The American company Jeep appeared on the horizon of the world automotive market thanks to the victory of Willys-Overland in a tender organized by the US Army for the supply of a general purpose vehicle. So July 21, 1941 can safely be considered the date when the history of the Jeep began and the Jeep company was founded, giving a name to a whole class of SUVs. Samples of all-wheel drive light vehicles for the military from Ford and Bantam also took part in the competition.
The firstborn of an American company that provided the basis for successful development was Willys MB, whose production during the years of World War II (1941-1945) exceeded 600,000 milestone.
In 1944, the first "Civilian Jeep" appeared - the CJ-1A (Civilian Jeep) model.
A further development of models for free sale is the station wagon, which appeared in 1945, with a closed body - CJ-2A.
The two-door Jeepster phaeton expands the company's line in 1948.
In 1949, Willys-Overland launches mass production all-wheel drive station wagon with a "six" under the hood.
In June 1950, the Jeep trademark was registered.
Kaiser Corporation in 1953 buys the Willys-Overland company, which managed to earn worldwide fame. The newly formed company receives the name Willys Motors and is expanding the range of SUVs.
In 1962, the company is renamed Kaiser Jeep and in 1963 produces the first all-wheel drive car equipped with an automatic transmission with the original name Jeep Wagoneer.
In the period from 1965 to 1970, the production of off-road vehicles increased. New engines appear with significantly increased power: the six-cylinder Dauntless - "Fearless" and the eight-cylinder Vigilent - "Vigilant" 250 hp. Start of sales of Jeep cars - Jeep Super Wagoneer and Jeepster Commando in various body styles, from a van to a roadster.
American Motors Corporation buys Kaiser Jeep in 1970. AMC's jeep division is named Jeep Corporation and the advertising slogan for its products is "Jeep is the vehicle for off-road adventure."
In 1972, the Jeep Wagoneer receives a fully automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive - Quadra-Trac.
First generation Jeep Cherokee saw the light in 1974, at first the all-wheel drive was produced with a supporting two-door body, and only in 1977 did a four-door modification appear. Cherokee enjoyed incredible popularity, the new Jeep had to be ordered and waited from three to six months.
1977 was marked by the release of the luxurious Wagoneer Limited, the car was equipped with air conditioning, unheard of for multi-purpose vehicles, leather interior and stereo radio.
The second generation Jeep Cherokee appeared in 1983. The American SUV has become more compact than its predecessor and could boast of a unique at that time opportunity to be equipped with a choice of two types of all-wheel drive transmission: Command Trac (with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 driving wheel modes) or SelecTrac with permanent all-wheel drive.
At the turn of 1985-1986, the Jeep Comanche jeep pickup appeared in the company's lineup, which became the ancestor of the all-wheel drive pickup class.
American Motors was taken over by Chrysler in 1987. Launch of the Jeep Wrangler with an open cockpit. The car is a direct descendant of the legendary Willys MB, the new Jeep has not lost off-road qualities and became comfortable, like a Jeep Cherokee.
In 1991, the production of the Jeep Renegade, which underwent a global modernization, began.
First generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was presented at the Detroit Auto Show in the winter of 1992, the production of the model begins in Europe (Graz, Austria).
The new generation Jeep Wrangler replaces its predecessor in 1997.
1998 can be considered an epochal year for Chrysler, the American corporation merges with Daimler Benz merged to form Daimler-Chrysler. Americans get access to modern automotive technology and new diesel engines, Germans get more opportunities in a huge automotive market North America.
The second generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has been in production since mid-1998.
The next generation of the Jeep Cherokee (Liberty) appeared in 2001, three years later the model was updated, and in engine compartment registered diesel engine 2.8 VGT CRD.
The third generation of the legendary Jeep Grand Cherokee appeared in 2005. Under the hood of the novelty, a 3.0 CRD diesel engine and, to choose from, two gasoline engines are installed: V8 4.7 or HEMI V8 5.7 with an advanced MDS system that disables half of the cylinders to save fuel.
In 2006, Jeep released the first 7-seater SUV - Jeep Commander, also launched sales of the compact Jeep Compass, built on a front-wheel drive platform with a fully independent suspension. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 appears in the lineup, an SUV with sports car dynamics - the car accelerates to 100 km / h in 5 seconds.
New car Jeep Wrangler appears in 2007, but not only with 3 doors, an extended 5-door version of the SUV is added. Chrysler's "divorce" from Daimler Benz, thanks to which the American concern still has platforms, engines and transmissions German manufacturer, subsequently widely used on manufactured and designed models of brands included in Chrysler (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge).
