Jeep is one of America’s most recognized vehicle brands, famous for its rugged SUVs and off-road capability. Today the brand is owned by the multinational group Stellantis. Its story begins long before modern SUVs existed and is closely tied to Chrysler, which acquired the Jeep brand from American Motors Corporation in 1987.
Jeep is best known for building sports utility vehicles designed for both regular roads and tough, uneven terrain. The lineup also includes pickup trucks. The name “Jeep” itself has interesting roots. Before 1940, American soldiers sometimes used the word informally for new recruits and certain vehicles. During World War II the name became permanently linked to a specific military vehicle.
Military Beginnings in World War II
Production of the military Jeeps started in 1941. It was a lightweight, four-wheel-drive vehicle used extensively by the U.S. Army and Allied forces throughout the war. After the conflict ended, the Jeep name became known worldwide. The original Army vehicle was built by Willys-Overland. In 1945 the company began producing the civilian Jeeps CJ model at its plant in Toledo, Ohio. From that point, Jeeps manufactured vehicles for both military and civilian customers. Toledo remained the brand’s headquarters for many years.
Growth of Iconic Models
The Jeep Wrangler series entered production in 1986 and quickly became one of the brand’s most recognizable vehicles. Different versions of the Wrangler have continued ever since. Jeeps also expanded into larger and more premium SUVs with models such as the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer. The Wagoneer, first introduced in 1963, is often regarded as one of the earliest vehicles in the premium SUV category.
Over time Jeep expanded manufacturing and sales into many countries. In 2008 the company sold roughly 500,000 SUVs worldwide. By 2016 that number had risen to about 1.4 million vehicles, with a large share of sales coming from North America.
Current Jeep Lineup and Ownership
Today Jeep’s main models include the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Cherokee, Gladiator, and Grand Wagoneer. The brand has evolved from a wartime military vehicle into a major international player in the modern SUV market. It now operates under the Stellantis group.
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