Jeep has stood the test of time as a legendary car brand with an impressive history that began in the military. Here we propose to recall the best Jeep models of all time.
Before World War II the “jeep” word was U.S. Army slang for new recruits or vehicles. During the war and post-war period, the Jeep became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the US Armed Forces and the Allies, and later the term spread worldwide and inspired the development of civilian analogs and other military variants in other nations.
Each Jeep model deserves attention. The most iconic ones are compiled here.
1. 1941-1945 Willys MB
The mother of all Jeeps with a rugged design and perfect off-road capability, one of the most popular vehicles in the world and one of the most significant Jeeps of all time, with 640K units made in the war period.
2. Jeep CJ
The Jeep CJ (“Civilian Jeep”) series were based on the World War II military Jeeps.
The design of the CJ-5 of the 50s was influenced by Jeeps used during the Korean War, and the CJ-6 was its elongated sibling that allowed an optional 2nd-row seating.
The CJ-5 is one of the longest production runs in Jeep’s history which remained popular well into the 70s when it received all-new engines (a V6 became standard), new editions, and driver comfort features.
The 1976-1986 Jeep CJ-7 got important changes over the CJ-5: a longer wheelbase, an optional introduction of the automatic transmission as an option, and a wider engine range, including a 258-in3 inline 6-cylinder and a 304 in3 V8. The CJ-7 is one of the most successful Jeeps ever.
3. Jeep Wrangler
This SUV is common among off-road enthusiasts, it features many aftermarket parts and accessories, and a number of remarkable versions.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a unique design and important off-road upgrades (33” tires, locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars) is Jeep’s most off-road capable vehicle. It is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft.
The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4×4 combines the most desired features of two popular versions – the Rubicon and the Unlimited, namely the longer wheelbase of the Unlimited with the off-road focus of the Rubicon.
The 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ also deserves mentioning as the Wrangler’s first major redesign introducing some important changes: an independent suspension instead of the solid front axle, a wider track, a more powerful 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
4. Jeep Wagoneer
The original 1963-1991 Wagoneer is a classic Jeep: a full-size, body-on-frame vehicle, initially built on a pickup truck chassis. The automaker introduced it in a station wagon body style, but later that pioneering design became known as a “sport utility vehicle”.
The first Wagoneer featured lots of space for passengers and cargo, a variety of engines, including a 5.9 liter V8, and a smooth ride.
It had a luxurious cabin and was one of the first in its class to offer different amenities, like air conditioning, independent front suspension, radio, power steering, and automatic transmission.
The most-famous 1984-1991 Wagoneer Woody featured wood paneling on the sides and was popular among family buyers.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Produced from 1992 till the present, this is a notable model we could not help mentioning here. The Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s first Chrysler product after the corporate merger, Chrysler’s bet on the luxury SUV market, and one of the first in its class to underpin a unibody chassis.
One of the best versions is the 2019 Grand Cherokee SRT8 ultra-performer with its own engine (Hemi V8 with 475 hp), towing capacity of up to 7200 pounds, advanced safety, and fine interior materials.
The most powerful Jeep is the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with performance-enhancing features, a supercharged 6.2-liter 707-hp V8, a top speed of 180 mph, and a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 3.5 sec.
