Jeep - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler

Chrysler

Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....

(itself a subsidiary of Fiat

Fiat

FIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...

). The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle

Off-road vehicle

An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...

and sport utility vehicle

Sport utility vehicle

A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...

(SUV) brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicle

Light Utility Vehicle

Light utility vehicle is a general term for small, jeep-like military trucks for tactical use. They are generally short, relatively light compared to other trucks and cars, unarmored with 4-wheel drive and short body overhangs for all-terrain mobility and at least 4 passenger capacity...

s, such as the Land Rover

Land Rover

Land Rover is a British car manufacturer with its headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom which specialises in four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is owned by the Indian company Tata Motors, forming part of their Jaguar Land Rover group...

which is the second oldest 4-wheel-drive brand. The original Jeep vehicle that first appeared as the prototype Bantam BRC became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the United States Army

United States Army

The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...

and Allies

Allies of World War II

The Allies of World War II were the countries that opposed the Axis powers during the Second World War . Former Axis states contributing to the Allied victory are not considered Allied states...

during World War II, as well as the postwar period. Many Jeep variants serving similar military and civilian roles have since been created in other nations.

Origin of the name

There are many explanations of the origin of the word jeep, all of which have proven difficult to verify. The most widely held theory is that the military designation of GP begat the term Jeep and holds that the vehicle bore the designation GP (for Government Purposes or General Purpose), which was phonetically slurred into the word jeep. However, an alternate view launched by R. Lee Ermey

R. Lee Ermey

Ronald Lee Ermey is a retired United States Marine Corps drill instructor and actor.Ermey has often played the roles of authority figures, such as his breakout performance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, Mayor Tilman in the Alan Parker film Mississippi Burning, Bill Bowerman in...

, on his television series Mail Call
Mail Call
Mail Call was a television program appearing on the History Channel and hosted by R. Lee Ermey, a retired United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, . The show debuted on August 4, 2002 as part of the 'Fighting Fridays' lineup...

, disputes this, saying that the vehicle was designed for specific duties, and was never referred to as "General Purpose" and it is highly unlikely that the average jeep-driving GI

GI (term)

G.I. is a noun used to describe members of the United States armed forces or items of their equipment. The term is now used as an initialism of "Government Issue" , but originally referred to galvanized iron....

would have been familiar with this designation. The Ford GPW abbreviation actually meant (G for government use, P to designate its 80 inches (2,032 mm) wheelbase

Wheelbase

In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...

and W to indicate its Willys-Overland designed engine).

Many, including Ermey, suggest that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicles that they informally named it after Eugene the Jeep

Eugene the Jeep

Eugene the Jeep is a character in the Popeye comic strip. A mysterious animal with magical abilities, the Jeep first appeared in the March 16, 1936, appearance of Thimble Theatre strip...

, a character in the Popeye cartoons created by E. C. Segar

E. C. Segar

Elzie Crisler Segar was an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of Popeye, a character who first appeared in 1929 in his comic strip Thimble Theatre. Asked how to say his name, he told The Literary Digest it was "SEE-gar". He commonly signed his work simply Segar or E...

. Eugene the Jeep was Popeye's "jungle pet" and was "small, able to move between dimensions and could solve seemingly impossible problems."

Words of the Fighting Forces by Clinton A. Sanders, a dictionary of military slang, published in 1942, in the library at The Pentagon

The Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...

gives this definition:

Jeep: A four-wheel drive vehicle of one-half- to one-and-one-half-ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½-ton command vehicle. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget."

This definition is supported by the use of the term "jeep carrier" to refer to the Navy's small escort carriers.

Early in 1941, Willys-Overland demonstrated the vehicle's off-road capability by having it drive up the steps of the United States Capitol

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall...

, driven by Willys test driver Irving "Red" Haussman, who had recently heard soldiers at Fort Holabird calling it a "jeep." When asked by syndicated columnist Katherine Hillyer for the Washington Daily News
Washington Daily News
The Washington Daily News is a daily newspaper serving Washington, North Carolina. It is the smallest daily newspaper to ever win a Pulitzer Prize gold medal....

(or by a bystander, according to another account) what it was called, Irving answered, "It's a jeep."

Katherine Hillyer's article was published nationally on February 20, 1941, and included a picture of the vehicle with the caption:

LAWMAKERS TAKE A RIDE- With Senator Meade

James M. Mead

James Michael Mead represented New York in the United States Senate from 1938 until 1947.Born in Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York, Mead moved to Buffalo with his family at the age of four...

, of New York, at the wheel, and Representative Thomas

J. Parnell Thomas

John Parnell Thomas was a stockbroker and politician. He was elected to seven terms as a U.S. Representative from New Jersey...

, of New Jersey, sitting beside him, one of the Army's new scout cars, known as "jeeps" or "quads", climbs up the Capitol steps in a demonstration yesterday. Soldiers in the rear seat for gunners were unperturbed.

Although the term was also military slang for vehicles that were untried or untested, this exposure caused all other jeep references to fade, leaving the 4x4 with the name.

Trade name

The original trademark brand-name application was filed in February 1943 by Willys-Overland

Willys

Willys was the brand name used by Willys-Overland Motors, an American automobile company best known for its design and production of military Jeeps and civilian versions during the 20th century.-Early History:In 1908, John Willys bought the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company...

. It is also used as a generic term

Genericized trademark

A genericized trademark is a trademark or brand name that has become the colloquial or generic description for, or synonymous with, a general class of product or service, rather than as an indicator of source or affiliation as intended by the trademark's holder...

with a lowercase (jeep) for vehicles inspired by the Jeep that are suitable for use on rough terrain.

As the only company that continually produced Jeep vehicles after the war, in June 1950 Willys-Overland was granted the privilege of owning the name "Jeep" as a registered trademark.

The name "Jeep" was also for many years used in Popeye

Popeye

Popeye the Sailor is a cartoon fictional character created by Elzie Crisler Segar, who has appeared in comic strips and animated cartoons in the cinema as well as on television. He first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929...

as the odd critter Eugene from the King Features Syndicate

King Features Syndicate

King Features Syndicate, a print syndication company owned by The Hearst Corporation, distributes about 150 comic strips, newspaper columns, editorial cartoons, puzzles and games to nearly 5000 newspapers worldwide...

television show of the 1960s, and for a 1960s group Jeep, in the same mold as The Merry-Go Round ("Live"), The Strawberry Alarm Clock

The Strawberry Alarm Clock

The Strawberry Alarm Clock is a PPI award winning breakfast programme on FM104, an Independent Local Radio station in Dublin. It broadcasts weekday mornings from 6-10am, with "Best Of The Strawberry Alarm Clock" Saturdays from 9am-12pm...

