JEEP® HISTORY: A TIMELESS TALE OF ADVENTURE

For 80 years the Jeep® Brand has been indelibly linked to freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion. Our core values are embodied in every Jeep Brand vehicle’s DNA. Throughout our storied history, Jeep Brand vehicle owners have learned that Go Anywhere. Do Anything.® is a way of life, not just a slogan. The Jeep badge stands for more than a brand. In truth, it’s a badge of honor. Explore our legendary lineup, then create your own timeless story.

1940s


Born in the heat of battle, the Go Anywhere. Do Anything.® Jeep® Brand 4x4 emerged a hero to thousands of Allied soldiers around the world. The equally heroic civilian Jeep Brand vehicles of the 1940s firmly established the Jeep Brand as the undisputed leader in 4x4 technology.

( Disclosure1940 Willys Quad prototype)

1940 Willys Quad prototype

1950s


The 1950s saw the rise of the recreation vehicle, as well as engineering superiority. Grass-roots enthusiasts helped launch Jeep® Jamborees and took the original freedom machine to new heights in sales thanks to seven unique models.

1960s


The All-New Jeep® Wagoneer represented unparalleled refinement and innovation. Prestige and individuality ruled the day. The Jeep Brand lineup grew to include 14 models—for work, play, recreation and luxuriously capable transportation.

1970s


The Jeep® Brand's 4x4 leadership continues in the 70s with the introduction of the first full-time 4x4 system. The sporty 2-door full-size Cherokee (SJ) sweeps the 4x4 of the Year awards. Six models help elevate sales to all-time highs.

1980s


The All-New Jeep® Cherokee (XJ) helped revolutionize the 4x4 market. The mighty XJ introduced many industry firsts, including: the first compact 4-door SUV, first UniFrame construction, and first full-time 4x4 system with shift-on-the-fly capability.

1990s


The All-New 1993 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (ZJ) set a new industry benchmark thanks to its unique balance of on- and off-road capability. The super-capable Wrangler (TJ) with its new coil suspension was introduced in 1997. In 1999 the new Grand Cherokee (WJ) was marketed as the most capable SUV ever. Sales soared to 629K units for the decade.

2000s


The radical 2003 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon was the most capable vehicle ever produced by the Jeep Brand. A new 4-door Wrangler took the industry by storm. The Compass and Patriot were the first Jeep Brand vehicles to reach into the small cross-utility segment.

( DisclosureAlways drive within your ability and experience level and consistent with conditions.)

Always drive within your ability and experience level and consistent with conditions.

2010s


The Jeep® Brand resonated with consumers around the world as global sales increased to their highest point in its over 75-year history with 1.41 million units sold worldwide for 2016. Strategic launches of the All-New Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Compass and the legendary Wrangler all contributed greatly to the Brand’s success.

2020s


The Jeep® Brand began its 80th year by reflecting the different needs of adventure lovers, bringing back a classic and introducing future-facing technology. The 2020s started with a bang, setting the tone for a decade that had much more in store.