Jeep facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jeep

Jeep dealership in Rockville, Maryland (2004)
Owner	Stellantis
Introduced	1943; 82 years ago (1943) (trademark application) 1945; 80 years ago (1945) (first Jeep-branded product launched)
Related brands	Willys MB
Markets	Worldwide
Previous owners	Willys–Overland Motors (1945–1963) Kaiser Jeep (1953–1970) American Motors (1970–1987)

Jeep is a famous American car brand. It is now owned by a big company called Stellantis. Jeep has been part of Chrysler since 1987. Chrysler bought Jeep from its earlier owner, American Motors Corporation (AMC).

Today, Jeep mostly makes sport utility vehicles (SUVs). These include both crossovers and tough off-road SUVs. They also make one pickup truck. In the past, Jeep made other pickup trucks, small vans, and even some roadsters. Some Jeep vehicles, like the Grand Cherokee, are considered luxury SUVs. The 1963 Wagoneer is thought to have started this luxury SUV trend.

Jeep sold 1.4 million SUVs around the world in 2016. This was a big jump from 500,000 in 2008. Most of these sales were in North America. Jeep was Fiat-Chrysler's best-selling brand in the U.S. during the first half of 2017.

Before 1940, "jeep" was U.S. Army slang for new recruits or vehicles. But the World War II "jeep" started being made in 1941. This vehicle made the name "Jeep" famous for a light military 4x4. Many people say it was the first mass-produced four-wheel-drive SUV. The Jeep became the main light four-wheel-drive vehicle for the U.S. Armed Forces and their Allies during World War II. It was also used after the war. The term "jeep" became well-known worldwide after the war.

Doug Stewart said the Jeep was a symbol of American cleverness and a "can-do" attitude during World War II. It led to later military vehicles like the Humvee. It also inspired civilian cars like the first Series I Land Rover. Many similar military and civilian vehicles have been designed in other countries since then.

The Jeep brand has been based in Toledo, Ohio, since 1945. That's when Willys–Overland started making the first CJ (Civilian Jeep) models there. The Jeep Wrangler series, which replaced the CJ, has been made since 1986. The Wrangler, with its strong axles and open top, is very important to the Jeep brand. It's as iconic as the 911 is to Porsche.

At least two Jeep models, the CJ-5 and the SJ Wagoneer, were made for an amazing three decades without major changes.

The word "jeep" (with a small "j") is still used as a general term. It describes vehicles inspired by the Jeep that can drive on rough ground. In Iceland, the word Jeppi (from Jeep) has been used since World War II. It is still used for any type of SUV there.

Jeep's Start in World War II

Creating the First Jeeps

Bantam's BRC 40, pictured in 1941

When it looked like the U.S. would join World War II, the Army asked 135 companies to design a four-wheel-drive car. Only two companies replied: the American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland. The Army gave them a very short deadline of 49 days. Willys asked for more time but was told no.

American Bantam was a small company with few staff. So, their chief engineer, Harold Crist, hired Karl Probst. Probst was a talented designer. He started working on July 17, 1940, without pay at first.

Probst drew the full plans for the Bantam prototype, called the BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car), in just two days. He estimated the cost the next day. Bantam sent their plans on July 22. Many parts could be bought off the shelf. Special four-wheel-drive parts came from Spicer. The first prototype was built in Butler, Pennsylvania. It was driven to Camp Holabird, Maryland, on September 23 for Army tests. The vehicle met almost all the Army's needs.

Willys and Ford Join In

Ford Pygmy during testing at Camp Holabird, Maryland (c. 1940)

Dashboard of World War II era jeep in Imperial War Museum (2007)

The Army worried that Bantam couldn't make enough vehicles. So, they gave Bantam's design to Willys and Ford. They encouraged these companies to make the design even better. The Ford "Pygmy" and Willys "Quad" prototypes looked a lot like Bantam's BRC. Spicer also supplied similar four-wheel-drive parts to all three companies.

Jeep with 50 cal. Browning machine gun (2008)

About 1,500 of each model (Bantam BRC-40, Ford GP, and Willys MA) were built and tested. The Army then changed the weight rule for the vehicle. Willys-Overland's chief engineer, Delmar "Barney" Roos, changed their design. He used Willys' strong "Go Devil" engine. This helped Willys win the first big production contract.

The Willys version became the standard Jeep design, called the model MB. It was built at their factory in Toledo, Ohio. The well-known Jeep grille with its pressed metal was a Ford design. The Army decided to use it in the final Jeep.

