Jeep is one of the world's most recognizable vehicles. This American monster can go anywhere: deep forests, mountains, deserts, and even underwater. This is everything you need to know to get hyped about the Jeep. Though the company has gone a long way to get its iconic status. The story begins during World War 2.
The Willys-Overland Company designed and produced military Jeeps at the beginning of the 1940s. However, the war was slowly getting to its end and the brand knew they won't be selling as many cars. The problem was obvious as the only vehicle line the company was making at that point was Jeep. So they decided to change their war-machine into something civilized.
They came up with modifications to slowly transition into a civilian car. This is when the history of Jeeps as we know them really starts. Let's go through the most important evolution milestones of this iconic vehicle.
15 Willys CJ2A
This is the first post-war civilian Jeep. The car resembles its military roots with a huge spare tire and a tailgate. However, you can already see bigger headlights and the grille with 9 slots. These vehicles were built with spare parts left over from the wartime.
14 Willys CJ3A
Willys CJ3A is the first Jeep designed for peaceful purposes such as agriculture. There are still many features that remind us of war but the focus slowly shifted to driver comfort and safety. You can see this tendency in the upgraded canvas top, thick cushions and bigger headroom.
13 Willys CJ3B
Surprisingly enough, the first two civilian Jeep models weren't as successful as the company would have hoped. Willys CJ3B was the last attempt to attract more customers to the vehicle before changing the concept. This car was not only more comfortable but also more powerful than previous models. The new engine produced 74 horsepower!
12 Willys CJ5
This was the first Jeep ever produced under Henry Kaiser's ownership. We already know that this model is iconic but back then it was either a hit or a miss. CJ5 entered the market in 1955 under the new concept of utilitarianism. This was the car that could handle anything you wanted, and customers loved it.
11 Willys CJ6
The new model rested on laurels of the previous Jeep. The company didn't even change much but still made an iconic vehicle. The CJ6 features a four-cylinder Willys Hurricane Engine with 155 horsepower. This was the time when the company brought in the Buick 225 cu in (3.7 L) V6 Dauntless engine to enhance Jeep's performance.
10 Jeep CJ5 Renegade
CJ5 Renegade is one of the most collectible vehicles in the world. It was first introduced in 1972 and featured a 304-cubic inch V8 engine and manually engaged wheels with white-walled tires. But the biggest changes were made to the exterior. CJ5 Renegade got striping on the seats and hood and a black rubber lip.
9 Jeep CJ7
Jeep CJ7 was an instant bestseller the moment it debuted in 1976. This vehicle was 10 inches longer than its ancestors, way more comfortable and got a Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system. Throughout its life, the model was available in different trim levels: the Golden Hawk, the Laredo, the Golden Eagle, and the Jamboree.
8 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler
Jeep CJ8 Scrambler has a removable roof and a short bed. The name came from the appearance package: many Jeeps had graphics running down the lower part of the body. Another interesting feature is the special edition wheels. Still, only 28,000 Scramblers were sold. 5 years after the launch the company closed this line.
7 Jeep YJ Wrangler
In 1987 came the first generation Wrangler. The vehicle featured a completely new design as well as suspension and interior borrowed from Cherokee. No more circular headlights, now they are square! The Wrangler was designed to be more comfortable while driving. This is what made the Jeep the true cult classic.
6 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
2003 became the year of the biggest leap that the company made by introducing the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It featured incredibly strong Dana 44 axles, off-road tires, and diamond plate rock rails. Buyers could benefit from a more comfortable, convenient and responsive driving. Upgraded disc brakes significantly improved the stopping ability.
5 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The reintroduction of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was arguably the biggest change to the Wrangler line. This was the first Wrangler model with 4 doors. Jeep enthusiasts still argue if it's a real Jeep or not. The fact is that this version became popular in the blink of an eye.
4 Jeep Cherokee
Introduced in 2014, Jeep Cherokee combined off-road capabilities of a crossover with a comfortable, civilized drive. Based on the 3.2-liter V6 engine, this car can make a whopping 271 horsepower and drive at high speed in a smooth manner with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Low-range gearing lets you venture into undiscovered lands.
3 Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass is an affordable vehicle that doesn't compromise on comfort and off-road capabilities. Though the company did a strange move: they launched 2 Jeep Compasses at the same time in 2017. We're talking about the car that is redesigned from scratch and has a much higher-quality interior and better ride comfort.
2 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a civilized off-roader that comes with dozens of different configurations. This vehicle can meet the needs of any driver. It is one of the best-selling SUVs in the US with multiple unique specs. Unlike the Cherokee, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a full-size SUV that can handle off-road driving with ease.
1 The 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator truly stands out: it's hard to find another truck on the market that looks as cool and approachable as this model. The top is the most unique part; Jeep Gladiator is a convertible track with hard and soft tops as options. Just like in other Jeeps, serious off-road technologies are included.