("Incense and Peppermint"), who had a flop single that got some airplay on the radio in the US, "Feep Feep".

Bantam Reconnaissance Car

When it became obvious that the United States was eventually going to become involved in the war raging in Europe, the U.S. Army contacted 135 companies asking for working prototypes of a four-wheel-drive reconnaissance car. Only two companies responded to the request, The American Bantam

American Austin Car Company

The American Austin Car Company was a United States automobile manufacturing corporation tied to the British Austin Motor Company. The company was founded in 1929, and produced motorcars from 1930 through 1934, when it filed for bankruptcy....

Car Company and Willys-Overland

Willys

. The Army had set what seemed like an impossible deadline of 49 days to supply a working prototype. Willys asked for more time but were refused. The bankrupt American Bantam Car Company had no engineering staff left on the payroll and brought in Karl Probst

Karl Probst

Karl Probst was an American freelance engineer and automotive pioneer, credited with the design of the Jeep in 1940. He was born in in Point Pleasant, West Virginia....

, a talented freelance designer from Detroit. After turning down an initial request from Bantam, Probst accepted the job after being asked again by the Army, and initially working without salary, went to work July 17, 1940.

Probst completely laid out plans for the Bantam prototype, known as the BRC or Bantam Reconnaissane Car, in two days, and the next day estimated the total cost of the vehicle. On July 22, Bantam's bid was submitted, complete with blueprints. Much of the vehicle had to be assembled from existing off-the-shelf automotive parts, and the custom four-wheel drivetrain components were supplied by Spicer. The hand-built prototype was completed in Butler

Butler, Pennsylvania

The city of Butler is the county seat of Butler County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, situated north of Pittsburgh. The population was 15,121 at the 2000 census.- History :...

, Pennsylvania, and driven to Camp Holabird, Maryland

Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...

, for testing by the Army on 21 September 1940. The vehicle met the Army's criteria, but its engine did not meet the Army's torque

Torque

Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....

requirements.

Ford Pygmy and Willys MB

The Army felt that the Bantam company was too small to supply the number of vehicles it needed, so it supplied the Bantam design to Willys and Ford who were encouraged to make their own changes and modifications. The resulting Ford "Pygmy" and Willys "Quad" prototypes looked very similar to the Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) prototype and Spicer supplied very similar four-wheel drivetrain components to all three manufacturers.

Fifteen hundred of each of the three models were built and extensively field-tested. Willys-Overland's chief engineer Delmar "Barney" Roos

Delmar "Barney" Roos

Delmar G. "Barney" Roos was an American automotive engineer who served as Studebaker's head of engineering from 1926 to 1936, specialising in straight-eight engines. He later worked for the British Rootes Group in the design of Humber, Hillman and Sunbeam Talbot cars...

made design changes to meet a revised weight specification (a maximum of 1275 lb (578.3 kg) including oil and water). He was thus able to use the powerful but comparatively heavy Willys "Go Devil" engine, and win the initial production contract. The Willys version of the car would become the standardized jeep design, designated the model MB

Willys MB

The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...

and was built at their plant in Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, Ohio

Toledo is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Lucas County. Toledo is in northwest Ohio, on the western end of Lake Erie, and borders the State of Michigan...

. The familiar pressed metal Jeep grille was actually a Ford design feature and incorporated into the final design by the Army.

Since the War Department required a large number of vehicles to be manufactured in a relatively short time, Willys-Overland granted the United States Government a non-exclusive license to allow another company to manufacture vehicles using Willys' specifications. The Army chose Ford as the second supplier, but building Jeeps to the Willys' design. Willys supplied Ford with a complete set of plans and specifications. American Bantam, the creators of the first Jeep, spent the rest of the war building heavy-duty trailers for the Army.

World War II Jeeps

Final production version Jeeps built by Willys-Overland were the Model MB, while those built by Ford were the Model GPW (G = government vehicle, P designated the 80" wheelbase

Wheelbase

, and W = the Willys engine design). There were subtle differences between the two. The versions produced by Ford had every component (including bolt heads) marked with an "F". Willys also followed the Ford pattern by stamping its name into some body parts, but stopped this in 1942. The cost per vehicle trended upwards as the war continued from the price under the first contract from Willys at US$648.74 (Ford's was $782.59 per unit). Willys-Overland and Ford, under the direction of Charles E. Sorensen

Charles E. Sorensen

Charles Emil Sorensen was a Danish-American principal of the Ford Motor Company during its first four decades. Like most other managers at Ford during those decades, he did not have an official job title, but he served functionally as a patternmaker, foundry engineer, mechanical engineer,...

(Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced about 640,000 Jeeps between them, which was about 18% of all the wheeled military vehicles built in the U.S. during the war.

Jeeps were used by every division of the U.S. military and an average of 145 were supplied to every infantry regiment. Jeeps were used for many other purposes including cable laying, saw milling, as firefighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and, with suitable wheels, would even run on railway tracks. An amphibious

Amphibious vehicle

An amphibious vehicle , is a vehicle or craft, that is a means of transport, viable on land as well as on water – just like an amphibian....

jeep, the model GPA, or "seep" (Sea Jeep) was built for Ford in modest numbers but it could not be considered a huge success—it was neither a good off-road vehicle nor a good boat. As part of the war effort, nearly 30% of all Jeep production was supplied to Great Britain

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

and to the Soviet

Soviet Union

The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....

Red Army

The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army started out as the Soviet Union's revolutionary communist combat groups during the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. It grew into the national army of the Soviet Union. By the 1930s the Red Army was among the largest armies in history.The "Red Army" name refers to...

during World War II. During the jeep's service in Korea

Korea

Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...

, the name was referred to as "Just Enough Essential Parts" by the troops due to the very basic design.

Postwar Military Jeeps

The Jeep has been widely imitated around the world, including in France by Delahaye

Delahaye

Delahaye automobile manufacturing company was started by Emile Delahaye in 1894, in Tours, France. His first cars were belt-driven, with single- or twin-cylinder engines. In 1900, Delahaye left the company.-History:...

and by Hotchkiss et Cie

Hotchkiss et Cie

Société Anonyme des Anciens Etablissements Hotchkiss et Cie was a French arms and car company established by United States engineer Benjamin B. Hotchkiss, who was born in Watertown, Connecticut. He moved to France and set up a factory, first at Viviez near Rodez in 1867, then at Saint-Denis near...

