| What people know today as the fun, off road, | | | | capitalized on the Jeep's International and |
| versatile vehicle we call the jeep, had its beginnings in | | | | government markets and had quite a lot of success |
| far different circumstances. American Bantam built | | | | with the brand. When Chrysler purchased AMC in |
| the first Jeeps as Prototypes for the Department of | | | | 1987, Chrysler also acquired the Jeep trademark and |
| the Army. While the Army was impressed with the | | | | still holds it until today. |
| overall design of the vehicle, the engine in the first | | | | Jeep has always been known for it's off road |
| prototype was too small and did not produce the | | | | capabilities. The Jeep Wrangler is the only off road |
| power the Army was looking for in a field vehicle. | | | | vehicle offered in the United States that has solid |
| There was also concern over the fact that Bantam | | | | rear axles for both the front and back. It is due to |
| was a very small company with only one | | | | the solid axle design that Jeeps are so rugged and |
| manufacturing plant and any attempts at sabotage | | | | dependable in extreme off road situations. With the |
| by the enemy could result in a halt in production. For | | | | lack of rubber boots, there is nothing for sticks and |
| these reasons the both the Willys-Overland and Ford | | | | rocks to snag on and because solid axles have better |
| Motor Companies were allowed to come up with a | | | | articulation, ruts are much easier to clear. Solid axles |
| second design. The Army liked what Willys came up | | | | are less expensive to lift as well so it is easier to |
| with and granted the contract to both Ford and | | | | increase the distance between the center of the axle |
| Willys. The contract was awarded to both companies | | | | hub and the chassis. This allows for extra large tires |
| because again, the military felt that Willys was too | | | | to be installed giving the vehicle even more ground |
| small to produce the number of vehicles required. | | | | clearance. Today, all Wrangler models come with |
| Many different companies have owned the name | | | | four-wheel drive, a Dana 35 rear axle, and a Dana 30 |
| Jeep and even the origins of the name itself have | | | | front axle. |
| been questioned. What is known for certain is that | | | | Jeeps are unique in several other aspects as well. |
| the Jeep was originally designed for the American | | | | They come in both hard top and soft-top varieties. |
| Armed Forces and is one of the most recognizable | | | | The soft top can be removed, transforming the |
| vehicles in the world. | | | | automobile into something like a convertible. The Jeep |
| In 1941, Willys produced the first Civilian Jeeps. The | | | | is also the only vehicle in the United States to have |
| initials CJ stand for Civilian Jeep and thus the first | | | | removable doors. |
| model name was born. Willsy sold the brand to Kaiser | | | | The off road Jeep brand has developed something |
| in 1953 and it became Kaiser-Jeep. Kaiser-Jeep began | | | | of a cult following and off road events are held all |
| to suffer financial difficulties and was forced to sell | | | | over the country that are open to Jeep owners only. |
| the brand to American Motors (AMC) in 1970. AMC | | | | |