The new generation Jeep Cherokee will be launched in 2008.
In 2009, Chrysler created with the Italian Fiat strategic alliance, Chrysler Group LLC was formed, where in this moment and includes the Jeep company.
The fourth generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee appeared on the market in 2010, the car is built on the platform of the 2nd Generations of Mercedes-Benz M-class.
Jeep is currently represented in Russia by a wide range of SUVs: Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT 8, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV was introduced in 1992 at the Detroit auto show. Soon, at the plant, all in the same Detroit, the car began to be mass-produced, and later the assembly of cars for the European market in Austrian Graz also started. An Italian VM Motori 2.5 diesel engine with a capacity of 114 hp was installed on the Grand Cherokee. s., a four-liter gasoline inline six (170-184 hp) and a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine (185-223 hp). And in 1997-1998, a version with V8 5.9 engine developing 245 hp. With.
Basic version for American market was rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive transmission had several options for the transfer case. From 1995 to 1998, customers were offered cars in a more "off-road" Orvis configuration with increased ground clearance, three steel shields under the body and towing hooks in the front and in the back.
2nd generation (WJ), 1999–2004
In 1999, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee replaced the first generation cars. The car became larger, lost versions with mechanical box gears, and the place of gasoline engines was taken by the new "Chrysler" engines of the PowerTech series: in-line six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 195 liters. With. and V8 4.7 (235 or 265 hp). Export versions of the SUV were equipped with diesel power units of 2.7 and 3.1 liters, developing 163 and 138 hp. With. respectively.
The car got a complex Quadra-Drive transmission with a two-stage transfer case: under normal conditions, the automatic clutch for connecting the front wheels worked, but when the downshift was turned on, the clutch was blocked, making the drive permanently full.
The production of this model ceased in 2004, and in 2006 the Chinese company Beijing Jeep Corporation, which bought the assembly line, resumed the production of SUVs.
3rd generation (WK), 2005–2010
The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was produced at the Detroit and Graz plants from 2005 to 2010. The car, created using "Mercedes" components and assemblies, received the latest electronic systems. Traditionally, the choice of transmission types has been wide: rear-wheel drive for the American market, Quadra-Trac I with a single-speed "transfer case", Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case with electronic control and Quadra-Drive II with a two-stage "transfer case" and three limited-slip differentials. But instead of hard front axle"Grand Cherokee" got independent suspension.
Jeep was created by American engineer Karl Probst, who designed in July 1940 at American Bantam as part of a tender american army four-wheel drive vehicle Bantam BRC with a payload capacity of "a quarter of a ton" with open body runebout type. This design was then finalized at the insistence of the army.
JEEP - produced by the company Ford motor according to the technical documentation of the Willys company in accordance with the mobilization contract with the US government dated January 10, 1941.
The origin of the word "jeep" is much debated. According to the most common version, it arose from the abbreviation GPW (an abbreviation of Ford Motor Company, stands for: G - state order, P - car with a wheelbase up to 80 inches, W - Willys type.).
Another version is as follows: according to the classification adopted by the US Army, "Willys MB" fell into the category of "General Purpose" cars - in English "General Purpose" - "general perpos" (abbreviated as ji-pi - gp). The informal nickname Jeep was launched into wide circulation by American journalist Katharina Hillier in the spring of 1941 after testing the Bantam car. It became a trademark of Willys-Overland in 1945. This abbreviation inexplicably transformed into JP (jp). And so the word "jeep" appeared.
History of Jeep
JEEP- produced by Ford Motor according to the technical documentation of the Willys company according to the mobilization contract with the US government dated January 10, 1941. Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Co., in 1941, received contracts to supply the Jeep Willys MB and Ford GPW to the armies of the United States and its allies. Until the end of World War II, 361.4 and 277.9 thousand units were produced, respectively. Significant deliveries of these similar models were carried out as part of the Lend-Lease program and to the USSR, where more than 51 thousand Willys were sent in assembled and disassembled form.
After the end of the war, Willys Overland decided to adapt her offspring to perform some civilian functions. A batch of cars was prepared. They simply called them CJ (an abbreviation for Civilian Jeep - “civilian jeep”). These prototypes formed the basis for the production model, which went on sale in August 1945.
