Jeep: Jump in and Your Next Adventure is Just Around the Corner

History
Before 1940, Jeep had a very different meaning. The U.S. Army used the term to refer to new recruits or new vehicles. In 1941, however, a vehicle went into production, a light military 4×4, that would become tied to the name Jeep. This arguably makes Jeep vehicles the oldest 4-wheel-drive SUVs.

These early Jeeps were produced by Willys-Overland Motors. After 1945, they began to release civilian vehicles. In fact, when it became evident that the U.S. would enter WWII, the Army made contact with 135 automotive companies to develop a 4-wheel-drive reconnaissance vehicle prototype. Only 2 responded. One of which was Willys-Overland. The prototype they provided would eventually become the base for Jeep’s standard design.