(after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under license from Willys), and in Japan by Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors

is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...

and Toyota. The utilitarian good looks of the original Jeep have been hailed by industrial designers and museum curators alike. The Museum of Modern Art described the Jeep as a masterpiece of functionalist design

Industrial design

Industrial design is the use of a combination of applied art and applied science to improve the aesthetics, ergonomics, and usability of a product, but it may also be used to improve the product's marketability and production...

, and has periodically exhibited the Jeep as part of its collection. Ernie Pyle

Ernie Pyle

Ernest Taylor Pyle was an American journalist who wrote as a roving correspondent for the Scripps Howard newspaper chain from 1935 until his death in combat during World War II. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944...

called the Jeep, along with the Coleman

Coleman

Coleman is a surname of both English and Gaelic origin, being found in both Great Britain and Ireland. In England, it is a trade name from Old English col, coal, and mann, man and in Ireland it comes from the personal name Colmán....

G.I. Pocket Stove

The G.I. Pocket Stove is a World War II-era portable pressurized-burner liquid-fuel stove made by the Coleman Company of Wichita, Kansas.- History :During World War II, the U.S. government tasked Coleman to develop a compact stove for military use...

, "the two most important pieces of noncombat equipment ever developed." Jeeps became even more famous following the war, as they became available on the surplus market. Some ads claimed to offer "Jeeps still in the factory crate." This legend persisted for decades, despite the fact that Jeeps were never shipped from the factory in crates.

Another legend—true, in this case—rising around the Jeep comes from the Jeepney
Jeepney
Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating...

, a unique type of taxi or bus created in the Philippines

Philippines

The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

. The first Jeepneys were military-surplus MB and GPWs, left behind in the war-ravaged country following World War II and Filipino independence. Jeepneys were built from Jeeps by lengthening and widening the rear "tub" of the vehicle, allowing more passengers to ride. Over the years, Jeepneys have become the most ubiquitous symbol of the modern Philippines, even as they have been decorated in more elaborate and flamboyant styles by their owners.

In the United States military, the jeep has been supplanted by a number of vehicles (e.g. Ford's M151 MUTT) of which the latest is the Humvee.

The CJ-V35/U

After WWII, Jeep began to experiment with new designs in the jeep including a model that could drive underwater. On February 1, 1950, contract N8ss-2660 was approved for 1,000 units “especially adapted for general reconnaissance or command communications” and “constructed for short period underwater operation such as encountered in landing and fording operations." The engine was modified with a snorkel system so that the engine could properly breathe underwater.

The M715

In 1965, Jeep developed the M715

Kaiser Jeep M715

The Kaiser Jeep M715 is an American wheeled military vehicle based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator. In 1965 the design and developing for the M715 began. The U.S. Government purchased these trucks to replace the M37. Between 1967 and 1969 over 33,000 trucks were produced at the Toledo, Ohio...

1.25-ton army truck, a militarized version of the civilian J-series Jeep truck, which served extensively in the Vietnam War

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...

. It had heavier full-floating axles and a foldable vertical flat windshield. Today, it serves other countries, and is still being produced by Kia

Kia Motors

Kia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...

under license.

The CJ ("Civilian Jeep") series began in 1945 with the CJ-2A

Jeep CJ

The Willys CJ is a public version of the famous Willys Military Jeep from World War II.The first CJ prototype was introduced in 1944 by Willys, and the same basic vehicle stayed in production through seven variants and three corporate parents until 1986.A variant of the CJ is still in production...

followed by the CJ-3B

Jeep CJ

in 1953. These early Jeeps are commonly referred to as "flatfenders" because their front fenders were flat across the front, the same as their military precedents, the Willys MB and identical Ford GPW models. The CJ-4 exists only as a 1951 prototype, and is the "missing" link between the flat-fendered CJ-2A and CJ-3B and the round-fendered CJ-5

Jeep CJ

first introduced in 1955.

The Jeep marque

The marque has gone through many owners, starting with Willys

Willys

, which produced the first Civilian Jeep (CJ)

Jeep CJ

in 1945 and who were the first granted the trademark in 1950. Willys was sold to Kaiser Motors

Kaiser Motors

Kaiser Motors Corporation made automobiles at Willow Run, Michigan, United States, from 1945 to 1953. In 1953, Kaiser merged with Willys-Overland to form Willys Motors Incorporated, moving its production operations to the Willys plant at Toledo, Ohio...

in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep

Kaiser Jeep

Kaiser Jeep was the result of the merger between the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation, an independent automaker based in Willow Run, Michigan, and the Toledo, Ohio-based Willys-Overland Company....

in 1963. American Motors Corporation

American Motors

American Motors Corporation was an American automobile company formed by the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history.George W...

(AMC) purchased Kaiser's money-losing Jeep operations in 1970. The utility vehicles complemented AMC's passenger car business by sharing components, achieving volume efficiencies, as well as capitalizing on Jeep's international and government markets.

The French automaker Renault

Renault

Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...

began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time, Chrysler Corporation wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the Jeep CJ-7 was replaced with the AMC-designed Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...

or YJ. Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz

Daimler-Benz

Daimler-Benz AG was a German manufacturer of automobiles, motor vehicles, and internal combustion engines; founded in 1926. An Agreement of Mutual Interest - which was valid until year 2000 - was signed on 1 May 1924 between Karl Benz's Benz & Cie., and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, which had...

in 1998 to form DaimlerChrysler

DaimlerChrysler

Daimler AG is a German car corporation. By unit sales, it is the thirteenth-largest car manufacturer and second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures buses and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm...

. DaimlerChrysler eventually sold most of their interest in Chrysler to a private equity

Private equity

Private equity, in finance, is an asset class consisting of equity securities in operating companies that are not publicly traded on a stock exchange....

company in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division now operate under the name Chrysler Group LLC.

Jeeps have been built under licence by various manufacturers around the world including Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is the flagship company of the Mahindra Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India. The company was set up in 1945 in Ludhiana as Mahindra & Mohammed by brothers K.C. Mahindra and J.C. Mahindra and Malik Ghulam Mohammed...

in India, EBRO in Spain, and several in South America. Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors

is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...

built more than 30 different Jeep models in Japan between 1953 and 1998. Most of them were based on the CJ-3B model of the original Willys-Kaiser design.

Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, Ohio

has been the headquarters of the Jeep marque since its inception, and the city has always been proud of this heritage. Although no longer produced in the same Toledo Complex

Toledo Complex

The Toledo Complex is an automobile factory in Toledo, Ohio. Currently owned by Chrysler, sections of the facility have operated as an automobile assembly plant since 1910, originally for Willys-Overland vehicles...

as the World War II originals, two streets in the vicinity of the old plant are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway.

