Kaiser Jeep was purchased by American Motors Corporation in 1970. By 1978, total Jeep production was up to 600 vehicles a day, more than three times what it had been in 1970.
The CJ-7 was introduced in 1976, the first major change in Jeep design for 20 years. It had a slightly longer wheelbase to allow space for an automatic transmission. The new Jeep was available with an optional molded plastic top and steel doors.
Demand for the CJ-7 increased and at the same time there was growing concern regarding the CJ-5's short wheelbase, which critics said made it more prone to rolling over. The company discontinued the CJ-5 in 1983.