Outwardly, all "citizenship" consisted in the presence of a folding tailgate, wipers and a gas tank cap on the rear wing. The hood, tailgate and glass frame were supposed to have the Jeep logo. However, in the early years of production, when the company was still litigating with American Bantam Car for the right to use the Jeep name, cars had to be made with the Willys logo. But already in 1950, the company secured this name for itself, and on June 13, 1950, Jeep was registered as a trademark.
In 1946, Willys became the first in the auto industry to offer a kind of minibus for civilian use. The car had rear-wheel drive and could accommodate up to seven people. Speed indicators, however, did not shine - 100 km / h. But the all-wheel drive version introduced in 1949 was, in fact, the “grandfather” of the modern Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Further development The theme occurred in the Station Wagon, a multi-seat Jeep produced from 1951 to 1963. Its basis and already external features served as a prototype for the first Wagoneer.
Willys was bought by Kaiser-Fraizer in 1953 and renamed Kaiser Jeep in 1963. Since 1969, the Jeep brand has been part of the AMC (American Motors Co.) concern, which in turn came under the full control of the Chrysler concern in 1987. Since 1998, the Jeep division specializing in the production of cars off-road, is part of the transnational concern DaimlerChrysler Corp.
The 1960s were perhaps the most important years in the history of Jeep: it was at this time that the market was formed off-road vehicles(SUV). Back in the mid-1950s, the company began active research and development of new projects for machines with a 4 × 4 wheel formula. The program gave its first fruits in the fall of 1962, when a completely new Jeep Wagoneer (station wagon) appeared, which was fundamentally different from those produced earlier. The model belonged to the J series and was equipped with both full and partial drive.
In 1954, the fifth version of the "civilian jeep" - CJ5 - was born. This all-wheel drive car turned out to be so successful that it stayed on the assembly line, changing, however, engines, suspension and transmission, until 1983.
For a series of "civilian jeeps" - CJ - back in 1949, the name Universal ("universal") was assigned. The 2/4-door Wagoneer with a 2.79-meter wheelbase was the first utility vehicle with automatic transmission, design and comfort passenger car which complemented off-road performance. The combination of all-wheel drive with "automatic" was used in the industry for the first time. In addition to this, the Wagoneer's "Tornado" engine was America's only overhead cam powertrain.
In 1963, the Wagoneer received a new 250 hp "Vigiliante" V6 engine.
In December 1965, Jeep dealers exhibited the Super Wagoneer in their showrooms. Two years later, the Hydromatic automatic transmission began to be installed on this Jeep series.
In the late 1960s, the company's engineers created another engine of the Dontles series, now with 8 cylinders. They decided to put it on the J series, to which the Wagoneer and Super Wagoneer belonged.
The entry into the new "ten-year period" was marked for Jeep by another change of ownership. On February 5, 1970, American Motor Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser Jeep Corporation for $70 million. For the Jeep Wagoneer, AMC offered the largest ever all-wheel drive station wagons engine - V6 with one camshaft. Optional were, also for the first time in world practice, V8 of their own production.
In 1973, the Wagoneer underwent some technical improvements. His new "Quadro Track" transmission was the first fully automatic permanent system for all-wheel drive car(with self-locking differential).
The following year saw the birth of a new name, the Cherokee. The newcomer joined the J-series as a 2-door model. For the 200th anniversary of America in 1976, Jeep released the seventh generation of the "civilian jeep" - CJ7.
By 1977, the company also prepared a 4-door version, accompanied by a standard V6. And although the Jeep Cherokee at birth looked like a more luxurious Wagoneer, in the future it was he who turned out to be the most popular car in the history of Jeep Motors.
In 1978, a limited edition Wagoneer was launched - a Limited modification (with a leather interior, radio and a lot of chrome).
Due to the energy crisis that began in 1979, the production of large Gladiator pickups and Wagoneer station wagons fell sharply. But sales of civilian Jeep CJ series increased.
Legendary Jeep JEEP CHEROKEE
In 1984, the company launched new variants of the 2/4-door Cherokee, as well as the 4-door Wagoneer, which was 53.3 cm shorter, 15 cm narrower, 10 cm lower and 453 kg lighter than its predecessor, first introduced in 1963. The Cherokee was the only car in the compact class to have four doors and two all-wheel drive systems - CommandTrac and SelectTrac.
In the spring of 1986, the Wrangler was born. The mechanics of the Wrangler were more similar to the Cherokee than the CJ7.
On August 5, 1987, American Motor Corporation filed for bankruptcy. All property was sold. Jeep was acquired by Chrysler Corporation.