The U.S. War Department needed many vehicles quickly. So, Willys-Overland let the U.S. Government use its designs. This allowed another company to build Jeeps using Willys' plans. The Army chose Ford as a second maker. Ford built Jeeps based on Willys' design. American Bantam, who made the first Jeep, built about 2,700 of their BRC-40 design. For the rest of the war, they built heavy-duty trailers for the Army.

Jeep Production During the War

1943 Willys Jeep

The final Jeeps made by Willys-Overland were the Model MB. Those made by Ford were the Model GPW. There were small differences between them. Ford's versions had an "F" mark on every part, even bolt heads. Early on, Ford also stamped their name on the back of their Jeeps. Willys did the same, but the U.S. government stopped both companies from doing this in 1942.

Even with all the advertising, no "Jeep"-branded vehicles were sold until the 1945 Willys CJ-2A. Willys-Overland and Ford made about 640,000 Jeeps for the war. This was about 18% of all wheeled military vehicles made in the U.S. during the war.

Jeeps were used by every part of the U.S. military. They were used for many jobs, like laying cables, as ambulances, and even as tractors. Some could even run on railway tracks. An amphibious Jeep, the model GPA or "seep" (Sea Jeep), was made by Ford. But it wasn't very successful as it wasn't great on land or water. About 30% of all Jeeps made were sent to Great Britain and the Soviet Red Army.

Jeeps After the War

The Jeep has been copied all over the world. Countries like France, Japan, and others made their own versions. The Land Rover was even inspired by the Jeep. Designers and museum experts love the simple, useful look of the original Jeep. The Museum of Modern Art has shown the Jeep as a great example of useful design.

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Ernie Pyle called the Jeep one of the most important non-fighting tools of the war. Jeeps became even more famous after the war. They were sold as surplus, and many people wanted them.

The Jeepney is a special type of taxi or bus in the Philippines. The first Jeepneys were made from military Jeeps left after World War II. People in the Philippines made them longer and wider to carry more passengers. Over time, Jeepneys became a symbol of the Philippines. Today, most Jeepneys are built from scratch by local makers.

In the U.S. military, newer vehicles like the Humvee have replaced the Jeep.

Underwater Jeeps: CJ-V35/U

After World War II, Jeep tried out new designs. One idea was a model that could drive underwater. In 1950, a contract was approved for 1,000 units. These Jeeps were "especially adapted for general reconnaissance or command communications." They were also "constructed for short period underwater operation." The engine had a snorkel system so it could breathe underwater.

The M715 Military Truck

Jeep M715, developed in 1965

In 1965, Jeep created the M715 1.25-ton army truck. This was a military version of the civilian J-series Jeep truck. It was used a lot in the Vietnam War. It had stronger axles and a flat windshield that could fold down. Today, other countries still use it, and Kia makes it under license.

Where Did the Name "Jeep" Come From?

There are many ideas about where the word jeep came from. It's hard to prove most of them. The most common idea is that the military name GP (for Government Purposes or General Purpose) became "Jeep." This is like how the modern HMMWV became known as the Humvee. Joe Frazer, who was president of Willys-Overland, said he made up the word "jeep" from G.P. But there's no real proof that "GP" was used before people tried to make up a reason for the name later.

A different idea, made popular by R. Lee Ermey on his TV show Mail Call, says the "slurred GP" idea is wrong. He says the vehicle was made for specific jobs and was never called "General Purpose." He also thinks it's unlikely that soldiers would know this name. The Ford GPW name actually meant G for government use, P for its 80-inch wheelbase, and W for its Willys-Overland designed engine.

Ermey suggests that soldiers were so impressed with the new vehicles. They informally named it after Eugene the Jeep. This character was Popeye's "jungle pet" in the Thimble Theatre comic strip. Eugene the Jeep was "small, could move between dimensions, and could solve seemingly impossible problems."

However, the word "jeep" was used even before World War I. It was U.S. Army slang for new soldiers or for new, untested vehicles. In 1937, tractors made by Minneapolis Moline for the U.S. Army were called jeeps. An early version of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress plane was also called the jeep.

A dictionary of military slang from 1942, Words of the Fighting Forces, gives this definition:

Jeep: A four-wheel drive vehicle of one-half- to one-and-one-half-ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½-ton command vehicle. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget."

This definition is supported by the term "jeep carrier" for the Navy's small escort carriers.

In early 1941, Willys-Overland showed how good the vehicle was off-road. They drove it up the steps of the United States Capitol. Willys test driver Irving "Red" Hausmann was driving. He had heard soldiers calling it a "jeep." When a reporter asked him what it was called, Hausmann said, "It's a jeep."

