1985 Jeep CJ-7 STD

The CJ-7 is the classic Jeep that started the Wrangler lineage, a simple open-air SUV that's as much a hobby as a vehicle. It's a torquey, slow-paced cruiser off the line, but it really shines crawling over rocks and through mud where its short wheelbase and low range shine. The cabin is basic and loud, with a flapping rag top and doors that let in weather and noise, but the removable top makes summer drives a treat. Owners note the top-heavy stance makes it skittish on wet roads, and the lack of locks means you shouldn't leave valuables inside. The STD adds the five-speed manual over the Base's four-speed, giving you better highway legs and a more relaxed crawl ratio. Its 2.5L I4 makes modest power, but the low-range gearing and four-wheel drive let it walk up trails that would stop a modern crossover.