The Jeep
is as American as apple pie. Born out of the United States’ effort to develop a
suitable ‘General Purpose’ vehicle for troop movements and battle, the Jeep
quickly became a visual representation of American versatility, ingenuity, and dominance.
After 70+ years, not much has changed. Jeeps can be seen everywhere in virtually
endless variations. Since their introduction as a commercial vehicle, owners
have personalized their Jeeps in ever increasing ways to accommodate all kinds
of weather and terrain. So, let’s take a look at how Jeeps have been evolving
as an American icon.
As soon
as Jeeps became available to the public, they were being modified. Post WWII, Willys-Overland,
the manufacturer of the military Jeeps, marketed the early civilian Jeeps as a
workhorse with many farmers and laborers modifying them for their personal
needs. Considering many farmers needed
both a tractor and a truck, the Jeep was a perfect solution. Many post-war
Jeeps were sold on the open market, which made obtaining one much easier for
those with limited means. This helped solidify the Jeep brand in the hearts and
minds of Americans from all walks of life.
Into the
1950's and 1960's, the Jeep saw an explosion of popularity due to the release of
a line of fully recreational vehicles. Increased horsepower and additional
cabin room answered the concerns of previous Jeep owners who loved their Jeeps, but
wanted a more comfortable ride. While models like the bigger Wagoneer were introduced, this was
also the beginning of the more sophisticated soft top convertibles. Early Jeeps
had no tops and windshields that folded down. The new Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-6 models
included not only sleek, removable convertible tops, they were equipped with more
comfortable seating, storage space, and vastly improved off-road capabilities.
The 1970's
and 1980's saw the introduction of the first full-time 4-wheel drive system, as
well as the introduction of the CJ-7 and iconic Jeep Wrangler. The CJ-7 incorporated
chrome bumper and grille with the option for automatic all-wheel drive known at
the time as ‘Quadra-Trac.’ The Wrangler was considered to be a much more
sophisticated Jeep with an improved interior design, wider track, and improved
handling. By this point in time, the Jeep brand had passed through several
hands including the American Motor Company which was sold to Chrysler. Chrysler
took the Jeep to a new level by introducing the first compact SUV with
shift-on-the-fly 4x4 capabilities.
By the
1990's and into the 2000's, Jeep was able to improve the on-road and off-road
handling to deliver a smoother ride than ever before. The introduction of
removable doors, as well as soft and hard top panels made Jeeps the perfect outdoor
vehicle. In the early 2000's, Jeep introduced the all-mighty Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The Jeep Rubicon is the powerhouse of all Jeeps. The newest Jeep Rubicon models
are truly a sight to behold. The Rubicon has been completed upgraded with a
modernized interior, advanced 4-wheel drive capabilities, electronic stability and
traction control, and a powerful 3.6L V6 engine. The Rubicon combines
everything great Jeep has to offer into a single exhilarating package.
Whether
you’re a Rubicon or vintage CJ-5 person, good times await you on and off
the beaten path when you join the Jeep family. The wide range of Jeep offerings and affordability means there’s something for
everyone to enjoy.
What are your favorite models from Jeep’s past? Share your
stories with us in the comments!