The reporter's article was published on February 19, 1941. It included a picture of the vehicle with a caption. This public showing made the name "Jeep" stick to the 4x4 vehicle.

Jeep Brand and Its Look

Willys wartime advertisement promoting its Jeeps' contribution to the war effort

The "Jeep" brand has had many owners. Willys-Overland first applied for the "Jeep" trademark in February 1943. Willys advertised how much they helped create the Jeep that won the war. Willys' application faced problems from Bantam and Minneapolis-Moline for years. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) first sided with Bantam. After the war, the FTC even told Willys-Overland to stop claiming they "created or designed" the Jeep. Willys could only say they helped develop it.

However, Willys started making the first Civilian Jeep (CJ) vehicles in 1945. Since they were the only company making "Jeep" vehicles after the war, Willys-Overland finally got the name "Jeep" as a registered trademark in June 1950.

FCA US LLC, the company that now owns the Jeep brand, holds the trademark for the name "Jeep." They also own the design of the special 7-slot front grille. The original 9-slot grille on World War II Jeeps was designed by Ford. It was lighter than Willys' original "Slat Grille," so it was used in the standard Jeep design.

The Humvee military vehicle has ties to Jeep. In 1971, Jeep's military division became AM General. This was a company owned by American Motors Corporation, which also owned Jeep. In 1979, AM General started designing the Humvee.

Amazing Off-Road Abilities

Jeep Wrangler off-roading

Jeep ads always show how good their vehicles are off-road. Today, the Wrangler is one of the few four-wheel-drive vehicles with solid front and rear axles. These axles are known for being strong and durable. New Wranglers come with a Dana 44 rear differential and a Dana 30 front differential. The special Rubicon model of the JK Wrangler has electronic locking differentials. It also has strong axles, a special transfer case, and heavy-duty suspension.

Solid axle vehicles are also easier and cheaper to "lift" with special suspension parts. Lifting a Jeep increases the space between the axles and the body. This allows bigger tires to be installed. Bigger tires increase the ground clearance, helping the Jeep drive over bigger obstacles. Many owners also want to increase suspension "flex" or articulation. This helps all four wheels stay on the ground and keep traction when off-roading.

Smaller Jeeps are great because they have short wheelbases and narrow frames. They also have good approach, breakover, and departure angles. This means they can go places where bigger four-wheel-drive vehicles might get stuck.

However, Jeeps do have some downsides. Their short wheelbase and lighter weight can make climbing very steep hills harder. This is because the weight isn't spread out as evenly as on longer vehicles. Also, solid axles mean they are the lowest point to the ground, no matter how high the body is lifted. Older Jeeps often lacked basic safety features like doors, seatbelts, or roll cages. This made them very dangerous if they rolled over.

Jeep's Company History

After the war, Willys stopped making passenger cars. They decided to focus on Jeeps and Jeep-branded vehicles. They launched the Willys Jeep Station Wagon in 1946, the Willys Jeep Truck in 1947, and the Jeepster in 1948. Willys tried to sell passenger cars again in 1952 with the Willys Aero sedan, but it didn't work out. So, Kaiser Motors bought the company in 1953. Kaiser first called the new company "Willys Motors." But they changed the name to Kaiser-Jeep in 1963. By 1955, Kaiser-Frazer only sold Jeeps.

American Motors Corporation (AMC) then bought Kaiser's Jeep business in 1970. This was a good move for AMC. Jeep's utility vehicles shared parts with AMC's cars, which saved money. Jeep also had strong international and government sales. In 1971, AMC created a separate company called AM General for Jeep's commercial and military vehicles. AM General later developed the M998 Humvee. In 1976, Jeep introduced the CJ-7. For the first time, Jeep sold over 100,000 civilian vehicles globally in one year.

The French carmaker Renault started investing in AMC in 1979. Renault began selling Jeeps in Europe soon after. In this period, Jeep introduced the XJ Cherokee, their first SUV with a single body frame. Global sales went over 200,000 for the first time in 1985. However, the CJ Jeeps were replaced by the new Wrangler line in 1986. By 1987, Renault was having money problems.