American Motors set up the first automobile-manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China on January 15, 1984. The result was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., in partnership with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation, to produce the Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

The Jeep Cherokee is a unibody compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this...

in Beijing. Manufacture continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. This joint venture is now part of DaimlerChrysler and DaimlerChrysler China Invest Corporation. The original 1984 XJ model was updated and called the "Jeep 2500" toward the end of its production that ended after 2005.

A division of Chrysler Group LLC, the most recent successor company to the Jeep brand, now holds trademark status on the name "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all World War II jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys (an arrangement of flat bars), was incorporated into the "standardized jeep" design.

AM General

The history of the HMMWV (Humvee) has ties with Jeep. In 1971, Jeep's Defense and Government Products Division was turned into AM General, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Motors Corporation, which also owned Jeep. In 1979, while still owned by American Motors, AM General began the first steps toward designing the Humvee. AM General also continued manufacturing the two-wheel-drive DJ, which Jeep created in 1953.

The General Motors Hummer

Hummer

Hummer was a brand of trucks and SUVs, first marketed in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. In 1998, General Motors purchased the brand name and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the Humvee; and the H2 and H3 models that were...

and Chrysler Jeep have been waging battle in U.S. courts over the right to use seven slots in their respective radiator grills. Chrysler Jeep claims it has the exclusive rights to use the seven vertical slits since it is the sole remaining assignee of the various companies since Willys gave their postwar jeeps seven slots instead of Ford's nine-slot design for the Jeep.

Off-road abilities

Jeep advertising has always emphasized the vehicle's off-road capabilities. Today, the Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

is one of the few remaining four-wheel-drive vehicles with solid front and rear axles. These axles are known for their durability, strength, and articulation. New Wranglers come with a Dana 44

Dana 44

The Dana/Spicer Model 44 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and is used extensively among automobile manufacturers and in the automotive aftermarket area as well. The Dana 44 was first manufactured in the 1940s and is still being manufactured today, both front and rear axle variants...

rear differential and a Dana 30

Dana 30

The Dana/Spicer Model 30 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp., has a history that dates back to the 1930s and can still be seen in Jeep front ends today. The Dana 30 has been manufactured as a beam axle and independent suspension axle setups...

front differential (a dana 44 front and rear geared to 4:10 in the case of the Rubicon, also with lockers). The upgraded Rubicon model of the JK Wrangler is equipped with electronically activated locking differentials, Dana 44

Dana 44

axles front and rear with 4.10 gears, a 4:1 transfer case, electronic sway bar

Sway bar

A sway bar or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the roll of a vehicle that is induced by cornering or road irregularities. It connects opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring...

disconnect and heavy duty suspension.

Another benefit of solid axle vehicles is they tend to be easier and cheaper to "lift" with aftermarket suspension systems. This increases the distance between the axle and chassis of the vehicle. By increasing this distance, larger tires can be installed, which will increase the ground clearance, allowing it to traverse even larger and more difficult obstacles. In addition to higher ground clearance, many owners aim to increase suspension articulation or "flex" to give their Jeeps greatly improved off-road capabilities. Good suspension articulation keeps all four wheels in contact with the ground and maintains traction.

Useful features of the smaller Jeeps are their short wheelbases, narrow frames, and ample approach, breakover, and departure angles, allowing them to fit into places where full-size four-wheel drives have difficulty.

Summary of Jeep ownership

1944–1953: Willys
Willys
Willys was the brand name used by Willys-Overland Motors, an American automobile company best known for its design and production of military Jeeps and civilian versions during the 20th century.-Early History:In 1908, John Willys bought the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company...

-Overland
1953–1964: Kaiser-Jeep (calling themselves "Willys Motors")
1964–1970: Kaiser-Jeep
1970–1987: AMC
American Motors
American Motors Corporation was an American automobile company formed by the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history.George W...

(w/ Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...

controlling production in 1986)
1987–1998: Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
1998–2007: DaimlerChrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....

AG
2007–2009: Chrysler LLC
2009–present: Chrysler Group LLC

Historical and military models

1940 Bantam Pilot—Prototype
1940 Bantam BRC-60—Prototype
1940 Willys Quad—Prototype
1940 Ford Pygmy—Prototype
1940 Budd Ford—Prototype
1941 Ford GP
1941 Willys MA
1941 Bantam BRC-40
1942 Willys MB (slat grille)
Willys MB
The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...
1942–1945 Willys MB (stamped grille)
Willys MB
The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...
1942–1945 Ford GPW
1942–1943 Ford GPA
Ford GPA
The Ford GPA 'Seep , was an amphibious version of the WWII Ford GPW Jeep. Unlike the jeep, the seep was not a successful design being too slow and heavy on land and lacking sufficient seagoing abilities in open water...
1944 Willys MLW-1—Prototype (never finished)
1944 Willys MLW-2—Prototype
1946–1965 Willys Jeep Wagon
Willys Jeep Wagon
The Willys Jeep Station Wagon, introduced in 1946 by Willys-Overland Motors is the first mass-market all-steel station wagon designed and built as a passenger vehicle and is arguably the world's first popular sport utility vehicle or SUV The Willys Jeep Station Wagon, introduced in 1946 by...
1947–1965 Willys Jeep Truck
Willys Jeep Truck
The 4-wheel drive Willys Jeep Truck, introduced in 1947 by Willys-Overland Motors, was similar to the Willys Jeep Station Wagon and the VJ-2 and VJ-3 Willys Jeepster. With model designations of 2T and 4T, these trucks were equipped with the 134 cubic inch Go-Devil flathead four-cylinder engine...
1948–1950 VJ—Willys Jeepster
1950 X-98—Prototype
1953 BC Bobcat—Prototype

1950–1955 M-38 (MC)
1952–1957 M38A1 (MD)
1952–1957 M38A1C
1953–1963 M170
1955 M38A1D
1959–1978 M151 MUTT
- M151A1
- M151A1C
- M151A2
- M718 Ambulance
- M718A1 Ambulance
- M825
1960–1968 Jeep M606
1956–1965 Jeep Forward Control
Jeep Forward Control
The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced by Willys and then Kaiser Jeep from 1956 to 1965. It was also assembled in other international markets. The layout featured a cab over design.- Design :...

