Jeep is a well-known and much loved American automobile marque. Currently owned by the multinational corporation Stellantis, Jeep has been a part of Chrysler since 1987. Back then, Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with other assets, from its previous owner American Motors Corporation (AMC).
The Jeep brand has been synonymous with freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion for over 80 years. The Jeep brand has always been connected to going anywhere and doing anything – it’s a way of life, not just a slogan. Jeep vehicles have long been considered the ultimate symbol of freedom and adventure, with a reputation for being the go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle. Jeep’s core values are reflected in every vehicle’s DNA, ensuring that they embody the spirit of exploration and freedom. With the Jeep brand, you can experience the thrill of the open road, unencumbered by the constraints of conventional vehicles. Explore their renowned vehicle line, and then create your own timeless story.
If you’re a Jeep owner, you’re already familiar with their incredible range of sport utility vehicles. From crossovers to fully off-road worthy SUVs, Jeep offers a lineup that is second to none. They even have a pickup truck in their collection! In the past, Jeep had an extensive range that included pick-ups, vans, and even roadsters. One of their most popular vehicles, the Grand Cherokee, has gained fame in the luxury SUV segment. It’s worth noting that the 1963 Wagoneer is considered the pioneer of this market segment.
Jeep’s popularity has skyrocketed over the years, with global SUV sales reaching a staggering 1.4 million in 2016 compared to 500,000 in 2008. Two-thirds of these sales were in North America, making it Fiat-Chrysler’s best selling brand in the U.S. In fact, there are over 2400 dealerships in the U.S. alone that exclusively sell Jeep-branded vehicles.
If you’re wondering about the worth of the Jeep brand, estimations range between $22 and $33.5 billion. To put that in perspective, it’s slightly more than the entire value of FCA (US). Now that’s impressive!
Have you ever wondered about the history behind the name “Jeep”? Before 1940, it was army slang for new recruits or vehicles. However, in 1941, Jeep introduced the iconic World War II “jeep” that went into production. This particular vehicle connected the name to light military 4x4s, setting the foundation for what we now know as SUVs. The Jeep became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle for the United States Armed Forces and the Allies during and after the war. Its popularity spread worldwide, becoming a symbol of Yankee ingenuity and determination.
Toledo, Ohio, is the proud headquarters of the Jeep marque. From the launch of the first CJ or Civilian Jeep models by Willys-Overland in 1945, the Jeep legacy in Toledo remains strong. The conceptually consistent and iconic Jeep Wrangler series has been in production since 1986. With its solid axles and open top, the Wrangler has become synonymous with the Jeep brand, much like the 911 is to Porsche.
It’s worth mentioning that two Jeep models, the CJ-5 and the SJ Wagoneer, enjoyed extraordinary three-decade production runs for a single body generation. Now that’s durability!
Even in lowercase, the term “jeep” continues to be used as a generic term for vehicles inspired by the Jeep. These vehicles are perfect for conquering rough terrains. In fact, in Iceland, they use the term Jeppi (which comes from Jeep) to this day for any type of SUV.
As proud owners of Jeep vehicles, along with the team at at TC Chrysler Jeep, you’re part of an incredible legacy. Keep exploring, adventuring and enjoying the thrill that comes with the Jeep driving experience!