There are some brands that have a very clear identity and you know what they stand for. Jeep is one of those brands. It is iconically American and proud of that fact.
When you are browsing Waxahachie Jeep, for example, and searching for a model that you want to own you will probably have got to that point having thought of Jeep when you wanted a vehicle that clearly has an American DNA.
Here is a brief history of how Jeep managed to become such an iconic brand.
Inspired by a military background
The official beginning for Jeep was back in 1941. It started its journey by specifically building vehicles that were going to be used for military purposes.
It is fair to say that it was credited with being the carmaker that managed to change the face and direction of the automotive industry.
It led the way too, as Jeep was the first company to mass-produce a four-door car. This signaled the beginning of an era of SUVs and Jeep has continued to set the standard when it comes to producing off-road cruisers that so many of us enjoy driving.
Where did the name come from?
Jeep is a global brand and widely recognized as being symbolic of American styling and standards, but where did the name originate from?
There is some conjecture about where the Jeep’s name came from. The most popular explanation put forward is that because it started out designing a vehicle for the army it was for government purposes (GP). The transition from GP to Jeep was how the name was born, according to legend.
Americans have a deep affiliation and respect for its military personnel. It stands to reason that as Jeep is so synonymous with its military connection this has helped embed the name into American culture.
Building on its roots and popularity
The next phase of Jeep’s history is all about when they started to create vehicles that were purely for recreational purposes.
This was back in the 1950s. They launched as many as seven new models, including the CJ-5, which became a standard-bearer for the brand and hugely popular. That model continued to be sold for thirty years before being discontinued back in 1984.
Through the 60s and 70s
The 1960s was when we witnessed the introduction of two models that are still very much part of the motoring landscape today.
The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee were followed by the Wagoneer. This was larger than their station wagon and was officially introduced as a sport utility vehicle.
Jeep changed ownership in 1970 and the new owners, American Motors Corporation, heralded a new direction for the company by immediately splitting the company into two areas of production, military and civilian.
Moving forward to the present, the Cherokee and Wrangler models are instantly iconic and deeply symbolic of the unique identity that Jeep has created over the years.
Think of an iconic American brand and Jeep is often one of the first names that spring to mind.