Nobody knows where the name "Jeep" originated. Some say that it was short for "G.P.V." (General Purpose Vehicle), which was a requirement of the U.S. Government sent to all car companies just before the Second World War. Others say that when early prototypes hit the dirt and the mood of the testing grounds, drivers were so impressed with the capabilities that they named the new vehicle Jeep as a nod to Eugene the Jeep, a fictional character from the then-popular Popeye the Sailor comics. Apparently, Eugene the Jeep, was a do-it-all character with impressive, almost magical, skills, same as the small but immensely capable 4x4.
However, regardless of the exact origin of the name, Jeep is the world's biggest and best manufacturer of off-road models with a tradition 80 years long. It is by far the most successful in its field, and its name is synonymous with durable and capable off-road vehicles all over the world. However, there is one other American car brand that has lately been giving Jeep off-roaders a run for their money - Ford.
Here are 10 reasons why Jeeps reign supreme when it comes to off-roading, and 5 why Ford could be considered the new king of the hill.
15 Jeep: The First Off-Road-Only Company In The World
Before the off-roaders were even recognized as a car class, in 1940, Jeep was established as part of a government program to modernize the U.S. Army before WWII. Jeep as a company was trademarked in 1943, full five years before Land Rover.
14 Jeep: The Willys MB Helped Win A War
Its first and by far most essential product was the Willys MB or war-time Jeep, as most people know it. History recognizes this small but irreplaceable Jeep as one of the greatest weapons that the allied forces ever had.
13 Jeep: Invented The SUV – 1962 Jeep Wagoneer
Noticing the trend of people wanting more comfort and luxury from their off-roaders, Jeep created history with the first SUV model – the 1962 Wagoneer. This car was an upscale 4x4 wagon that became immensely successful and stayed in production until the '90s!
12 Jeep: Designed To Conquer The Wilderness
Just look at the new Wrangler. It has three differentials, a rugged chassis, an extremely capable suspension, and a host of gravity-beating electronic systems. It is undoubtedly the best off-road vehicle you can buy from the showroom floor at this moment.
11 Jeep: There's A Whole Industry Dedicated To Modifying Jeeps
Even though the stock Wrangler is more than capable of climbing mountains or surviving the zombie apocalypse, there is enormous aftermarket support for Jeep owners wanting to go further. Lift kits, off-road tires, winches, bull-bars, light bars, suspension, and chassis modifications - you name it.
10 Jeep: The Most Extensive Range Of Off-Road Models On Offer
As a company on top of the market, Jeep has a wide range of models - six to be exact. With those cars, Jeep covers all segments of the SUV market. From small, urban crossovers to dessert-conquering, tough-as-nails off-roaders.
9 Jeep: One Of The Best Brand Loyalty Rates In The Business
Thanks to its unique status, approach, and history, Jeep has a special place in off-road enthusiast’s hearts. That is why Jeep as a brand has a 51% brand loyalty rate which is way above the industry standard, with some models, like Wrangler, going close to 70%. This means that 70% of Wrangler buyers will recommend or buy the same vehicle again.
8 Jeep: The Coolest 4x4s Ever Made
One of the greatest assets of this company is the cool factor of owning a Jeep vehicle. When you drive a Wrangler, you know you are capable of climbing the mountain with ease. Not a lot of SUV owners can say the same.
7 Jeep: The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Not all Jeeps are dusty off-roaders; some of them are drag strip monsters like the Trackhawk. What exactly is it? Well, think of it as the Grand Cherokee with a Challenger Hellcat engine and 707 hp in family SUV. Crazy, I know.
6 Jeep: The Jeep Gladiator
One of the most anticipated Jeeps in recent years is the Gladiator, pickup truck version of the venerable Wrangler. Combining the classic looks with undeniable durability and capability, the Gladiator is all you are ever going to need; if you are looking for a 4x4 truck, you can take everywhere. Literarily everywhere.
5 Ford: The Legendary Bronco
In 1965 Ford introduced the Bronco and changed the history of car industry forever. It was modern, robust, V8-powered off-road SUV, which took the buyers by storm and sold in millions before it was discontinued 30 years later.
4 Ford: The Mustang AWD Concept
Not a lot of people know that Ford experimented with AWD drive train for Ford Mustang in the mid-'60s. The car looked the same as the ordinary model but had insane traction on slippery surfaces.
3 Ford: The Explorer
Probably the most successful Ford's SUV was and still is the Explorer. Introduced in 1990, it singlehandedly established the SUV segment as the most promising car segment in America and the world. Thirty years later, it is still standard of the industry.
2 Ford: The Unrivaled F-150 Raptor
For hardcore off-road fans, Ford introduced the Raptor. Based on its popular F-150 truck, Raptor is an all-terrain beast with Baja 1000-style suspension, powerful engine, and capability to go through Sahara desert at 100 mph like its nothing.
1 Ford: The 2020 Ford Bronco Is The Future Of Off-Roaders
One of the most anticipated 2020 premiers is definitely the all-new Ford Bronco. Designed as Jeep Wangler competitor, it will come in two flavors, with a long list of options, retro styling, and fully prepared to go off-road.