On March 22, 1990, the one millionth SUV of the "XJ" series was released - a bright red Cherokee Limited. In seven years of production, Cherokee has become the most popular model Chrysler Corporation in Europe.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Jeep brand, Chrysler Corporation released new version Cherokee with 190bhp 4.0L PowerTechSix engine. The car was called - Grand Cherokee.
The official presentation of the car was on January 7, 1992 at the Detroit Auto Show. For the 1996 model year, the Grand Cherokee received significant engine, chassis, electronics, and interior upgrades. Inside the cabin, the most significant changes have been made to the dashboard. All switches and buttons are located in close proximity to the driver, interior ergonomics have improved.
Having successfully completed the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep design team took on the Wrangler, a descendant of the Willys, from which the history of the company began. The second generation Jeep Wrangler was launched in 1996.
Jeep is one of the most famous car brands in the world. In some languages, such as, for example, in Russian, the name of the brand has become a household name when designating Vehicle increased permeability. And in English it was originally a common noun.
Owners and management
- 1944-1953: Willys-Overland Motors
- 1953-1963: Kaiser-Frazer Corporation
- 1963-1970: Kaiser Jeep Corporation
- 1970-1982: AMC (American Motors Corporation)
- 1982-1986: AMC-Renault
- 1986-1998: Chrysler Corporation
- 1998-2007: DaimlerChrysler AG
- 2007-2009: Chrysler LLC
- 2009-2014: Chrysler Group LLC
- Since 2014: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
Jeep Wrangler- off-road vehicle manufactured by the American company Chrysler (Jeep division). It is the successor to the Jeep CJ family. Produced since 1987. During the production, several generations of Wrangler have changed.
Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1996)
- Jeep Wrangler YJ with "short" roll cage (until 1992)
- Jeep Wrangler YJ with "long" roll cage (since 1992)
- 1991 Jeep Wrangler Renegade
In 1987, the Jeep YJ, named Wrangler, replaced the much-loved Jeep CJ on the assembly line. It was produced at the Brampton (Ontario, Canada) plant until the plant closed on April 23, 1992. Production was moved to Toledo, Ohio, USA. Jeep YJ received a new design with a longer wheelbase, which slightly reduced ground clearance but added more comfort. The Jeep YJ also used longitudinal springs in the wheel suspension, as in the CJ series jeeps. Despite the new design, the body was very similar to the Jeep CJ7 and was also interchangeable with some minor changes. Jeep YJ has become easily recognizable thanks to the rectangular headlights and the position of the wiper blades on windshield. These two changes were later canceled with the introduction of the TJ series in 1996. Before the appearance of this series, 632231 Jeep YJ cars were built, but for some time the old and new model were produced in parallel, and until mid-1996, the total number of Jeep YJs produced was 685,071 units.
Jeep YJ until 1991 used in-line gasoline engines AMC 150 2.5 L (4 cylinders) and AMC 258 4.2 L (6 cylinders). In 1991, the AMC 258 was replaced by the more powerful AMC 242 4.0 L (6 cylinders, 180 hp (134 kW)) fuel injected engine.
In 1992, the roll cage was lengthened to allow the rear passengers to install seat belts with a diagonal branch (as opposed to the lap belts installed earlier), in the following year, 1993, anti-lock braking was added as an option. brake system. In 1994, for the first time, an automatic transmission was offered for the 4-cylinder Jeep YJ. 1995 was the only year that a fully galvanized body and frame was used. In the transitional 1996, the YJ was produced as a 1995 model, but with some improvements: reinforced tailgate hinges, rear bumpers from TJ.
Apart from basic version Several option packages were produced:
- Laredo - chrome grille radiators and bumpers, hardtop, tinted windows, artificial leather in the interior trim
- Islander- offered from 1988 to 1992 Package features: graphics on the lower body and hood, logos on the front fenders and spare wheel, enlarged fuel tank, light alloy wheels, carpets, center console with cup holder
- Sport- coloring in the style of "sport"
- Sahara- special seat upholstery, additional storage pockets, interior door panels with pockets, front bumper mounted fog lights and plastic tips
- Renegade- offered from 1991 to 1994. At first, all Renegades were painted white, black or red, but blue was added in 1992, and bronze in 1993. The package was $4266 and included special 8" wide rims, 29x9.5R15 LT OWL Wrangler A/T tires, full size spare wheel, fog lights (integrated into the front fenders), carpeting in the cabin, plastic front and rear bumpers, center console with cup holders and other additions. While the base Wrangler with inline six sold for $12356, with the Renegade package the price went up to $18588, because of this, sales were limited, and today these copies are considered rare. Price and "ridiculous plastic fenders" have limited off-road capability, so the Jeep Renegade is typically used as a "beach cruiser".
