When it comes to off-roaders and SUVs, Jeep is one of the first brands that comes to mind. It is also one of those cars that is easily recognizable when driving due to its protective design.
Jeep has revolutionized the off-road world since 1986, but how much do you know about the brand?
What You Need To Know About Jeep
- The Wrangler is easily the most memorable Jeep and has even been called the “halo” of the automotive brand.
- The Wrangler was built from plans by the old American Bantam Motor Company (AMC) to help fight WWII. After the war, civilian jeeps (CJ) were manufactured by AMC, which was partly owned by Renault.
- Chrysler bought AMC in 1987 intending to control Jeep. When the first Chrysler Wrangler was launched, it incorporated elements from older models, including door handles from the 1968 AMC Rebel. This design was used until 2007.
- 1996 never introduced a new Wrangler because when it came time to “refresh” the Wrangler, Chrysler had ambitious goals that led to skipping the 1996 model.
- A right-hand drive dispatch jeep was released to assist in the rapid delivery of mail. The range was discontinued in the 1980s, but you can still order some Jeep models in RHD.
- Jeeps are produced with hidden special styling elements that recall the brand’s military history. Some of these hidden gems include a small Jeep on the passenger side windshield and a Willys MB silhouette embossed on each of the Rubicon alloy wheels.
- Even though most modern Jeeps are not used for outdoor activities, they are still built to last. The Wrangler’s seats are water and stain-resistant, and the cab has a drain plug on the driver’s seat to drain water from the rain or your latest adventure.
- One of the most popular features of the Wrangler is the folding windshield. This was done to help maintain the windshield when driving off-road and related to the car’s military history.
- These cars are built for longevity which is rare in today’s throwaway society. Their unique appearance makes them a hot commodity – old and new – meaning they retain their value. However, many people who buy a Jeep tend to keep it as long as possible before selling it, which speaks volumes for the brand.
- The first Jeep took only 2 days to design – from start to finish.
Even in modern times when you can shop online, use GPS to navigate to your destination and claim an online casino welcome bonus on your mobile, the Jeep brand is a symbol of strength and versatility. It is a brand that everyone recognizes right from the start and maintains a consistent brand identity right through to the production of the cars.
So, the next time you see a Jeep on the road, take the time to appreciate the rich history that went into building it.