Jeep® History

In 1941, the Jeep® brand's lifelong adventure began. Since then, the brand has connected all Jeep fans and enthusiasts with adventure, passion and freedom. It is the powerful technology of the vehicles that connects you to your owners.

1940 - the Second World War is upon us and the USA commissions the construction of an off-road vehicle. The requirements were clear: 272 kilograms payload, wheelbase less than 190 cm, height less than 91 cm, engine running smoothly from three to 80 kilometers per hour, rectangular body, four-wheel drive with off-road reduction, folding windshield, three individual seats, driving and blackout lights, unladen weight less than 590 kg.

In 1941, after the agreement of the clients, the Willys (MA) vehicle was created and at the same time the revolutionary birth of the Jeep brand. In the years that followed, the Willy MB served in World War II, based on the technology of the Willys MA and only upgraded according to army recommendations. A robust vehicle with a short wheelbase.

When the war ended and no vehicle was intended for the army any more, Willys clearly had to produce a civilian vehicle. This resulted in the Jeep CJ2, which was used in agriculture. It differed by a spare wheel mounted on the side of the rear, larger headlights and an external fuel filler neck.

The successor served families and thus the first steel panel van was created: the Willys Wagon equipped with 7 seats (1946-1965).

Jeep Willys Pickup was built in 1947, which, thanks to a load capacity of one tonne, was suitable for agricultural use. It was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and a 299,7 cm wheelbase.

Now the first vehicle that appeared functional and aesthetic was the Jeep CJ3. The last CJ2 models were sold and the Jeep brand spread beyond the borders of the USA. Visually, the Jeep was very similar to its predecessor, but differed in its one-piece windshield and robust rear axle. It retained the original L-Head four cylinder engine.

The Jeep M38 was built for the Korean War, which was based on the CJ and was used for military services. It replaced the Willys MB in 1950 and was produced for two years. It differed in its reinforced frame, reinforced suspension, sealed engine and transmission vents, and brake and fuel system.

The Jeep CJ5 (1955-1983) has a high value in the Jeep history, because it was the longest of the Jeep models on the market. It stands out for the rounded shape of its front fenders, a longer body and wheelbase, improved axles, engines and transmission. It also offered more seating comfort and other design lines.

A lot of space was brought by the production of the CJ6, which was manufactured with more cargo space. Compared to the Jeep CJ5, the CJ6 had a longer wheelbase, otherwise it was very similar to its predecessor. In 1965 the new Dauntless V6 engine was introduced for the Jeep CJ5 and CJ6, doubling the power of the four-cylinder engine. Later, all Jeep CJ were fitted with the AMC V8 engine.
 
In 1948, the Jeepster appeared, the last vehicle in Phaeton touring car style. It had an open body with buttoned-in, loose side panels. It had a 2.6 liter six cylinder engine.

During the production of the Jeep Gladiator (1963-1971), all the features of a pickup truck were incorporated in the best possible way. With full power and loading area, it was also produced with power steering and automatic transmission. The Jeep could be chosen with 305 cm or 320 cm wheelbase, Dana 20 transfer case and Dana 44 front and rear axle.

The Jeep Cherokee SJ was a vehicle for adventurous and younger Jeep lovers. Its sporty look, adjustable seats and steering wheel shape set it apart from its predecessors.

A combination of the CJ5 and CJ6 was created in the 1970s: the Jeep CJ7. Particularly striking is the slightly extended wheelbase, automatic transmission and a lot of comfort. In total, it was marketed with six different AMC engines. The CJ8 (1981-1986) marked the end of the CJ series. It had a longer wheelbase and the driver's cab could be removed.

The upgrading of the Jeep Wagoneer was produced 1984-1991: the Jeep Wagoneer SJ, characterized by the sides with imitation burl wood. The SUV turned out to be a luxury brand.

The most produced was the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001). A light, agile vehicle made it an excellent SUV for off-road and road use. Special was the introduction of the Jeep Command-Trac all-wheel drive system and the Quadra-Link coil spring front axle. The 1989 Limited model had a 4.0 liter in-line six cylinder engine.