- Rio Grande- new paint colors (golden, mango, moss green)
Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2006)
The Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon was released in the spring of 1996 (conditionally 1997 model year). This updated Wrangler features coil spring suspension (inspired by the Jeep Grand Cherokee) for improved ride and handling, and returns to the classic round headlights in the style of Jeep CJ.
The base engine is the AMC 242 4.0 L, also used in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The AMC 150 2.5 L engine was installed in entry-level models until 2003. It was replaced in 2003 by the Chrysler Neon 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine.
There was a right-hand drive version of the Jeep TJ - for export markets, as well as mail carriers in rural areas of the United States (this version was only available with automatic transmission gears).
In 1999, the fuel tank of the standard version was increased to 72 liters. From 1997 to 2002, side mirrors the doors were with black metal frames, and from 2003 to 2006 the mirror frames were plastic. In 2003, the 3-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 4-speed with overdrive.
Manufacturer Jeep (Jeep) is a company that is part of the largest automotive empire Chrysler. Also, the word "Jeep" is firmly entrenched among motorists. It began to denote any off-road vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer.
Etymology of the word "Jeep": more questions than answers
Where did this word even come from? There are several versions. However, the most plausible story is built around the acronym GPW. Previously, it was actively used by the automotive corporation Ford Motor. She designated her a certain model of car, which was produced by order of the United States government during the Second World War. At the same time, G stood for the state (state order), P - a car whose wheelbase did not exceed 80 inches, and W - the Wiilys type.
Names of Jeeps
By the way, with the abbreviations and names of models from the automaker Jeep, everything is not so simple. For example, many are wondering what all these “WK”, “WH”, “XK”, etc. mean. Let's take a break from our story for a bit.
- WK is the designation for the 2005 model year Grand Cherokee, which is produced for US residents. Model production is entrusted to the Jefferson North factory.
- WH is the same Cherokee (since 2005) that is produced for the Old World. It is made in Austria.
- WJ- previous models Cherokee (until 2005) for the United States.
- WG is also the previous designation for an SUV, but for Europe.
- XK, XH - designations of the Commander model.
- XJ, KK, KJ - Liberty and Cherokee models from different years.
And back to history
According to the information contained in the Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles, the word "Jeep" familiar to our ears was the nickname for Willys light military vehicles and similar Ford GPW vehicles.
After the end of World War II, "Jeep" was officially registered as a trademark owned by Willys. This significant event took place on June 30, 1950. It is worth noting that Willys has done a lot for Jeep.
First Jeep
The first Jeep was built in 1940 by American Bantam. It was called Bantam BRC and was an army all-wheel drive car with a load capacity of 250 kg.
After the end of the war, Willys announced regular version SUV for everyday driving. It was called simply and clearly - CJ. It is noteworthy that at that time the Jeep corporate logo was not placed on this model due to lawsuits with American Bantam.
The progenitor of the Cherokee
In turn, 1949 became a fateful year for automotive history. The fact is that this year Willys showed the world a small but roomy all-wheel drive minibus. It was this car that became the progenitor of the world-famous Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The appearance of the Wagoneer
In 1962, the Jeep model Wagoneer. She had a serious impact on the formation of the SUV market. In 1974, the Cherokee was announced, adding to the J-series. And in 1976, the world community was able to appreciate the 7th generation of an SUV (remember, we talked about the CJ?), which received the designation CJ7.
Birth of the Wrangler
1986 was the birth date of the Wrangler. The first regeneration of the car very much resembled its fellow Cherokee in terms of technical characteristics. Exactly 10 years later, the second generation of these machines was born.
These were small excerpts from the history of the automaker Jeep, which concerned car models and their designations. Thank you for your attention!
Don't be afraid to buy a Jeep!
Initially, one American company released a cross-country vehicle and gave it the name Jeep. For a very long time, this brand remained the undisputed leader and had no competitors ...
Jeep Wrangler
The history of the Wrangler model begins with the order of the US Air Force during the Second World War from the Wyllis company of military vehicles. advanced level patency…
The brand's birthday is considered to be July 23, 1941 - on this day the US military department signed a contract with Willys-Overland to start production. army vehicles increased permeability. But contrary to popular belief, the modern Jeep owes its appearance to the little-known company Bantam.
