Jeep
Ultimate historical review of Jeep cars history with interesting articles and pictures of past models.
JEEP
Jeep. This title has become a common noun meaning high-passability cars. At that most people dont know that Jeep is also the name trademark of a company that has been producing off-roads for over 60 years.
The History of Jeep dates far back to the past. At the beginning of 1938 the commandment of US Army realized the necessity of construction of a motored vehicle that would effectively supercede the traditional motorcycle with side-car. By December 22 1939 the management of Wyllis-Overland Company presented the first drafts of an original concept car that soon became world-famous under the title of Jeep. The car was supposed to be light, powerful and maneuverable.
After the war was over Wyllis-Overland Company decided to adjust its creation to performing certain civilian functions. A series of such cars was produced. They were titled simply CJ (abbreviated Civilian Jeep). These prototypes served as the basis for production of a serial model that hit the market as soon as in August 1945.
However, basically the only civic components it had was an adjustable back header, wind shield wipers and the lid of gasoline tank located on the back fender.
The Jeep logo was supposed to be put on the hood, back door and windshield frame, but during the first years of production, when the company was involved in court examinations initiated by American Bantam Car concerning use of Jeep title they had to produce cars with Wyllis logo. But as soon as in 1950 the company gained the right to use this brand name, so on June 13 1950 Jeep was registered as its trademark.
In 1946 Wyllis was the first car enterprise that suggested some kind of a minivan for civilian purposes. This car had a rear-wheel drive and enough room for up to 7 passengers. Perhaps its speed rates were rather low (100 km/h), but its main advantage was passability. As for AWD version presented in 1949, it was the direct ancestor of contemporary Grand Cherokee SUV that started this dynasty.
The result of its further development was Station Wagon model, a many-passenger Jeep that was being released between 1951 and 1963. Its base and exterior features served as a prototype for the first Wagoneer that in its turn laid the basis for construction of contemporary SUVs.
In 1953 the company got the new name of Wyllis Motors. Fortunately, Jeep division was integrated into it. As for Wyllis, they only got passenger-car production.
60ies were actually the most important in Jeep history, because exactly at that time the market of SUVs was being formed. As early as in the middle of 50ies the company got actively involved in research and development of new concept cars of 4x4 wheel arrangement. The first products appeared in Fall 1962, when the all-new Wagoneer Jeep (Universal) appeared, differing radically from everything they produced before. The model belonged to J series and was equipped with either all-wheel or drive or partial drive. In 1954 the fifth version Civilian Jeep CJ5 appeared. This all-wheel drive car was so successful so it kept being produced until 1983, only changing engines, suspension and transmission. By the way, as early as in 1949 the series of CJs obtained the title Universal.
The 2- or 4-door Wagoneer with 2.79-meter wheelbase was the first dual-purpose vehicle equipped with automatic gearbox; its off-road abilities were effectively combined with cool design and comfort peculiar to passenger cars. It was the first time the combination of all-wheel drive and automatic transmission was implemented. In addition Wagoneers Tornado engine was the only American power unit with overhead camshaft.
6 months later, after the new J-series was set to production Wyllis-Overland Company collapsed. But it was not the total end. In fact in March 1963 Wyllis Motors Company was renamed to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. Fortunately these changes didnt any affect the rates of expansion of model spectrum. As for Wagoneer, it was equipped with V6 Vigilante engine making 250 hp.
In December 1965 Jeep dealers presented on their car show a car that kept attracting the public attention for 11 months on 9 American car shows. That was Super-Wagoneer. It presented a brand-new unique approach to the market of universals, the cars designed for customers realizing the advantages of all-wheel drive. Looking really elegant, the car possessed the passability characteristics peculiar to J-family. Two years later this Jeep series was equipped with automatic Hydromatic transmission.
At the end of 60ies the companys engineers designed the next engine of Dauntless series, this time with 8 cylinders. They decided to install it on J series Wagoneer and Super-Wagoneer belonged to.
Entering the new decade was marked by just another Jeep Company owner change. On February 5 1970 American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser Jeep Corporation for 70 million USD. And over again the owner change not only improved already steady market positions of Jeep. AMC provided Jeep Wagoneer with the biggest all-wheel drive universal engine in car production history, single-camshaft V-6. Another option was the first V-8 in car enterprise they constructed specially.
In 1973 Wagoneer was subjected to certain technical modifications. Its brand-new Quadro track transmission was the pioneer all-automatic permanent system designed for AWD vehicles, equipped with a self-locking differential unit.