Chrysler Corporation bought AMC in 1987. They mainly bought AMC for the Jeep brand. After more than 40 years, the profitable Jeep brand was now owned by one of the "Big Three" U.S. car companies. Jeep was the only AMC brand Chrysler kept. Chrysler later merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998, becoming DaimlerChrysler. During this time, Chrysler and Jeep sales were combined. DaimlerChrysler later sold most of its share in Chrysler in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division then operated as Chrysler Group LLC. In 2014, Chrysler became part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Jeeps have been built under license by many companies worldwide. These include Mahindra in India, EBRO in Spain, and several in South America. Mitsubishi built over 30 models in Japan between 1953 and 1998. Most were based on the CJ-3B model.

Toledo, Ohio, has always been the home of the Jeep brand. The city is very proud of this history. Even though Jeeps are not made in the same factory as the World War II originals, two streets nearby are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway. The Jeep Wrangler is still built in Toledo, not far from the old Willys-Overland plant.

American Motors started the first car-making partnership in China in 1984. This was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation. They made the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) in Beijing. Production continued after Chrysler bought AMC. This partnership is now part of DaimlerChrysler. In October 2022, the partnership between Stellantis and a Chinese company went bankrupt. However, Stellantis plans to keep serving Jeep customers in China.

Jeeps have been built in India by Mahindra & Mahindra since the 1960s. Jeep officially entered the Indian market in 2016. They started by selling the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee there.

Who Owned Jeep?

• 1944–1953: Willys-Overland
• 1953–1964: Kaiser Jeep (called "Willys Motors")
• 1964–1970: Kaiser Jeep
• 1970–1987: AMC (with Renault helping in 1986)
• 1987–1998: Chrysler Corporation
• 1998–2007: DaimlerChrysler AG
• 2007–2009: Chrysler LLC
• 2009–2013: Chrysler Group LLC - Fiat Group Automobiles
• 2014–2021: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
• 2021–present: Stellantis

Military Jeep Models

Willys MA on the assembly line, 1941

1942 Willys MB slat grille

1952–1957 Willys / Kaiser MD

Jeep M715 truck

• 1940 Willys Quad – Willys' first prototype for the U.S. Army.
• 1941 Willys MA – Willys' early model before the main World War II Jeep.
• 1941–1944 Willys MT "Super Jeep" – A 6x6 prototype.
• 1942 Willys MB – slat grille
• 1942–1945 Willys MB – stamped grille
• 1943 Willys WAC "Jeeplet" – A super light-weight prototype.
• 1944 Willys MLW-2 "Jungle Jeep" – A prototype for a half-ton jungle jeep.
• 1949–1952 Willys MC / M38
• 1950 CJ V-35(/U) – A CJ-3A made for deep water crossings.
• 1952–1971 Willys / Kaiser MD / M38A1
  • 1952–1957 Willys M38A1C – Fitted with a 105/106mm anti-tank rifle.
• 1953 Willys BC Bobcat aka "Aero Jeep" – A very small, lightweight prototype.
• 1959–1982 M151 jeep – Developed by Ford, later made by Kaiser Jeep and AM General.
• 1960–1968 Jeep M606
• 1967–1969 Kaiser Jeep M715 truck – Based on the civilian Jeep Gladiator.

Civilian Jeep Models

Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep)

1982 Jeep Scrambler

The CJ series were the first "Jeep" branded vehicles sold to the public. They started in 1945 with the CJ-2A. These early Jeeps are called "flat-fenders" because their front fenders were flat, just like the original WW II model.

• 1945–1949 CJ-2A
• 1949–1953 CJ-3A
• 1953–1968 CJ-3B
• 1954–1983 CJ-5
• 1955–1975 CJ-6
• 1976–1986 CJ-7
• 1981–1985 CJ-8 Scrambler

Willys Jeep Station Wagon and Truck

• The 1946–1965 Willys Jeep Station Wagon and the
• 1947–1965 Willys Jeep Truck shared many design features.

Over 300,000 wagons were built in the U.S. It was one of Willys' most successful models after World War II.

Willys / Jeep Jeepster

The Jeepster, introduced in 1948, was based on the Jeep Station Wagon.

• 1948–1950 Willys VJ Jeepster

Jeepster Commando

• 1966–1971 C101—Jeepster Commando
• 1972–1973 C104—Jeep Commando

Willys Jeep FC-170 (1957–1965)

Jeep Forward Control

• The 1956–1965 Jeep Forward Control was built for both civilians and the military. Civilian versions included:
  • FC-150
  • FC-170

Jeep DJ (Dispatcher Jeep) and Fleetvan

A USPS mail delivery vehicle made by Jeep

From 1955, Willys offered two-wheel-drive versions of their CJ Jeeps for commercial use. These were called DJ models. A well-known version was the right-hand drive model with sliding side-doors, used by the US Postal Service. In 1961, the 'Fleetvan' delivery van was added, based on DJ Jeeps.