Unrecognized ancestor
The history of the creation of Jeep cars dates back to the very first Jeeps. It all started in May 1940, when the US Armed Forces Technical Committee announced a tender for the creation and production of an experimental series of light military off-road vehicles. The terms of the contract were tough: after the issuance of the terms of reference, the delivery of prototypes was to take place within 49 days, and over the next month it was necessary to provide another 70 machines for in-depth testing. Even in modern conditions those times are incredible! The requirements for the car itself seem no less difficult: an SUV with all-wheel drive and a reduction gear must have a carrying capacity of at least 270 kg, be no higher than 92 cm, wheelbase and width no more than 2.062 m and 1.194 m, and its curb weight should not exceed 590 kg! Not surprisingly, out of 135 companies, only two showed interest: American Bantam and Willys-Overland.
After receiving the terms of the tender, Bantam President Francis Fenn decided to turn to one of the best automotive engineers- Carl Probst. Aware of the disastrous state of the company, Probst wanted to refuse, but Francis Fenn somehow managed to persuade him. While Willys outlined only the terms of execution and the amount of the contract, Bantam had already prepared all the necessary documents, and the prototype SUV was ready on schedule.
The test results revealed more than 20 defects, but, nevertheless, the command liked the SUV. The company took into account the wishes and has already prepared for the production of 70 production cars. But the military command decided to play it safe: doubting the capabilities of a small company, they handed over all the technical documentation of the Bantam BRC model to Willis, who had not yet prepared his prototype, as well as Ford, who was involved from outside. Naturally, Karl Probst was against it: the car created with such difficulty was literally donated to competitors. Long legal proceedings did not help either: after signing the contract, the intellectual property rights to the prototype were transferred to the military. And here it is difficult to blame someone: "in war as in war."
handover
The Bantam drawings made the contestants' task much easier: a month and a half later, Willys, and then Ford, presented their own Quad and Pygmy models. All-terrain vehicles, although they repeated the Bantam design, were still different. The tests of all three models ended in victory for Willys, whose main advantage was a powerful engine (60 hp versus 45 for the Bantam BRC-60). For the final decision, each of the companies received an order for the production of 1500 all-terrain vehicles, which did not affect the fate of Bantam. Having released a total of just under 2,700 all-terrain vehicles and received a tiny order from the Ministry of Defense for the production of trailers, the company disappeared, barely holding out until the end of the war. The other two Jeeps were more successful: Willys produced 335,551 MB models during the war, while the Ford GPW sold 277,896 units.
As you have already noticed, there was no talk of the Jeep trademark at that time. Where did this name come from? Willys and Ford all-terrain vehicles began to be called Jeeps long before the registration of the Jeep brand. You can read about the history of this glorious name, about which there are many legends, in a separate article “Jeep. Name history.
40-50s. The birth of "civilian jeeps"
At the end of the war, it became clear that such all-terrain vehicles would be in demand not only in the army, but also in civil society. Therefore, Willys Overland already in 1944 began to create civilian versions of the SUV, creating a prototype CJ1A (CJ means "Civilian Jeep" - a civilian jeep). The prototype was based on the military Willys MB and did not differ much from it: a folding tailgate, bumpers and a civilian-style awning. Here, perhaps, are all the differences. production model CJ-2A with minor changes was released already in 1945. Later in 1946, Station Wagon was produced on the same base, which lasted on the assembly line until 1965. It was the first car in the history of the brand to receive an all-metal station wagon body. Wagon can be considered one of the first SUV class cars, combining practicality, good cross-country ability and a decent level of comfort.
It is curious that in the post-war years, cars were still produced with the Willys logo: the company was still suing American Bantam Car over the use of the Jeep name. Not having much chance of winning, Bantam had to give up, and did not realize the idea of mass production of SUVs. The Jeep trademark was officially registered on June 30, 1950 by Willys-Overland, which was renamed Willys Motors three years later. In the same year, 1953, Willys was bought by Kaiser-Fraizer, and then renamed Kaiser Jeep.
After the arrival of new management in 1954, a civilian version of the military Jeep M38A1 appeared - CJ5, and the M170 model received the CJ6 index, positioned as affordable pickup. Due to the increased size, the SUV became much more stable and comfortable, and soon gained popularity all over the world - other brands often took it as a starting point when creating their own SUVs. With periodic upgrades, he lasted on the assembly line until 1983. However, in 1961, this "jeep" had a dangerous competitor: the International Scout was more spacious, more powerful and more comfortable. As a matter of urgency, Kaiser Jeep set about creating an entirely new class of SUV.
