Jeep CJ-7 Renegade

In 1976, AMC introduced the Jeep CJ-7, the first major change in Jeep design in 20 years. The CJ-7 had a slightly longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 in order to allow space for an automatic transmission. For the first time, the Jeep CJ-7 offered an optional molded plastic top and steel doors. Both the 93.5-inch wheelbase CJ-7 and 83.5-inch wheelbase CJ-5 models were built until 1983 when demand for the CJ-7 left AMC no choice but to discontinue the Jeep CJ-5, after a 30-year production run.

Another first introduced by Jeep in 1973 was Quadra-Trac®, the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Quadra-Trac® was available in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons as well as the Jeep CJ-7.