to this trim, you'll find several standard features, including rocker moldings on the side of the Jeep, a black frame cover under the front grille, and white wagon-style steel wheels, which are slightly different from the base steel wheels. Inside the CJ Renegade, you'll notice nice touches like a three-spoke black steering wheel, a panel surrounding the gauge cluster, and a black horn button.
Laredo
The CJ Laredo trim rises above the two lower trims with factory chrome wheels, chrome bumper and front grille, chrome rocker moldings, sidesteps, and stainless steel mirrors. In the back of the Laredo, you'll get chrome bumperettes, and the outside doors have color-keyed inlay. Inside, you'll find upgraded leather seating materials, a black leather tilting steering wheel, a tachometer, and a clock.
Limited
The CJ Limited trim is considered the Cadillac of all CJ trims. It builds on the Laredo with luxurious features, like trim rings on wheels, a chrome front bumper with finishing caps, and a black frame around the windshield and windows.
This CJ has rocker moldings, black sidesteps, black sports mirrors, chrome rear bumperettes, and a handsome Limited badge. Inside, you'll notice the color-coded leather seats, a full headliner on the hardtop version, carpet on the tailgate, and covered roll bar covers. These interior touches, along with the soft ride suspension system, help give the Limited a superior and quiet ride.
To see an amazing collection of CJs and other custom or original Jeeps, stop by Collins Bros. Jeep in Wylie, Texas. We are a premier Jeep restoration company, and we have lots of incredible Jeeps for sale. If you want a custom Jeep in Dallas, contact our team today.