Next year the new name Cherokee appeared. The newbie joined J-series as a 2-door model. In 1976 commemorating the 200th anniversary of USA Independence Jeep released the 7th generation of Civilian Jeep, CJ7. By 1977 the company designed a 4-door version equipped with a standard V-6. And although Jeep Cherokees looks initially resembled the luxurious Wagoneer, later on exactly this model became the most popular car in the history of Jeep Motors.
In 1978 a limited series of Wagoneer was released, its Limited Edition, provided with leather saloon upholstery, radio unit and much chromium trimming.
Due to energetic crisis that started in 1979 production of big Gladiator pickups and Wagoneer universals decreased abruptly. However the civilian Jeeps of CJ series were sold like hot cakes.
In 1984 the company released new versions of 2/4-door Cherokee and 4-door Wagoneer that was 53.3 cm shorter, 15 cm narrower, 10 cm lower and 453 kg lighter than its predecessor that was first presented over a decade before, in 1963. Cherokee was the only compact-class car that had 4 doors and two AWD systems, CommandTrac and SelectTrac. It took 6 years for Jeep competitors to provide an alternative to it within this market segment. The success if Jeep in general and Cherokee in particular was quite persistent. The car was nominated the best off-road vehicle of 1984.
Now in addition to such characteristic traits of 4x4 cars as passability, reliability and durability the customers needed comfort and functionality previously associated only with passenger cars. The Jeeps response to these demands followed. As soon as in spring 1986 Wrangler model was born. Its mechanical stuffing was rather similar to Cherokee than CJ7. Along with such characteristics as comfort and attractive exterior design Wrangler offered such traditional advantages of Jeep as endurance and outstanding off-road ability.
On August 5 1987 American Motors Corporation that endured all the difficulties for decades surrendered to US governments discretion by proclaiming its bankruptcy. All its property was sold; its Jeep division was purchased by Chrysler Company.
Jeep entered 90ies fully fledged. On March 22 1990 the millionth SUV of XJ series was released, a vermilion-colored Cherokee Limited. During 7 years of its production and development Cherokee became not only an excellent off-road vehicle, but also the most popular Chrysler product in Europe.
Marking the 50th anniversary of Jeep Company Chrysler released a new version of Cherokee was released, equipped with a 190-horsepower 4-liter PowerTechSix car that became a quality standard of a SUV. Grand Cherokee was chosen to be its full name; its target group in the market was well-to-do category of customers who used to associate high security rates, comfort and prestigiousness with respectable vehicles imported from abroad before. In other words Jeep management decided to add a luxurious strain to severe and actually simplistic off-roads models in order to attract not only the farmers of Wild West, but also prosperous people.
The official presentation of this car took place on January 7 1992 on a car show in Detroit. In 1996 Grand Cherokee was considerably updated, equipped with new engine, chassis, electronic units and elaborated interior design. The dashboard was changed considerably; the keys and buttons were located within drivers immediate reach; the interior ergonomics was increased.
After completing Grand Cherokee successfully the team of Jeep constructors started revising Wrangler, the direct heir of glorious Wyllises the company history began with. These engineers were assigned to develop the second generation of Wrangler Jeep.
By that time Wrangler was produced almost unchanged for almost 9 years and took 50% of the market of compact SUVs. Despite of such impressive achievements and the fact that in 1994 the record number of Wranglers was sold, the company still had something to worry about. Its competitors realized all the market perspectives well and attempted conquering it with various models. The Wranglers successors were supposed to set the new standards in the SUV market, just like Grand Cherokee did before. However the circumstances and condition of Jeep construction were different. Wrangler was the direct heir of original Jeep model of World War II times and was globally considered some kind of an American icon. Being the quintessence of the companys traditions (in America it was nicknamed jeepness) was quite unique for that market. Its successor was supposed to keep its jeepness and not simply maintain the status of an icon of American SUV production, but also raise the traditions to a brand-new level, however one principal thing was to be left unchanged the concept of Wrangler, e.g. cowboy vehicle.
Jeep is one of the most famous car trademarks all over the world. In many languages, including Russian this brand-name became a common noun meaning all SUVs.
At present Jeep sells its vehicles in over a hundred world countries. For example in Europe 3 Jeep models are available Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Cherokees take 18% of European SUV market.
The History of Jeep dates far back to the past. At the beginning of 1938 the commandment of US Army realized the necessity of construction of a motored vehicle that would effectively supercede the traditional motorcycle with side-car. By December 22 1939 the management of Wyllis-Overland Company presented the first drafts of an original concept car that soon became world-famous under the title of Jeep. The car was supposed to be light, powerful and maneuverable.
After the war was over Wyllis-Overland Company decided to adjust its creation to performing certain civilian functions. A series of such cars was produced. They were titled simply CJ (abbreviated Civilian Jeep). These prototypes served as the basis for production of a serial model that hit the market as soon as in August 1945.
However, basically the only civic components it had was an adjustable back header, wind shield wipers and the lid of gasoline tank located on the back fender.
The Jeep logo was supposed to be put on the hood, back door and windshield frame, but during the first years of production, when the company was involved in court examinations initiated by American Bantam Car concerning use of Jeep title they had to produce cars with Wyllis logo. But as soon as in 1950 the company gained the right to use this brand name, so on June 13 1950 Jeep was registered as its trademark.
In 1946 Wyllis was the first car enterprise that suggested some kind of a minivan for civilian purposes. This car had a rear-wheel drive and enough room for up to 7 passengers. Perhaps its speed rates were rather low (100 km/h), but its main advantage was passability. As for AWD version presented in 1949, it was the direct ancestor of contemporary Grand Cherokee SUV that started this dynasty.
The result of its further development was Station Wagon model, a many-passenger Jeep that was being released between 1951 and 1963. Its base and exterior features served as a prototype for the first Wagoneer that in its turn laid the basis for construction of contemporary SUVs.
In 1953 the company got the new name of Wyllis Motors. Fortunately, Jeep division was integrated into it. As for Wyllis, they only got passenger-car production.
60ies were actually the most important in Jeep history, because exactly at that time the market of SUVs was being formed. As early as in the middle of 50ies the company got actively involved in research and development of new concept cars of 4x4 wheel arrangement. The first products appeared in Fall 1962, when the all-new Wagoneer Jeep (Universal) appeared, differing radically from everything they produced before. The model belonged to J series and was equipped with either all-wheel or drive or partial drive. In 1954 the fifth version Civilian Jeep CJ5 appeared. This all-wheel drive car was so successful so it kept being produced until 1983, only changing engines, suspension and transmission. By the way, as early as in 1949 the series of CJs obtained the title Universal.
The 2- or 4-door Wagoneer with 2.79-meter wheelbase was the first dual-purpose vehicle equipped with automatic gearbox; its off-road abilities were effectively combined with cool design and comfort peculiar to passenger cars. It was the first time the combination of all-wheel drive and automatic transmission was implemented. In addition Wagoneers Tornado engine was the only American power unit with overhead camshaft.
6 months later, after the new J-series was set to production Wyllis-Overland Company collapsed. But it was not the total end. In fact in March 1963 Wyllis Motors Company was renamed to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. Fortunately these changes didnt any affect the rates of expansion of model spectrum. As for Wagoneer, it was equipped with V6 Vigilante engine making 250 hp.
In December 1965 Jeep dealers presented on their car show a car that kept attracting the public attention for 11 months on 9 American car shows. That was Super-Wagoneer. It presented a brand-new unique approach to the market of universals, the cars designed for customers realizing the advantages of all-wheel drive. Looking really elegant, the car possessed the passability characteristics peculiar to J-family. Two years later this Jeep series was equipped with automatic Hydromatic transmission.
At the end of 60ies the companys engineers designed the next engine of Dauntless series, this time with 8 cylinders. They decided to install it on J series Wagoneer and Super-Wagoneer belonged to.
Entering the new decade was marked by just another Jeep Company owner change. On February 5 1970 American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser Jeep Corporation for 70 million USD. And over again the owner change not only improved already steady market positions of Jeep. AMC provided Jeep Wagoneer with the biggest all-wheel drive universal engine in car production history, single-camshaft V-6. Another option was the first V-8 in car enterprise they constructed specially.
In 1973 Wagoneer was subjected to certain technical modifications. Its brand-new Quadro track transmission was the pioneer all-automatic permanent system designed for AWD vehicles, equipped with a self-locking differential unit.
Next year the new name Cherokee appeared. The newbie joined J-series as a 2-door model. In 1976 commemorating the 200th anniversary of USA Independence Jeep released the 7th generation of Civilian Jeep, CJ7. By 1977 the company designed a 4-door version equipped with a standard V-6. And although Jeep Cherokees looks initially resembled the luxurious Wagoneer, later on exactly this model became the most popular car in the history of Jeep Motors.