60s. Other priorities
The new Wagoneer sets new standards in its class, combining hitherto incompatible qualities: the comfort and power of a business-class sedan, the off-road capability of an SUV and the practicality of a station wagon. It was one of the first four-wheel drive vehicles to be equipped with an automatic transmission and air conditioning: congenial range rover appeared only after 7 years. This decade is also characterized by the appearance of more powerful engines: Wagoneer received new V8s: "Vigiliante" (250 hp, 5.4 l) and Buick Dauntless (230 hp, 5.7 l). But a more solid engine on the CJ5 / CJ6 appeared only in 1966 - the Buick V6 with a displacement of 3.7 liters (160 hp). In the same year, in order to compete with the Ford Bronco and International Harvester, the Jeepster Commando was released based on the CJ series, which included a full range of bodies (pickup, convertible and station wagon). In 1970, the model became simply called "Commando" and was produced until 1973.
Also produced during these years was the little-known Jeep Gladiator pickup, which, unlike the Commando, was built on the larger Wagoneer platform. Military versions were designated M715 and M725.
70s. Change of leadership
In 1970, Jeep Corporation was acquired by AMC (American Motor Corporation Kaiser). Jeep Wagoneer received a fully automatic transmission with a self-locking center differential. V8 AMC engines (5.9 liters and 6.6 liters) began to be installed on the SUV.
in 1976, Jeep released the CJ7, the seventh generation of the "civilian jeep", which received an increased wheelbase, a removable hardtop and steel doors. CJ7 began to be equipped new system all-wheel drive Quadra-Trac, which was aggregated with an automatic transmission.
80s. The birth of new legends. Again bankruptcy...
In connection with the energy crisis that began in 1979, the entire American auto industry, with its characteristic megalomania, began to rapidly fade away. Decreased demand for Jeep cars: Gladiator pickups and Wagoneer station wagons began to sell worse due to high fuel consumption. The concern urgently needed more compact cars. Help came from Renault: during a short collaboration with AMC (1982-1986), the French concern developed one of the most popular SUVs of the 20th century, the Jeep Cherokee XJ. Rolling off the assembly line in 1984, this model had nothing to do with the 3-door Wagoneer Cherokee. Jeep received a frame-in-body load-bearing body (frame spars are welded to body panels), which made it possible to lower the center of gravity and reduce weight: the newcomer weighed less than one and a half tons. The bridges were taken from the classic CJ jeep, but the suspension was made more comfortable. In this body, the model existed until 2001. The “Big” Wagoneer SJ was updated in the same year and, having changed its name to Grand Wagoneer, was produced until 1991.
In 1986, instead of the popular and unpretentious CJ7, the charismatic Wrangler with the YJ index was born. No less reliable and passable car became more comfortable, although the design remained the same: a frame body, dependent spring suspension of all wheels, rigid axles.
In 1987, American Motor Corporation filed for bankruptcy, and Jeep was taken over by Chrysler Corporation. Changes did not have to wait long: the first thing was revised line power units in favor of more powerful motors. Instead of the Renault J8S turbodiesel (2.4 l, 85 hp), the Italian VM motori (2.5 l, 113 hp) was installed, and petrol engines were now only injection: AMC-150 (2.5 l , 105 hp) began to develop 123 hp, and the GM-173 V6 engine (2.8 l, 115 hp) was replaced by the AMC 242 (4 l, 177 hp). This inline 6-cylinder engine was installed on Jeeps for a long time. Updated and transfer boxes– cars were mainly equipped with “razdatki” NP 231 Part Time and NP 242 Full Time.
90s. Another rise and the emergence of a new flagship
Threat local market imperceptibly crept up from Japan: quickly reacting to the increased demand for "urban" SUVs, the Japanese offered cars that were superior in many respects (including comfort). The Yankees did not remain in debt: in 1992, the legendary Grand Cherokee ZJ appeared in the Jeep lineup. And although the ZJ was 350 kg heavier than the Cherokee and 32 cm longer, by American standards it was relatively small. However, the Grand Cherokee was able to gain popularity not only among Americans: in the period from 1992 to 1998, the car was sold around the world in the amount of 1.5 million copies. He was valued for his timeless and elegant design, comfortable lounge and excellent for its class dynamic qualities and excellent cross-country ability. Having survived the modernization in 1996, the SUV was produced until 1998.
