The Lifestyle Generation
1980-1989

Since then, the Laredo name has carried on in several Jeep® models until the current day, and has come to represent an upper-middle trim package with stylish accents.

The typical package included a chrome grille, bumpers, wheels, hood emblem, and trim.

After the CJ-6 was phased out in 1975, Jeep® owners again clamored for more room. AMC answered with the CJ-8 "Scrambler." This small pickup truck was similar to the CJ-7, but featured a longer 103-inch wheelbase and featured a long rear overhang for increased cargo space.

Known internationally as the CJ-8, the open cab pickup was available in either Soft Top or hardtop configurations. A steel hard-top version of the Scrambler was exported to Australia, and the U.S. Postal Service in Alaska employed insulated panel-delivery Scramblers with automatic transmissions. Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan was popularly seen driving his Blue Scrambler at “Rancho De Cielo” ranch.

In 1971, the Jeep Trucks changed names to either the J-10 (119-inch) or J-20 (131-inch) models. Improvements included front disc brakes, a new front axle, six-stud wheels and heavier frame cross members.

All trucks shared the same body design as the Jeep Wagoneer and Cherokee from the cab forward, and were offered with traditional slab-sided or step-side bodies.

Marketed as a more luxurious SUV, it was also one of the last vehicles sold in North America with a carburetor.

Considered “the gold standard of the SUV market”.

XJ designs date back to 1978, when a team of AMC and Renault engineers drew sketches and made clay models from the existing SJ Cherokee, but the all-new XJ series finally made its well-received debut in 1984, when it scored an unprecedented sweep of the "4X4 of the Year" awards by three primary off-road magazines.

The XJ was the first vehicle with two available 4x4 systems: Command-Trac® part-time and Selec-Trac® full-time 4x4. XJs have proven enduringly popular with 4x4 enthusiasts for their off-highway abilities and wide availability of aftermarket modifications.

There were 14 trim models throughout the years: Base, SE, Wagoneer Limited, Briarwood, Pioneer, Pioneer Olympic Edition, Chief, Sport, Country, Classic, Limited, Laredo, Freedom, and 60th Anniversary Edition.

The Comanche was a unibody vehicle, making it unique among pickups. It was available as the short-bed Comanche Sport Truck and the long-bed Comanche Chief. This marked the end of the Jeep pickup line that began in 1947.

Although the Wrangler shared the familiar open-body profile of the CJ-7, it contained few common parts with its famous predecessor. Mechanically, the Wrangler had more in common with the Cherokee than the CJ-7. The Wrangler YJ had square headlights, which was a first (and last) for this type of Jeep vehicle.

On Aug. 5, 1987, about a year after the introduction of the Wrangler, American Motors Corporation was sold to the Chrysler Corporation and the popular Jeep brand became a part of Chrysler's Jeep / Eagle Division.

Both Wagoneer models were distinguished from the Cherokee by their four headlamps, with vinyl wood side trim special to the Limited. The Base model had a higher level of trim than the Cherokee XJ models, but less than the top-of-the-line Limited.