The CJ-7 was introduced in 1976 and had some notable features. Its wheelbase was 93.4 inches, which put it in between the CJ-5 and CJ-6. More importantly, it was the first CJ to be offered with an automatic transmission as an option. More and more emphasis was placed on luxury, and this culminated in the Laredo package.         

The CJ-5, introduced in 1955, was essentially the civilian version of the M-38A1 military Jeep that Willys was producing for the military. It was referred to as the Universal Jeep (CJ), and this designation continued until AMC (American Motors) absorbed Kaiser Jeep in 1970.  

On December 21, 1980, CBS aired, on its 60 Minutes program, a segment that showed how dangerous the CJ5 could be-how easy it rolled over. This report ultimately killed the CJ5 in terms of sales, and the 1983 was the last year it was available.