• 1955–1964 DJ-3A
• 1965–1975 DJ-5

Fleetvan Jeep

• 1961–1975 Fleetvan

Full-Size Jeeps

Jeep Wagoneer c. 1968

J20 pickup, Honcho package

SJ Wagoneer, Cherokee and Pickups

SUV models (1962–1991)

• 1962–1983 SJ Wagoneer
• 1974–1983 SJ Cherokee
• 1984–1991 SJ Grand Wagoneer

Pickup models (1962–1988)

• 1962–1971 Jeep Gladiator (SJ)
• 1971–1988 Jeep pickup truck (J-)

Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and Comanche

1988 Jeep Cherokee 2.5

• 1984–2001 XJ Cherokee
• 1986–1992 Jeep Comanche (MJ)

Jeep Wrangler

1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ Islander

1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ

2016 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited (MIAS '16)

Jeep Wrangler

• 1987–1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ
• 1997–2006 Wrangler TJ
• 2007–2018 Wrangler JK
• 2017 – Jeep Wrangler JL
• 2019 – Jeep Gladiator JT

Grand Cherokee

1st generation Grand Cherokee ZJ

2008–2010 WK Grand Cherokee

• 1993–1998 Grand Cherokee ZJ
• 1999–2004 Grand Cherokee WJ
• 2005–2010 Grand Cherokee WK
• 2011–2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2
• 2021–Present Jeep Grand Cherokee WL

Jeep Liberty / Cherokee

2008–2009 Jeep Liberty

• 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty KJ (or Jeep Cherokee outside North America)
• 2008–2012 Jeep Liberty KK (or Jeep Cherokee outside North America)

Jeep Commander

• 2006–2010 Jeep Commander (XK)

Jeep Compass and Patriot

• 2007–2017 Jeep Compass MK49
• 2017–present Jeep Compass MP/552
• 2006–2017 Jeep Patriot (MK74)

Jeep Concept Cars

Jeep has also created many concept cars and prototypes over the years, showing ideas for future designs and technologies. Some of these ideas later became real production models.

Current Jeep Models

• Jeep Renegade: A smaller SUV.
• Jeep Wrangler: A classic, tough SUV, available in 2-door and 4-door versions.
  • J8: A military version of the Wrangler.
  • Jeep Gladiator (JT): A mid-size pickup truck.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: A mid-size SUV.
• Jeep Compass: A compact SUV.
• Jeep Commander: A mid-size SUV mainly for new markets.
• Jeep Wagoneer/Jeep Grand Wagoneer (WS): Large SUVs.
• Jeep Avenger: A compact SUV.

Coming Soon

• 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S: A coupe-style electric SUV.
• 2024 Jeep Recon: A mid-size electric SUV inspired by the Wrangler.

Jeeps Made Outside the USA

The Troller T4

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Indian Jeep

Jeeps have been built or put together by different companies around the world.

• Argentina – IKA Jeeps (1956–current)
• Brazil – Willys Overland do Brasil, later Ford do Brasil (1957–1985). The Troller T4 is a fiberglass Jeep version built in Brazil.
• China – Beijing Jeep Corporation (1983 to 2009).
• Egypt – Arab Organization for Industrialization makes the Jeep Cherokee and the Wrangler-based Jeep AAV TJL.
• France – Licensed Jeeps by Hotchkiss M201 and Cournil (1952–1962).
• India – Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (1960s-current).
• Israel – Automotive Industries makes the AIL Storm (Sufa) series, which are based on the Jeep Wrangler.
• Japan – Mitsubishi Jeeps (1953–1998).
• Philippines – Jeepneys are unique taxis/buses made from old Jeeps.

Spanish-built long-wheelbase CJ-3B

• Spain – Vehículos Industriales y Agrícolas, S.A (VIASA) (1960–1990s).

Jeep Apparel and Sponsorships

Jeep is also a brand for outdoor clothing and gear. These products are sold under a license. There are many such stores in China, more than Jeep car dealerships.

In April 2012, Jeep signed a sponsorship deal with the Italian football club Juventus. In August 2014, Jeep also sponsored the Greek football club AEK Athens F.C.. Since 2018, Jeep has been the main sponsor of France's top men's professional basketball league, LNB Pro A, which is now called Jeep Élite.

Sponsorships

• Dewa United (football)
• Juventus (football)
• Al-Nasr (football)
• Balestier Khalsa (football)

See also

In Spanish: Jeep para niños