The second generation Jeep Wrangler TJ was launched in 1996. In addition to design changes, the most important changes affected undercarriage: the lever-spring suspension favorably affected the comfort and handling, without damaging the almost best-in-class cross-country ability.
In 1998, the Jeep branch became part of the transnational concern DaimlerChrysler Corp. In the same year, the next generation Grand Cherokee with the WJ index was introduced. To the delight of brand fans, WJ used time-tested solutions: dependent front and rear suspension, reliable engines and an honest all-wheel drive transmission with locks and a demultiplier.
2000s Jeep moves to the asphalt
Following the rapid spread of all kinds of crossovers, which appeared in almost every automaker, the Jeep brand needed a more modern Cherokee. This is how the new Cherokee / Liberty KJ appeared: with a "toy" appearance, it became more like a Wrangler. The design of the SUV, as in the case of the Grand Cherokee WK, was radically revised: the body became much stiffer, the front suspension became independent, and rear axle was hung on the two lower trailing arms and upper articulated trapezoid. And we must pay tribute to the developers: and although the Cherokee has finally acquired passenger habits and has become more adapted to urban use, it has not ceased to be a good SUV. He retained the all-wheel drive system with forced locking center differential and excellent geometry. You can only complain about the reduced suspension travel.
Wanting to give light handling to the next generation of Grands, the new WK, which debuted in 2005, was equipped with independent front suspension, and the rear axle was now fixed on 4 trailing arms and Panhard rod. The reduced transmission range became available only in the optional Quadra-Drive II all-wheel drive system, where electronics were responsible for blocking 3 differentials. But with the advent of the KJ and WK models, Jeep cars were no longer in demand. "Jeeps" were no longer so "off-road", and they lost to their competitors in terms of equipment and did not really shine in the "asphalt" disciplines.
Bantam BRC-40 Prototyp (1940). It is more correct to consider the Bantam all-terrain vehicle, the design of which was incorporated in Willys and Ford, as the first Jeep car.
Modernized Bantam BRC-40 (1941)
Ford GPW (1942–45). Ford had to abandon the Pygmy model and produced after the GP. The successor was the Ford GPW - almost an exact copy of Willys
Willys Quad (1940) won the final test due to a more powerful motor
The evolution of Willys: the first prototype of Willys Quad (1940), serial MV (1942-1945), post-war M-38 (1950) and M-38 A1 (1955)
The Jeep CJ-2A (1945-49) was a success with 214,202 built.
Jeep CJ5 (1954-83) one of the most massive "civilian jeeps" of that time
With the luxury Wagoneer (1963-91), Jeep took comfort to the next level.
The 1978 model of the year is one of the next Jeep Wagoneer upgrades.
Jeep Gladiator from 1962 to 1988 was produced both with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive
Developed by Renault, in the early years of the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001) was Chrysler's most popular model in Europe
The Jeep Cherokee underwent a major upgrade only in 1997: due to insufficient rigidity, the body was strengthened and its corrosion resistance increased.
Simultaneously with the Jeep Cherokee, the new Wagoneer (1984-90) was released on the same base.
The mechanics of the new Wrangler YJ (1987-95) were borrowed from the Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-98) was true to the brand's traditions, remaining a full-fledged SUV: technically it was close to the simpler Cherokee
Jeep Wrangler TJ (1996-2006) design is friendlier and suspension is more comfortable
Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004) retained dependent suspension with solid axles
Adapting to the roads common use, the new Jeep Cherokee/Liberty KJ (2001-2007) was not as popular as its predecessor
The new Grand WK (2005-10) has become more “passenger” due to the new running gear
The Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2013) is one of the last Jeeps to retain true off-road values. With the advent of the 5-door version of the Unlimited, the Rengler finally got a spacious interior
Grand Cherokee WK2 (2010-2013) built on the platform Mercedes-Benz M-Class was able to compose worthy competition class leaders
The Rubicon Trail is one of the toughest off-road trails in the US. In honor of this track, a frequent visitor to these places Jeep Wrangler received a Rubicon modification
Jeep Compass (2006-2013). After a Grand Cherokee WK2-style makeover in 2010, the Compass has been given a facelift.
Jeep Cherokee KK (2007-2013) has not changed much structurally compared to the KJ generation
The design of the new Jeep Cherokee KL (2013) caused a lot of controversy among fans of the brand
Jeep Patriot/Liberty (2007-2013) built on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber
