Blog - Jeep Identification Guide

Here is an illustrated guide to popular Jeep models made through 2014. Use this guide to become an expert on Jeeps, or keep it on hand as a quick reference (you download a printable version here).
PRODUCTION
 
CHARACTERISTICS
SUSPENSION
  • JEEP CJ2A
    1945 - 1949
    Jeep CJ2A
    While often argued over, CJ stands for "Civilian Jeep". Has flat fenders, two-piece swing out windshield, top mount windshield wipers, side mounted spare tire.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 80" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ3A
    1949 - 1953
    Jeep CJ3A
    These early Jeeps are commonly referred to as "flat fenders" because their front fenders were flat across the front, even with the grill. Also made with a one-piece windshield with vent, bottom mount windshield wipers, and side mounted spare tire.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 80" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ5
    1954 - 1983
    Jeep CJ5
    The CJ-5 stayed in production for nearly 30 years, making it the longest running Jeep model. It features round headlights, bottom mount windshield wipers, and near straight up windshield.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 80.5" wheelbase thru 1971, 1972 and later 83.5" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ6
    1955 -1975
    Jeep CJ6
    The CJ-6 is basically an extended version of the Jeep CJ5. It has round headlights, bottom mount windshield wipers, and the windshield is nearly straight up.
    100.5" wheelbase thru 1971. 1972 and later 103.5" wheelbase.
  • JEEP SJ CHEROKEE,
    JEEP WAGONEER
    1963 - 1983
    Jeep SJ Cherokee / Wagoneer
    Originally carrying a SJ designation, it wasn’t until 1973/1974 when the Cherokee name would be used. Full size wagons were available in both 2 door and four door versions and pickups in both long and short wheelbases.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear.
  • JEEP C101-C104 -
    COMMANDO
    (AKA JEEPSTER)
    1966 - 1971
    Jeep Commando / Jeepster
    Available as a truck, convertible, roadster, or wagon, the C101/C104 is identified by its' slanted front and rear and angular rear wheel wells. Known as the Jeepster Commando until 1972, when the name "Jeepster" was dropped.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 101" wheelbase thru 1971, 1972 and 1973 104" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ3B
    1966 - 1971
    Jeep CJ3B
    Virtually identical, the CJ3B is a higher horsepower version of the CJ3A. It was designed to use the same Hurricane engine as the CJ5/6, so the grill is slightly taller on a CJ3B than a CJ3A. Additionally, Mitsubishi licensed the CJ3B design and produced it for decades after production ceased in the US.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 80" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ7
    1976 - 1986
    Jeep CJ7
    The CJ-7 is one of the most popular of all Jeeps during its ten year run, and through today. It was made with round headlights, a tailgate that opens down, bottom mount windshield wipers, and factory sport bar.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 93.5" wheelbase.
  • JEEP CJ8-
    SCRAMBLER
    1981 - 1985
    Jeep CJ8 / Scrambler
    This is essentially the extended version of the Jeep CJ7, available as mini pick-up half cab, or full cab. It too was made with round headlights, a tailgate that opens down, bottom mount windshield wipers, and factory sport bar.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 103.5" wheelbase.
  • JEEP XJ-CHEROKEE
    & JEEP WAGONEER
    1984 - 2001
    Jeep XJ-Cherokee / Wagoneer
    Jeep introduced this model to compete in the growing compact SUV market. Designed with rectangular headlights, squared classic Jeep lines, available in 2 and 4 door models, and featured curved windshield glass.
    Unibody style construction. Coil spring front and Leaf spring rear suspension. 101" wheelbase.
  • JEEP MJ-
    COMMANCHE
    1986 - 1992
    Jeep Commanche
    This is a pickup version of the downsized Cherokee. It is based on the XJ and was made to be available in long and short bed versions, squared classic Jeep lines, and curved windshield glass.
    Unibody style construction. Coil spring front and Leaf spring rear suspension. 113" wheelbase w/6ft bed, and 120" wheelbase w/7ft bed.
  • JEEP YJ-
    WRANGLER
    1987 - 1995
    Jeep YJ Wrangler
    Replacing the CJ-7 was the YJ, most commonly just called the Wrangler. Made with rectangular headlights, a tailgate that opens to side, and diagonal rear sport bar support.
    Leaf spring suspension, front and rear. 93.4" wheelbase.
  • JEEP ZJ-GRAND
    CHEROKEE
    1993 - 1998
    Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee
    Introduced to replace the Wagoneer as a mid-size luxury SUV that many competitors would quickly try to imitate. This model sports rectangular headlights, rounded fenders, curved windshield.
    Coil spring front rear suspension, unibody style construction.105.9" wheelbase.
  • JEEP WJ-GRAND
    CHEROKEE
    1999 - 2004
    Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee
    Curved headlights, slotted tail lamps, V styled grill.
    Unibody, coil spring front and rear suspension. 105.9" wheelbase.
  • JEEP
    TJ-WRANGLER
    1997 - 2006
    Jeep TJ Wrangler
    This extremely popular model only got some very minor upgrades throughout the years, but still managed to hold strong almost 10 years. Made with round headlights, tailgate opens to side, with spare tire. 55" windshield.
    Coil spring suspension front and rear. 93.4" wheelbase.
  • JEEP KJ-LIBERTY
    2002 - 2007
    Keep KJ Liberty
    The Liberty KJ, is without a doubt the most controversial Jeep ever produced, for one main reason: it has IFS. Designed with round headlights, rounded flared fenders, a classic Jeep style grill, and curved windshield.
    Coil spring front and rear suspension.104.3" wheelbase.
  • JEEP WK-GRAND
    CHEROKEE
    2005 - 2010
    Jeep WK Grand Cherokee
    A redesign from the ground up like its predecessor, the WK features IFS and an optional 5.7L HEMI powerplant. Built with curved headlights, V styled grill, and curved glass.
    Unibody, coil spring front and rear suspension.
Current Models
PRODUCTION
 
