When America was gearing up for World War II, there was a need for vehicles to haul cargo and soldiers. The vehicles were supposed to be versatile, reliable, adaptable, and be all-terrain to be able to navigate the warzones.
4x4 trucks were introduced in the United States in 1913 just before World War I. With this DIY knowledge, soldiers had learned how to convert Ford trucks to 4x4 military trucks. However, these DIY trucks were not long-lasting and they proved problematic.
While on the quest to find the right military vehicle, U.S. Army officials came across The American Bantam Car Company. The American Bantam Car Company had a prototype car known as the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, which ended up being used for the frame of the first Jeep.
The basic design of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car was used to build the original MB. This started the legacy of one of the hardiest and most versatile American cars in the market today.
On that note, let us take a look into 10 of the most iconic Jeeps ever made.
10 1987-1995 YJ Jeep
The YJ Jeep has often been a subject of varying opinions amongst Jeep enthusiasts. Its square headlights highlight some of the most unique features of this vehicle. The YJ’s off-road capabilities are reflective of the Jeep brand as a whole.
While the YJ Jeep was built into a military line of vehicles, it was designed to be more of a casual ride. It's low stance, comfortable seating, and the plushy cabin was made for people who enjoy off-roading in style.
The first YJ model that was in production from 1985 to 1991 had two power options, both AMC – a 2.5-liter engine or a 4.2-liter engine. The models that came after 1991 were powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that delivered 180 horsepower.
9 2006 - 2010 Jeep HEMI Commander
Although Jeeps were initially built to haul cargo and transport soldiers, they were not built to carry many people at the same time. With the introduction of Jeeps to civilians, the company had to look for a way to build a jeep that could fit more people than it could originally.
And in 2006, they built the Jeep HEMI Commander. The Commander was the first Jeep to seat seven people. Often categorized as an SUV, this ride is powered by a powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that pushes 322 horsepower.
8 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the perfect blend of power, comfort, and amazing off-road capabilities. This vehicle’s performance is second to none.
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that pushes 707 horsepower to the car’s drivetrain.
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, which is faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago. The technology that has gone into this beast has in no way compromised its ability to live up to the Jeep legacy.
7 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK debuted in 2007 during the New York Auto Show. The Wrangler Unlimited JK was the first and only four-door convertible Jeep in production.
This beauty draws its power from a 3.6-liter V6 whose output is 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a big step up from the four-cylinder engine.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK is a popular choice for those who enjoy Jeeps as a daily driver and as a weekend off-roading vehicle.
6 1966 – 1971 Jeepster Commando
After the war, companies had to find a way to reintroduce vehicles that were thought to be military only to civilians. Jeep's answer to this was the 1966 Jeepster Commando. The Commando was built to evoke the fun side of Jeep.
The Jeepster Commando features included two seating rows and its open-air style, which was an instant attraction for those who were in the market for an all-wheel-drive vehicle that could double as a utility vehicle and a daily driver.
5 1993 Jeep Cherokee
It is clear by now that Jeep has always been at the forefront of building vehicles that bring on evolution in the car industry. Well, this was the case for the 1984 Jeep Cherokee.
The 1993 Jeep Cherokee is believed to be the first SUV in the American market. The Cherokee is said to be the vehicle that single-handedly sunk the station wagon market.
Over the years, that the Cherokee reigned it went through a number of design iteration and powertrain updates.
4 1955 – 1983 Jeep CJ-5
The CJ-5 is one of the many cars that cemented Jeep's reputation in America and other parts of the world. In its thirty years of reign and domination, the CJ-5 was the go-to vehicle for everyone who needed an off-road vehicle. The CJ-5’s versatility and adaptability saw it being used by farmers and by governments as a military vehicle.
The CJ-5 is the vehicle that saw Jeep secure the vehicle’s design and trademarks. From 1955 to 1983, the Jeep CJ-5 has gone through a couple of engine revisions, but this did not affect its performance and capabilities as the ultimate off-roading beast.
3 1963 – 1991 Jeep Wagoneer
With Jeep aiming for firsts in every way they can. They keep on striving to be the first, every time – The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive to offer an automatic transmission. The Wagoneer was also the first Jeep to feature the Jeep Quadra-Trac all-wheel-drive system.
The Wagoneer is a true testament that Jeeps can withstand the test of time, by maintaining the same line for 28 years. There have been rumors that the Jeep Wagoneer is to be revived in the near future. Jeep enthusiasts can’t wait to see what this classic vehicle will come back as
2 1984 – 2001 Jeep Cherokee
With Jeep at the forefront of innovation and invention, they opened up the doors to the world of modern SUVs. The 1984 Jeep Cherokee is lauded as the very first modern SUV as well as the most popular off-roading vehicle.
This Cherokee was powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that pushed 190 horsepower, which was more than its competitors’ power output at the time.
This majestic machine has gone to inspire the design and build of more cars that car manufacturers hope can live up to this vehicle’s reputation.
1 1941 – 1945 Willys MB
All legacies have to start somewhere. The 1941 Willys MB is where it all began for Jeep. The Willys MB was the product of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car. Its design and build withstood the test of time and went ahead to put Jeep on the map.
During the onset of World War II, Willy’s MB was the only vehicle that met all the U.S Army’s requirements. Some of these requirements included maintaining a minimum curb weight of 1300 pounds and adaptable off-roading capabilities.
After the war, the Willy’s MB had earned its stars as a durable, dependable, and indestructible vehicle.