(Military Variations)
- M676
- M677
- M678
- M679
1967–1969 Kaiser Jeep M715
Kaiser Jeep M715
The Kaiser Jeep M715 is an American wheeled military vehicle based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator. In 1965 the design and developing for the M715 began. The U.S. Government purchased these trucks to replace the M37. Between 1967 and 1969 over 33,000 trucks were produced at the Toledo, Ohio...

—based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a full-size pickup truck based on the large SJ platform that was built under varying marques from 1962 to 1988. The Jeep pickup design was noteworthy for being in production for more than 26 years with only minor mechanical changes...

FC Trucks
Jeep Forward Control
The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced by Willys and then Kaiser Jeep from 1956 to 1965. It was also assembled in other international markets. The layout featured a cab over design.- Design :...

, VJ Jeepsters
Jeep Jeepster
The Jeepster was an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950.The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando, and American Motors removed the Jeepster name for 1972, ending production after 1973.-VJ:The original Willys-Overland...

, & FJ Vans
Jeep FJ
The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was a compact delivery van manufactured by Willys Motors and Kaiser-Jeep from 1961 to 1965. It was based on the DJ-3A Dispatcher, but equipped with the F-134 Hurricane engine. Two models were available, the FJ-3 and the longer FJ-3A. It came standard with the familiar...

1948–1950 Willys VJ Jeepster
Jeep Jeepster
The Jeepster was an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950.The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando, and American Motors removed the Jeepster name for 1972, ending production after 1973.-VJ:The original Willys-Overland...
1948–1949 VJ2
Jeep Jeepster
The Jeepster was an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950.The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando, and American Motors removed the Jeepster name for 1972, ending production after 1973.-VJ:The original Willys-Overland...

Jeepster
1949–1951 VJ3
Jeep Jeepster
The Jeepster was an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950.The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando, and American Motors removed the Jeepster name for 1972, ending production after 1973.-VJ:The original Willys-Overland...

Jeepster
1949 Alcoa Aluminum-bodied Jeepster Coupe (prototype)
1962 The Brazilian Jeepster (prototype)
Jeepster Safari (concept)

(Forward Control Jeep)

1956–1965 Jeep Forward Control
Jeep Forward Control
The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced by Willys and then Kaiser Jeep from 1956 to 1965. It was also assembled in other international markets. The layout featured a cab over design.- Design :...
- FC-150
- FC-160—Spain, India
- FC-170
- M676
- M677
- M678
- M679

(Fleetvan Jeep)

1961–1975 Fleetvan
Jeep FJ
The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was a compact delivery van manufactured by Willys Motors and Kaiser-Jeep from 1961 to 1965. It was based on the DJ-3A Dispatcher, but equipped with the F-134 Hurricane engine. Two models were available, the FJ-3 and the longer FJ-3A. It came standard with the familiar...
- FJ-3
  Jeep FJ
  The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was a compact delivery van manufactured by Willys Motors and Kaiser-Jeep from 1961 to 1965. It was based on the DJ-3A Dispatcher, but equipped with the F-134 Hurricane engine. Two models were available, the FJ-3 and the longer FJ-3A. It came standard with the familiar...
- FJ-3A
  Jeep FJ
  The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was a compact delivery van manufactured by Willys Motors and Kaiser-Jeep from 1961 to 1965. It was based on the DJ-3A Dispatcher, but equipped with the F-134 Hurricane engine. Two models were available, the FJ-3 and the longer FJ-3A. It came standard with the familiar...
- FJ-6
- FJ-6A
- FJ-8
- FJ-9

(Commando)

1966–1971 C101—Jeepster Commando
- Hurst Jeepster (only 100 produced)
- Hurst Half Cab
- Revival Jeepster
- Commando convertible
- open body roadster
1972–1973 C104—Jeep Commando
- Commando Half Cab

CJ models
Jeep CJ
The Willys CJ is a public version of the famous Willys Military Jeep from World War II.The first CJ prototype was introduced in 1944 by Willys, and the same basic vehicle stayed in production through seven variants and three corporate parents until 1986.A variant of the CJ is still in production...

(Civilian Jeep)

1944 Agrijeep CJ-1
1944–1945 CJ-2
1945–1949 CJ-2A
1949–1953 CJ-3A
1950 CJ-V35
1950 CJ-4—Prototype
1950 CJ-4M—Prototype
1950 CJ-4MA—Prototypes
1953–1968 CJ-3B
1954–1983 CJ-5
- 1961–1963 Tuxedo Park Mark III
- 1969 Camper
- 1969 462
- 1970 Renegade I
- 1971 Renegade II
- 1972–1983 Renegade Models
- 1973 Super Jeep
- 1977–1979 Golden Eagle
- 1977 Golden Eagle California Edition (available only through California AMC Dealerships)
- 1980 Golden Hawk
- 1979 Silver Anniversary CJ-5 Limited Edition (estimated 1,000 built)
1955–1975 CJ-6
1955–1968 CJ-3B Long—Spain
1960–1977 Jeep Rural—Brazil
1964–1967 CJ-5A/CJ-6A Tuxedo Park
1976–1986 CJ-7
- 1982 Jamboree Limited Edition (2500 units)
1979 CJ-5 Silver Anniversary Limited Edition (estimated 1,000 built)
1981–1985 CJ-8 Scrambler
1981–1985 CJ-10

DJ models
Jeep DJ
The Dispatcher Jeep, or DJ, was a two-wheel-drive variant of the CJ series. Production started in 1955 by Kaiser that became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. In 1970 American Motors purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations establishing AM General, a wholly owned subsidiary, that built this model...

(Dispatcher Jeep)

1955 USAF DJ
1955–1964 DJ-3A
- Surrey Gala Package
1965–1975 DJ-5
1965–1973 DJ-6
1967–1975 DJ-5A
1970–1972 DJ-5B
1973–1974 DJ-5C
1975–1976 DJ-5D
1976 DJ-5E Electruck
1977–1978 DJ-5F
1979 DJ-5G
1982 DJ-5L

SJ (FSJ) models
Jeep SJ
Jeep's SJ platform was part of the "FSJ" or full-size Jeep lineup. According to the , an "FSJ" is any vehicle produced in North America, carrying the "Jeep" nameplate, with 2 or 4 doors, in rear or four wheel drive, whose wheelbase does not exceed , nor is less than , and whose tread width is no...

(Full Size Jeep)

1963–1983 SJ
Jeep SJ
Jeep's SJ platform was part of the "FSJ" or full-size Jeep lineup. According to the , an "FSJ" is any vehicle produced in North America, carrying the "Jeep" nameplate, with 2 or 4 doors, in rear or four wheel drive, whose wheelbase does not exceed , nor is less than , and whose tread width is no...

Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer was an early sport utility vehicle and the first luxury 4x4, produced under varying marques from 1963 to 1991. It was noteworthy for being in production for more than 28 years with only minor mechanical changes...
1963–1986 J-Series
- Jeep Gladiator
  Jeep Gladiator
  The Jeep Gladiator is a full-size pickup truck based on the large SJ platform that was built under varying marques from 1962 to 1988. The Jeep pickup design was noteworthy for being in production for more than 26 years with only minor mechanical changes...
- Pioneer
- Jeep Honcho
- 1977–1979 Jeep Golden Eagle
- 1980–198? Laredo
- 10-4
1966–1969 SJ
Jeep SJ
Jeep's SJ platform was part of the "FSJ" or full-size Jeep lineup. According to the , an "FSJ" is any vehicle produced in North America, carrying the "Jeep" nameplate, with 2 or 4 doors, in rear or four wheel drive, whose wheelbase does not exceed , nor is less than , and whose tread width is no...

Super Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer was an early sport utility vehicle and the first luxury 4x4, produced under varying marques from 1963 to 1991. It was noteworthy for being in production for more than 28 years with only minor mechanical changes...
1967–1969 Kaiser Jeep M715
Kaiser Jeep M715
The Kaiser Jeep M715 is an American wheeled military vehicle based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator. In 1965 the design and developing for the M715 began. The U.S. Government purchased these trucks to replace the M37. Between 1967 and 1969 over 33,000 trucks were produced at the Toledo, Ohio...

- based upon the civilian Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a full-size pickup truck based on the large SJ platform that was built under varying marques from 1962 to 1988. The Jeep pickup design was noteworthy for being in production for more than 26 years with only minor mechanical changes...
1974–1983 SJ
Jeep SJ
Jeep's SJ platform was part of the "FSJ" or full-size Jeep lineup. According to the , an "FSJ" is any vehicle produced in North America, carrying the "Jeep" nameplate, with 2 or 4 doors, in rear or four wheel drive, whose wheelbase does not exceed , nor is less than , and whose tread width is no...

Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee (SJ)
The SJ series Jeep Cherokee was a full-size SUV produced from 1974 through 1983 by the Jeep division of the American Motors Corporation...
- S
- 1978–1983 Limited
- Classic
- 1976–1983 Chief
- Sport
- Pioneer
- 1980–1983 Laredo
- 1977–1979 Golden Eagle
1984–1991 SJ Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- 1991 Final Edition

XJ models
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee is a unibody compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this...

1984–2001 XJ
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee is a unibody compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this...

Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee is a unibody compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this...
- 1984–2001 Base "SE"
- 1984–1988 Chief
- 1984–1990 Pioneer
- 1985–1992 Laredo
- 1987–1992/1998-2001 Limited
- 1988–2001 Sport
- 1991–1992 Briarwood
- 1993–1997 Country
- 1996–2001 Classic
1984–1990 XJ
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee is a unibody compact SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, it set the stage for the modern SUV. Its innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this...

Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer was an early sport utility vehicle and the first luxury 4x4, produced under varying marques from 1963 to 1991. It was noteworthy for being in production for more than 28 years with only minor mechanical changes...
- 1984–1985 Broughwood
- 1984–1990 Limited

MJ models
Jeep Comanche
The Jeep Comanche is a pickup truck version of the Cherokee compact SUV that was produced from 1985 to 1992. Rear wheel and four-wheel drive models were available, as well as two cargo box lengths of six-feet or seven-feet .-Introduction:During the mid-1980s, according to AMC Chairman W...

(Metric Ton Jeep Comanche)

1986–1992 MJ Comanche
- 1986 Custom
- 1986 X
- 1986 XLS
- 1987–1992 Base SE
- 1987–1990 Chief
- 1987–1992 Laredo
- 1987–1990 Pioneer
- 1987–1992 SporTruck
- 1987–1992 Eliminator

YJ, TJ, LJ and JK models
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...

(Jeep Wrangler)

1987–1995 Wrangler YJ
- 1991–1993 Renegade
- 1988–1995 Wrangler Long—Venezuela

1997–2006 Wrangler TJSe, Sport, Sahara models
- 2002 TJ Se, X, Sport, Sahara models
- 2003 TJ Rubicon, Rubicon Tomb Raider Edition, Sahara, Sport, X, Se models,
- 2004–2006 LJ Unlimited(15" Longer than a standard TJ) Rubicon, Sport, X, Se models
- 2004–2005 Willys Edition (2004–1997 made, 2005–2001 made)
- 2004 Columbia Edition
  Columbia Sportswear
  Columbia Sportswear Company is a United States company that manufactures and distributes outerwear and sportswear. It was founded in 1938 by the late Paul Lamfrom, father of present chairperson Gert Boyle. The company is headquartered in Washington County, Oregon, in an unincorporated part of the...
- 2005 Rubicon Sahara Unlimited LJ (1000 made)
- 2006 Golden Eagle Edition, 65 Year Anniversary Edition (1,675 Black 65th Anniversary Editions made)

2007–2009 Wrangler JK
- 2007–2009 JK Rubicon, Sahara, X
- 2010 JK Rubicon, Sahara, Mountain, Islander, Sport
- 2011 Mojave Edition
- 2011 Call of Duty : Black Ops Edition
- 2011 70th Anniversary Edition

ZJ, WJ, and WK models

(Jeep Grand Cherokee)

1993–1998 ZJ Grand Cherokee
- 1993–1995 Base SE
- 1993–1998 Laredo
- 1993–1998 Limited
- 1995–1997 Orvis "Limited Edition"
- 1997–1998 TSi
- 1998 5.9 Limited
1993 ZJ Jeep Grand Wagoneer
1999–2004 WJ Grand Cherokee
- 2002–2003 Sport
- 2002–2004 Special edition
- 2002–2004 Overland
- 2004 Columbia Edition
  Columbia Sportswear
  Columbia Sportswear Company is a United States company that manufactures and distributes outerwear and sportswear. It was founded in 1938 by the late Paul Lamfrom, father of present chairperson Gert Boyle. The company is headquartered in Washington County, Oregon, in an unincorporated part of the...
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Mid-size SUV produced by the Jeep division of Chrysler. While some other SUVs were manufactured with body on frame construction, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always used a unibody chassis.- Development :...