In 1978 a limited series of Wagoneer was released, its Limited Edition, provided with leather saloon upholstery, radio unit and much chromium trimming.
Due to energetic crisis that started in 1979 production of big Gladiator pickups and Wagoneer universals decreased abruptly. However the civilian Jeeps of CJ series were sold like hot cakes.
In 1984 the company released new versions of 2/4-door Cherokee and 4-door Wagoneer that was 53.3 cm shorter, 15 cm narrower, 10 cm lower and 453 kg lighter than its predecessor that was first presented over a decade before, in 1963. Cherokee was the only compact-class car that had 4 doors and two AWD systems, CommandTrac and SelectTrac. It took 6 years for Jeep competitors to provide an alternative to it within this market segment. The success if Jeep in general and Cherokee in particular was quite persistent. The car was nominated the best off-road vehicle of 1984.
Now in addition to such characteristic traits of 4x4 cars as passability, reliability and durability the customers needed comfort and functionality previously associated only with passenger cars. The Jeeps response to these demands followed. As soon as in spring 1986 Wrangler model was born. Its mechanical stuffing was rather similar to Cherokee than CJ7. Along with such characteristics as comfort and attractive exterior design Wrangler offered such traditional advantages of Jeep as endurance and outstanding off-road ability.
On August 5 1987 American Motors Corporation that endured all the difficulties for decades surrendered to US governments discretion by proclaiming its bankruptcy. All its property was sold; its Jeep division was purchased by Chrysler Company.
Jeep entered 90ies fully fledged. On March 22 1990 the millionth SUV of XJ series was released, a vermilion-colored Cherokee Limited. During 7 years of its production and development Cherokee became not only an excellent off-road vehicle, but also the most popular Chrysler product in Europe.
Marking the 50th anniversary of Jeep Company Chrysler released a new version of Cherokee was released, equipped with a 190-horsepower 4-liter PowerTechSix car that became a quality standard of a SUV. Grand Cherokee was chosen to be its full name; its target group in the market was well-to-do category of customers who used to associate high security rates, comfort and prestigiousness with respectable vehicles imported from abroad before. In other words Jeep management decided to add a luxurious strain to severe and actually simplistic off-roads models in order to attract not only the farmers of Wild West, but also prosperous people.
The official presentation of this car took place on January 7 1992 on a car show in Detroit. In 1996 Grand Cherokee was considerably updated, equipped with new engine, chassis, electronic units and elaborated interior design. The dashboard was changed considerably; the keys and buttons were located within drivers immediate reach; the interior ergonomics was increased.
After completing Grand Cherokee successfully the team of Jeep constructors started revising Wrangler, the direct heir of glorious Wyllises the company history began with. These engineers were assigned to develop the second generation of Wrangler Jeep.
By that time Wrangler was produced almost unchanged for almost 9 years and took 50% of the market of compact SUVs. Despite of such impressive achievements and the fact that in 1994 the record number of Wranglers was sold, the company still had something to worry about. Its competitors realized all the market perspectives well and attempted conquering it with various models. The Wranglers successors were supposed to set the new standards in the SUV market, just like Grand Cherokee did before. However the circumstances and condition of Jeep construction were different. Wrangler was the direct heir of original Jeep model of World War II times and was globally considered some kind of an American icon. Being the quintessence of the companys traditions (in America it was nicknamed jeepness) was quite unique for that market. Its successor was supposed to keep its jeepness and not simply maintain the status of an icon of American SUV production, but also raise the traditions to a brand-new level, however one principal thing was to be left unchanged the concept of Wrangler, e.g. cowboy vehicle.
Jeep is one of the most famous car trademarks all over the world. In many languages, including Russian this brand-name became a common noun meaning all SUVs.
At present Jeep sells its vehicles in over a hundred world countries. For example in Europe 3 Jeep models are available Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. Cherokees take 18% of European SUV market.
Jeep Evolution
Jeep is a Division of American Chrysler concern that produces cars of advanced passability of Jeep brand. Their headquarters are located in Detroit (state Michigan). Harrington, an American engineer and industrialist Harrington is considered the inventor of Jeep-type car. After the end of World War he worked in France constructing high-passable vehicles and experimenting with 4- and 6-wheeled trucks in cooperation with Marmon Motor Company of Indianapolis (state Indiana). The car he constructed got the title of jeep (the titles originates from GP, General Purpose car). The car was widely used by the Allies armies during World War II. It gained recognition through its passability, manoeuvrability and easy construction.In 1940 American Willys Company brought the real popularity to jeep. Exactly this military model of war time allows Willys to be considered a great car enterprise of the past. Among other 135 American car companies Willys participated a contest in construction of a scout all-terrain vehicle for US Army. Finally they chose the versions Willys and Ford designed. Each company got an order for production of 1500 units, the release of which was to be started at the beginning of 1941.