The Jeep Comanche 1986 offered a lot of loading space as a compact pick-up with a cabin. The Jeep is similar in design to the Cherokee XJ. The load floor was built with 6 or 7 feet, with long or short wheelbase.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was the first SUV with a driver's airbag and was considered a comfort vehicle. With its other features, such as Quadra-Trac, disc brakes, it made it into the luxury class.

Based on the CJ series, the Jeep Wrangler TJ was produced from 1997-2006. It laid the foundation for the Off-Road series. Characteristic features are a four-link coil spring suspension, front airbags, a folding windshield, removable doors and round headlights. Hardtop or softtop were selectable.

New design was brought by the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ | WG, which was produced 1999-2004. The interior was renewed with navigation system and two-tone black interior, the rear door was enlarged, the headlights repositioned and the rear window wipers optimized.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was produced in 2003 and proved to be well equipped with Dana 44 front and rear axle differentials, an off-road gear ratio of 4:1 and other options. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in 2004 offered more road comfort as well as a load floor and footwell.

The Jeep Cherokee KJ 2001, which is called Liberty in the USA, was completely redesigned. The vehicle was the first model with the new generation of Powertech petrol engines, rack and pinion steering and the first Jeep to reinstate independent front wheel suspension.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, was the third generation of the series and offered improved on-road performance with strong off-road features. Manufactured with a double cross-country independent suspension, as before, a semi-trailing arm rigid axle and optimized noise and vibration damping. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 provided improved road comfort.

Based on the Grand Wagoneer and inspired by the Grand Cherokee WK, the Jeep Commander 2006-2010 was produced. Recognizable by its clean lines, three different Quadratec traction systems, three different engines and electronic stability control and seven seats in three rows.

A compact SUV - the Jeep Compass and Patriot MK was produced from 2006. The Jeep Compass MK is based on a front-wheel drive platform and offers maneuverability and a high level of comfort. The Jeep Patriot appears in a more traditional and outdoor design. The SUV is based on the Daimler Chrysler and is available with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It is also equipped with off-road features such as Lock Brake technology.

In 2007, the Jeep Cherokee KK (in the USA Jeep Cherokee Liberty) will appear in a completely different design than before. For many, the Jeep Cherokee KK was the first Jeep vehicle. Equipped with a Sky-Slider fabric folding roof, hill descent and hill start assist and Selec-Trac II four-wheel drive system.

In 2007-2018, the Jeep Wrangler JK was introduced as the successor to the TJ. In the Wrangler series, the JK is the first vehicle also available as a 4-door model and the first vehicle in the series with a large cargo area.  It offers a longer wheelbase, more space, new body design, increased safety and comfort and fuel efficiency. The Sahara models received a higher quality hardtop and in 2012 a new 3.6 liter engine from Pentastastar was introduced. The Rubicon models have a front anti-roll bar and reinforced axles for more axle articulation off-road.

All the best combined in the Grand Cherokee WK2 (since 2011), whether on or off road. It not only offers lower fuel consumption than its predecessors, but also improved workmanship, body design, safety and interior comfort. The headlights are rather narrow, the radiator grill is equipped with 7 slots, so that the front appears rather rectangular. Available up to a 6.4 liter 8V petrol engine.

The Jeep Cherokee KL - the fifth generation of the Cherokee has been available since 2013. The well-known version, rather muscular and hard, is no longer recognizable in this vehicle. The Cherokee convinces with dynamic lines, elongated headlights and the 7-slot radiator grille.

The Jeep Renegade is mainly developed and manufactured since 2014. It belongs to the Mini SUV's and is rather manufactured for off-road use. The design of the Jeep is reminiscent of the legendary CJ models and is characterized by its more distinctive design.

Newly revised in 2017, the Jeep Compass presents itself in Europe with power, chic design and comfort. In contrast to the previous model, the headlights of this vehicle are no longer round, but elongated in the narrow radiator grille. With its different versions, such as the 1.4-liter Mulitair gasoline engine and the 2.0-liter Multijet diesel, the Jeep is a popular vehicle for many. Available with 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Wrangler JL - here we stay true to the Wrangler concept. The vehicle is the fourth generation, which like its predecessor is available as a 2- or 4-door model. The design was focused on lightness, so that the model weighs several kilos less. A four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with turbocharger and a four-cylinder 2.2-liter Multijet II CRD turbo diesel are available. Unlike its predecessor, the vehicle is not offered with LED lighting.