: Five-passenger family-oriented SUV
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
- WK: Grand Cherokee, 2005–2010 ("WK" is the designator for the 2005–2010 Grand Cherokee, marks the beginning of the -K designation compared to the -J designation)

XK models

2006–2010 Jeep Commander
Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander is a mid size SUV produced from 2006 to 2010. The first use of the Commander name on a passenger vehicle was the popular Studebaker Commander which was produced from the 1920s through 1966....
- 2006 Base
- 2007–2010 Sport
- 2006–2010 Limited
- 2007–2009 Overland

KJ models

(Jeep Liberty)

2002–2007 KJ
Jeep Liberty
Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept cars, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee . Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD...

Liberty
- Sport
- Limited
- Renegade
- 2003 Freedom Edition
- 2004–05 Rocky Mountain Edition
- 2004 Columbia Edition
  Columbia Sportswear
  Columbia Sportswear Company is a United States company that manufactures and distributes outerwear and sportswear. It was founded in 1938 by the late Paul Lamfrom, father of present chairperson Gert Boyle. The company is headquartered in Washington County, Oregon, in an unincorporated part of the...
- 2006 65th Anniversary Edition
- 2007 Latitude Edition(replaced Renegade)

Current models

The Jeep brand currently produces five models:

Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...
- JK: The current version of the Wrangler, released as a 2007 model
- JK Unlimited: The long wheelbase, 4-door version of the 2007 Wrangler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Mid-size SUV produced by the Jeep division of Chrysler. While some other SUVs were manufactured with body on frame construction, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has always used a unibody chassis.- Development :...

: Five-passenger family-oriented SUV
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
- WK: The Grand Cherokee, 2005–2010 ("WK" is the designator for the new Grand Cherokee, it is one of the first non-J-designated Jeeps)
- 2005—present Laredo
- 2005—present Limited
- 2006—present Overland
- 2006—present SRT-8
- WK2 (2010—present)
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Liberty
Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept cars, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee . Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD...

KK: A small SUV
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...

(replaced the Cherokee and kept the name outside North America)
Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the 2007 model year. The Jeep Compass, along with the Patriot both slot below the Jeep Wrangler as Jeep's entry-level sport utility vehicles, and is one of Jeep's first crossover SUVs....

MK: A small crossover SUV shared platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...

with the Dodge Caliber
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber was a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler. It replaced the Neon, and it went on sale in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle...
Jeep Patriot
Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover SUV introduced in early 2007 for the 2007 model year by the Jeep marque of Chrysler. It debuted publicly in April 2006 at the New York Auto Show and slots between the Compass and Liberty in the Jeep lineup...

MK: A small crossover SUV shared platform with the Dodge Caliber

Concept vehicles

1958 DJ-3A Pickup
1970 XJ001
1970 XJ002
1971 Jeep Cowboy
1977 Jeep II
1986 Cherokee Targa: A two-door Cherokee convertible (later revised as Jeep Freedom show car
Show car
A show car, sometimes called a dream car, is a custom-made automobile created specifically for public display, rather than sale. They are shown at auto shows and other exhibitions.Show cars generally fall into one or more of three categories:...

)
1987 Comanche Thunderchief: This vehicle was put into production later as the Comanche Eliminator
1989 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler: This vehicle was later put in production
1990 Jeep JJ: Essentially what would later be called the Icon
1990 Jeep Freedom: A revised Cherokee Targa
1991 Jeep Wagoneer 2000: A design study be the next generation Wagoneer, but was not put into production
1989 Jeep Concept 1: Evolved into the ZJ Grand Cherokee
1993 Jeep Ecco
1997 Jeep Cherokee Casablanca: A special edition of Cherokee, never produced
1997 Jeep Wrangler Ultimate Rescue: A tuned version of a regular TJ Wrangler developed for SEMA
SEMA
Specialty Equipment Market Association of the automobile aftermarket was formed in 1963 by Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand, Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock, Jr...

show
1997 Fender Jeep Wrangler
1997 Jeep Dakar: A fused version of a XJ Cherokee and TJ Wrangler
1997 Jeep Icon: A design study for the next-generation Wrangler
1999 Jeep Journey
1999 Jeep Jeepster Concept
2000 Jeep Cherokee Total Exposure
2000 Jeep Varsity: Subsequently put into production as the Compass
2000 Jeep Commander Concept: Subsequently put into production as the XK
2000 Jeep Willys
2001 Jeep Willys 2
2002 Jeep Wrangler Tabasco
2002 Jeep Wrangler Patriot: A special decal package for the Wrangler X/Sport
2002 Jeep Wrangler Mountain Biker
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) Concierge
2004 Jeep Treo
2004 Jeep Rescue
2004 Jeep Liberator CRD
2005 Jeep Hurricane
Jeep Hurricane
The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by Jeep, a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler. The Hurricane's one-piece body is composed largely of light-weight structural carbon fiber. Its skid plate is an aluminum spine that...

: The 4-wheel steering system allows the vehicle to have both a zero turning circle, and "crab" sideways. Its engine was later put in the Grand Cherokee (WK) SRT-8
2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept: This vehicle was supposed to be put into production, but Jeep cancelled it
2005 Jeep Aggressor (the Rezo)
2007 Jeep Trailhawk
Jeep Trailhawk
The Jeep Trailhawk is a mid-size concept SUV unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.Combining traditional off-road features with refined on-road cruising capabilities, Jeep builds on the new Wrangler Unlimited platform to bring us a new take on open-air motoring...
2008 Jeep Renegade
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a concept car of the US American company Jeep. The car was first exhibited at the North American International Auto Show of 2008. The Renegade's main feature is the hybrid engine...
2010 Jeep J8
Jeep J8
The Jeep J8 is a military vehicle based on the Jeep Wrangler platform. The model was introduced at the Defence Systems & Equipment International trade show on September 13, 2007. Targeted for use by the militaries in overseas markets, the J8 is not designed to meet U.S. emission standards. The J8...
2010 Jeep Nukizer: Design study inspired by the Military Kaiser M-715

Jeeps around the world

Jeeps have been built and/or assembled around the world by various companies.

Argentina – IKA Jeeps 1956–current; now owned by Chrysler
Australia – Willys Motors Australia – 1940s–1980s
Belgium –

Brazil – Willys Overland do Brasil, purchased by Ford to become Ford do Brasil
Ford do Brasil
Ford do Brasil is a subsidiary of American automaker Ford Motor Company, founded on April 24, 1919. The operation started out importing the Ford Model T cars and the Ford Model TT trucks in kit form from the US for assembly in Brazil...

– 1957–1985 and the Troller T4 is a fiberglass bodied Jeep version built in Brazil. Troller was purchased by Ford do Brasil in 2007.
Burma/Myanmar – Two Burmese companies produce unlicensed copies of jeeps; Myanmar Jeeps and Chin Dwin Star Jeeps.
Canada – Kaiser Jeep – 1959–1969
China – Beijing Jeep Corporation – 1983 to 2009 as Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive
Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive
Beijing Benz - Daimler Chrysler Automotive Co Ltd is a Chinese car manufacturer. It is also known as BBDC, but as its legal name may have recently been changed to Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd, BBAC may now be the preferred acronym....

. Fiat-Chrysler plans to re-open Jeep production in China through joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group (GAIG).
Colombia – Willys Colombia – at least until 1999
Egypt – Arab Organization for Industrialization
Arab Organization for Industrialization
The Arab Organization for Industrialization is an Egypt-based Arab military organisation established in 1975 by Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to supervise the collective development of the Arab defence industry. Following a gradual deterioration in relations between the...

subsidiary Arab American Vehicles
Arab American Vehicles
Arab American Vehicles is an Egyptian automobile manufacturer based in Cairo, Egypt.The company manufactures various vehicles under license from Daimler AG, Kia, Chrysler LLC, and Peugeot — having begun as a joint venture between the Arab Organization for Industrialization and 49% of the...

based in Cairo
Cairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...

produces the Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Cherokee may refer to:* Jeep Cherokee * Jeep Cherokee * Jeep Grand Cherokee , , and * Jeep Liberty, a.k.a. Jeep Cherokee...

; the open-top, Wrangler-based Jeep AAV TJL.
France – Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss et Cie
Société Anonyme des Anciens Etablissements Hotchkiss et Cie was a French arms and car company established by United States engineer Benjamin B. Hotchkiss, who was born in Watertown, Connecticut. He moved to France and set up a factory, first at Viviez near Rodez in 1867, then at Saint-Denis near...

and Auverland
Auverland
Auverland , now grouped with Panhard, is a French manufacturer of Jeep-like four-wheel-drive and armoured fighting vehicles. It bought Panhard from Peugeot in April 2005, and the combined company now uses the Panhard name.It notably produces the Petit Véhicule Protégé....

– 1952–1962
India – Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is the flagship company of the Mahindra Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India. The company was set up in 1945 in Ludhiana as Mahindra & Mohammed by brothers K.C. Mahindra and J.C. Mahindra and Malik Ghulam Mohammed...

– 1960s-current
Iran – Pars Khodro
Pars Khodro
Pars Khodro is an Iranian automobile manufacturer. It was the first manufacturer of sport utility vehicles in Iran.-History:Formerly, Pars Khodro built American Motors' Rambler and General Motors products under licence. Its first cars, the Aria and the Shahin, were based on AMC's compact 1966...

, ShahBaaz, Sahra, and Ahoo – ShahBaaz based on DJ series
Jeep DJ
The Dispatcher Jeep, or DJ, was a two-wheel-drive variant of the CJ series. Production started in 1955 by Kaiser that became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. In 1970 American Motors purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations establishing AM General, a wholly owned subsidiary, that built this model...

, Sahra based on Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...

and CJ series
Jeep CJ
The Willys CJ is a public version of the famous Willys Military Jeep from World War II.The first CJ prototype was introduced in 1944 by Willys, and the same basic vehicle stayed in production through seven variants and three corporate parents until 1986.A variant of the CJ is still in production...

, and Ahoo based on Wagoneer
Israel – Automotive Industries
Automotive Industries
Automotive Industries, Ltd. is an Israeli Automaker and major supplier of the Israeli Security Forces.Located in Nazareth Illit, the company was originally founded in 1966 by Automotive Equipment Group as a plant for the assembly of cars and trucks...

which produces the AIL Storm
AIL Storm
The AIL Storm is an Israeli manufactured off-road vehicle and the workhorse of the Israeli Security Forces. The series of Jeep Wrangler based vehicles have been produced by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Upper Nazareth under licence from Chrysler since 1990...

(Sufa) series of Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...

-derivatives
Italy – 1950s
Japan – Mitsubishi Jeeps – 1953–1998
Korea – Asia Motors, Ltd
Asia Motors, Ltd
Asia Motors Co. Ltd., founded in 1965, was a South Korean motor vehicle manufacturer of large and medium duty trucks, special military vehicles, lightweight cars, civilian jeeps , motor vehicle components, to include engines, and buses and mini-buses. Kia owned 28.28% of issued stock...

, Dong A Motors (SsangYong Motor Company
SsangYong Motor Company
SsangYong Motor Company is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The name SsangYong means double dragons.SsangYong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011, after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company...

) and Kia
Kia Motors
Kia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...

. (don't use Jeep name) – 1980s-current
Mexico – VAM Jeeps – 1946–1987
Netherlands – Nederlandse Kaiser-Frazer – 1954-1990s
Philippines – Jeepney
Jeepney
Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating...

s; MD Juan Willys MB
Willys MB
The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...

.; "E-jeepneys" or minibuses, LSV (low-speed vehicles) which uses electricity.
Portugal – Bravia – 1960s–1980s
Spain – Vehículos Industriales y Agrícolas, S.A. (VIASA), absorbed by Ebro trucks
Ebro trucks
Ebro trucks was a Spanish brand of light and medium trucks and buses, as well as all-wheel-drive utility vehicles and agricultural tractors, based mainly in Barcelona, Madrid, and Ávila....

, and later sold to Nissan – 1960-1990s
Turkey – Tuzla – 1954-1970s
Venezuela- Valencia Carabobo 1962–2011, 1962 Tejerias Edo Aragua Willys de Venezuela, S.A, 1979 -2011 Ensambladora Carabobo C.A Valencia Edo Carabobo

External links

"Leeping Lena Joins the Army", October 1941 first detailed article on what became known as the Jeep
Autobiography of a Jeep (1943). United Films, Prelinger Archives, Historical Public Domain video.
Meet the Postwar Jeep August 1945 Popular Science
Popular Science
Popular Science is an American monthly magazine founded in 1872 carrying articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the ASME awards for its journalistic excellence in both 2003 and 2004...

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.

Origin of the name

Trade name

Bantam Reconnaissance Car

Ford Pygmy and Willys MB

World War II Jeeps

Postwar Military Jeeps

The CJ-V35/U

The M715

The Jeep marque

AM General

Off-road abilities

Summary of Jeep ownership

Historical and military models

ZJ, WJ, and WK models

XK models

KJ models

Current models

Concept vehicles

Jeeps around the world

See also

External links