Since 1941 US government decided to keep using only Willys MA car for army purposes, however it was modernized taking into consideration its field test results and the necessity of unification of models produced by different manufacturers.
Since 1942 the batch production of cars of Willys MB and Ford GPW trademarks started. These 2 models constructed by different companies were almost identical. They were equipped with a standard Willys 77 motor and 3-stage gearbox. This all-terrain had a room for 4 persons, weighted slightly more than 1 ton and made up to 105 km/h. Altogether these years Willys released over 360 thousand jeeps, the majority of which were used by Red Army. Ford managed to produce less, only about 270 thousand cars.
At the end of 40ies and beginning of 50ies all Wyllis products followed the course of popularity of military jeep that brought the company unprecedented success and world fame. The demand for AWD cars decreased, yet the company couldnt stop its production and come up with something brand new. Its numerous post-war dual-purpose vehicles and promenade cars bearing the index of CJ (civilian jeep) were only considered civic because they werent khaki-colored.
By the beginning of 60ies Willys ceased production of jeeps; however other companies continued producing it.
In 1963 American Motors started releasing high-passability cars in USA, which were also titled Jeeps. Military Wyllis and Ford cars released during World War II served as prototypes of these new models.
In 1970 Kaiser Jeep Company, being the heir of Wyllis, became a division of American Motors concern.
In 1987 American Motors Company joined Chrysler concern together with its famous Jeep division that started producing off-road vehicles of Jeep brand.
Since 1997 the contemporary (6th generation) Wrangler models were produced. The latest versions of Wrangler were way more comfortable than initial ones. The new Jeep ridded of all its springs and got Quadra-Coil suspension instead. The new look of the car became softer, less aggressive than the one of its predecessors. The new Wrangler was also as waterproof as a good watch.
In 1998 the new generation of Grand Cherokee was presented, however only an expert could notice the difference between it and its predecessor.
Since 1999 the contemporary Cherokee generation was released, equipped with a V-shaped engine with 6 or 8 cylinders of 5.2 liter cubic capacity.
Jeep Commander 2 became the innovation of 2000, both because of its wonderful design and new fuel delivery system. It combines accumulators and gas units, which make the system ecologically-friendly. Commander 2 is set in motion with electricity generated by fuel cells. The car has 2 inductive motors of alternating current, one per axle, providing permanent dive for all 4 wheels. Its accumulator also consumes the energy produced by braking process, providing extra fuel economy. In order to compensate for the extra weight of fuel cells Jeep designers constructed the cars body from extra-durable plastic using a unique technology. Thanks to that the cars total weight is 2300 kg; 1000 out of that number were the fuel cells. Another special feature is installed in its dashboard; its a compact camera thats going to transmit the image of hijacker straight to police in case the Jeep is stolen.
Since 2001 this all-terrain, most popular in USA and most European countries is offered with an absolutely innovative V-8 engine of 4.7 liter volume making 235 horsepower. This engine is effectively combined with 5-speed automatic transmission. Its an enormously comfortable, even luxurious 5-door 5-seater all-wheel drive. New Grand Cherokee is also equipped with a wonderful Quadra-Drive system functioning in the following way: in case one of the wheels slips it is blocked and its drive is transmitted to the rest 3 wheels that still keep the grip with soil. This system is absolutely automatic and doesnt require any interference of the driver. Another superb innovative system its equipped with is Vehicle Information Center with HomeLink unit that allows the driver control garage doors and even operate domestic security system. The minicomputer interface is available in 5 languages and performs many superb functions, like blocking the door-locks when the car is driven at high speed exceeding 15 mph and unblocks them when it is stopped or when the drivers door is open. It registers tuning of all mirrors, position of drivers seat and radio cassette-players settings for several drivers. It even keeps the headlights switched on for the time needed for the driver to come up to the threshold of the house and unlock the door. After keeping the record of your habits and preferences is may remind that you need to visit maintenance services, notify you about fuel shortage and slide the drivers seat back after the key is removed from ignition hole. This all-modernized car, basically one of the best all-wheel drive cars, also has remarkable dynamics.
Jeep History
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