“Only in a Jeep.”
1986 was the final model year for the Jeep CJ-7, which had debuted in 1976. Because of this, there were only minor trim and detail changes.
The CJ-7’s standard powertrain was an AMC 86 bhp 2.5 liter/150 ci inline four with electronic fuel injection paired with a four-speed manual transmission and part-time four wheel drive. An AMC 102 bhp 4.2 liter/258 ci inline six with a two-barrel carburetor was a $361 option. Both engines could be had with a five-speed manual ($250), but only the inline six could be paired with a Torque-flite automatic ($495).
Jeep CJs were neither economical nor fast—but most Jeep fanciers would have and do argue that isn’t the point. The spriteliest powertrain combination (inline six/five-speed) came in with fuel economy ratings of 17 city/21 highway by the day’s standards (15/20 by modern measures). With the standard 15.1-gallon gas tank, a CJ-7’s presumably happy owner could expect a range of 240 to 255 miles with a 10% fuel reserve. It’s no wonder many went for the $57 20-gallon extra capacity fuel tank, which promised ranges of over 300 miles.
The 1986 CJ-7’s base price was $7,500—about $22,400 in today’s dollars. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment included a roll bar, a moveable tailgate, a swing away spare tire carrier, a front stabilizer bar, manual front disc brakes, and free-wheeling hubs. Inside, linen-grain vinyl high back bucket seats, a padded instrument panel, a day/night mirror, an electric washer and 2-speed wipers, a cigarette lighter, and a heater and defroster were included.
Packages, Options, & Production Numbers
Jeep offered two packages for the 1986 CJ-7:
- The $1,253 Renegade package included special Renegade exterior graphics, rocker panel protection moldings, and 15 x 7 white styled steel wheels. Inside, a denim-look vinyl rear seat, a soft feel 3-spoke Sport steering wheel, and intermittent wipers were included.
- The $3,304 Laredo package included a chrome grille panel with pinstripe, a hard top, a Laredo hood decal, and 15 x 7 chrome styled steel wheels. Inside, a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel, a console, a rear seat, courtesy lights, a tachometer and clock, and intermittent wipers were included. A Laredo with no other options came to $10,804—about $32,300 in 2025 dollars, or about 10% less than a 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-door goes for.
Individual options included heavy duty engine cooling ($57), power steering ($274), power disc brakes ($125), a rear Trac-lok differential ($255), a conventional spare tire ($94), and a tilt steering wheel ($118). Many CJ-7s exited dealer showrooms with stickers that were about twice the base price.
Jeep produced 25,929 CJ-7s in the 1986 model year. They marked the final version of the original Civilian Jeep from 1945, whose total production measured over 1.5 million units.
The View From 2025
CJ-7s have a devoted fanbase, and their values reflect that. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, a 1986 CJ-7 Renegade with the inline six in #1/Concours condition is $48,800, while a more typical #3/Good condition example goes for $24,500. CJ-7s frequently show up for sale in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring a Trailer.
Make mine Garnet Metallic, please.
Other Jeeps I have written about include the 1982 CJ-8 Scrambler pickup truck and the 1983 Wagoneer Limited SUV.
Eighties Cars 