Each Friday on the Jeep_® Blog, we explore the Jeep brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting a different historical vehicle. This week’s vehicle is the 1972–1983 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade .

 

“She was born to run free far from the pavement.”

 

 

Renegades reject convention, opting to blaze their own paths instead. The Jeep_® CJ-5 Renegade models were instrumental in not only changing the image of the CJ-5 from 1972 to 1983, but changing the Jeep brand itself.

 

 

Although the CJ-5 Renegade I and II models came out in 1970 and 1971, it wasn’t until 1972 that the “Renegade” distinguished itself as a nameplate of its own. What changed? The performance, the looks and the soul of the vehicle.

 

 

Starting in 1972, the Jeep CJ-5 Renegade featured a 304 cu. in., 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The 1972 and 1973 editions had a standard 3.73:1 axle ratio with a rear Trac-Lok that could be upped to an available 4:27:1. Standard performance features varied somewhat throughout the life of the Renegade, though the V-8 and Trac-Lok rear axle were always available.

 

 

Early Renegades were given wild Orange, Plum, and Yellow exterior options. Decaling was another way in which the Renegade truly stood out from the crowd. For the 1972 and 1973 models, special decaling adorned the hood and down the sides of the hood with “Renegade” in large lettering. The decal placement and the location and font of the “Renegade” lettering evolved over the years, but one thing remained constant: the Renegade always stood out.

 

 

Today, CJ-5 Renegade models remain some of the most cherished and collectible Jeep vehicles.

 

Check out these great photos and, especially, the ads below for Renegade models throughout the years. Do you remember the Jeep CJ-5 Renegade models? Better yet, do you have any cool Renegade stories to share? Let us know in the comments section below.