CHARACTERISTICS
SUSPENSION
  • Jeep JK-Wrangler
    2007 - Present
    Jeep JK Wrangler
    Rounded headlights and grille which angles out toward the top, and then continues in a straight line from the midway point, toward the bottom. Decreased hood length, and increased fender length.
    Stability control is a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.
  • Jeep Compass
    2007 - Present
    Jeep Compass
    Jeep’s first crossover, closely resembles the Grand Cherokee.
    Has two electronically controlled four-wheel drive systems: Freedom I and Freedom Drive II, Freedom Drive I is a full-time four-wheel drive system with locking capabilities; Freedom Drive II is based on Freedom Drive I but by using the vehicle's CVT transmission it is capable of a 19:1 gear reduction simulating a low-range usually found in vehicles with dedicated transfer cases.
  • Jeep Patriot
    2007 - Present
    Jeep Patriot
    Compact crossover based on the GS platform. Similar in style to the Cherokee.
    Features two four-wheel drive systems both of which are electronically controlled. The basic four-wheel drive system is called Freedom Drive I. This system is a full-time four-wheel drive system with locking capability. The other system, called Freedom Drive II, is based on Freedom Drive I, but by using the vehicle's CVT transmission it is capable of a 19:1 gear reduction simulating a low-range usually found in vehicles with dedicated transfer cases.
  • Jeep Grand
    Cherokee-WK2
    2010 - Present
    Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee
    More aerodynamic body, designed for durability, reduced noise, vibration, and harshness.
    Steel unibody with 4-wheel independent suspension.
  • Jeep Cherokee KL
    2013 - Present
    Jeep KL Cherokee
    Has a 106" wheelbase. Headlights are slanted to the side, the grille and fenders are very angular.
    Features three different four-wheel drive systems: Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. All of these systems come with Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control system and rear-axle disconnect feature. The rear axle disconnect feature, a first for Compact SUV, disconnects the rear-axle when four-wheel drive is not needed.