Everything about Jeep totally explained
Jeep is an
automobile marque (and registered trademark) of
Chrysler. It is the oldest
sport utility vehicle (SUV) brand, with
Land Rover coming in a close second.
The word "jeep," uncapitalized, may be used as a
generic term for any vehicle of this shape and function: see
genericized trademark.
History
Origin of the term "jeep"
There are many explanations of the origin of the word "jeep," which have proven difficult to verify. Probably the most popular notion holds that the vehicle bore the designation "GP" (for "Gov. Purposes" or "General Purpose"), which was phonetically slurred into the word
jeep. However,
R. Lee Ermey, on his television series
Mail Call, disputes this, saying that the vehicle was designed for specific duties, was never referred to as "General Purpose", and that the name may have been derived from Ford's nomenclature referring to the vehicle as GP (G for government-use, and P to designate its
wheelbase). "GP" does appear in connection with the vehicle in the mode TM 9-803 manual, which describes the vehicle as a machine and the vehicle is designated a "GP" in TM 9-2800, Standard Motor Vehicles,
September 1,
1949, but whether the average jeep-driving
GI would have been familiar with either of these manuals is open to debate.
This account may confuse the jeep with the nickname of another series of vehicles with the GP designation. The
Electro-Motive Division of
General Motors, a maker of
railroad locomotives, introduced its
"General Purpose" line in 1949, using the GP tag. These locomotives are commonly referred to as Geeps, pronounced the same way as "Jeep."
Many, including Ermey, suggest that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicles that they informally named it after
Eugene the Jeep, a cartoon character that "could go anywhere".
The term "jeep" was first commonly used during
World War I (1914–1918) by soldiers as a slang word for new
recruits and for new unproven vehicles. This is according to a history of the vehicle for an issue of the U.S. Army magazine,
Quartermaster Review, which was written by Maj. E. P. Hogan. He went on to say that the slang word "jeep" had these definitions as late as the start of
World War II.
"Jeep" had been used as the name of a small tractor made by
Moline.
The term "jeep" would eventually be used as slang to refer to an airplane, a tractor used for hauling heavy equipment, and an
autogyro. When the first models of the jeep came to
Camp Holabird for tests, the vehicle didn't have a name yet. Therefore the soldiers on the test project called it a jeep. Civilian engineers and test drivers who were at the camp during this time were not aware of the military slang term. They most likely were familiar with the character Eugene the Jeep and thought that Eugene was the origin of the name. The vehicle had many other nicknames at this time such as Peep (the term originally used in the Armored Force), Pygmy, and Blitz-Buggy, although because of the Eugene association, Jeep stuck in people's minds better than any other term.
Words of the Fighting Forces by Clinton A. Sanders, a dictionary of military slang, published in 1942, in the library at
The Pentagon gives this definition:
» Jeep: A four-wheel drive car of one-half to one-and-one-half ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½ ton command car. Also referred to as "any small plane, helicopter, or gadget."
Early in 1941,
Willys-Overland demonstrated the vehicle's ability by having it drive up the
U.S. Capitol steps, driven by Willy's test driver Irving "Red" Haussman, who had recently heard soldiers at
Fort Holabird calling it a "jeep." When asked by syndicated columnist Katherine Hillyer for the
Washington Daily News (or by a bystander, according to another account) what it was called, Irving answered, "It's a jeep."
Katherine Hillyer's article was published on
February 20,
1941 around the nation and included a picture of the vehicle with the caption:
» LAWMAKERS TAKE A RIDE- With Senator Meade, of New York, at the wheel, and Representative Thomas, of New Jersey, sitting beside him, one of the Army's new scout cars, known as "jeeps" or "quads," climbs up the Capitol steps in a demonstration yesterday. Soldiers in the rear seat for gunners were unperturbed.
This exposure caused all other jeep references to fade, leaving the 4x4 truck with the name.
Willys-Overland Inc. was later awarded the sole privilege of owning the name "Jeep" as registered
trademark, by extension, merely because it originally had offered the most powerful engine.
(Compare "mayhem" and "commando" for words which changed their main meanings because of newspaper misunderstandings.)
The origins of the vehicle: the first jeeps
The first jeep prototype (the
Bantam BRC) was built for the Department of the Army by
American Bantam in
Butler, Pennsylvania, followed by two other competing prototypes produced by Ford and Willys-Overland. The American Bantam Car Company actually built and designed the vehicle that first met the Army's criteria, but its engine didn't meet the Army's
torque requirements. Plus, the Army felt that the company was too small to supply the number needed and it allowed Willys and Ford to make second attempts on their designs after seeing Bantam's vehicle in action. Some people believe that Ford and Willys also had access to Bantam's technical paperwork.
Quantities (1,500) of each of the three models were then extensively field tested. During the bidding process for 16,000 "jeeps," Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the initial contract. Willys thus designed what would become the standardized jeep, designating it a model
MB military vehicle and building it at their plant in
Toledo, Ohio.
Like American Bantam, Willys-Overland was a small company and, likewise, the military was concerned about their ability to produce large quantities of jeeps. The military was also concerned that Willys-Overland had only one manufacturing facility: something that would make the supply of jeeps more susceptible to sabotage or production stoppages.
Based on these two concerns, the U.S. government required that jeeps also be built by the
Ford Motor Company, who designated the vehicle as model
GPW (
G = governmental vehicle,
P showed the
wheelbase, and
W = the Willys design). Willys and Ford, under the direction of
Charles E. Sorensen (Vice-President of Ford during World War II), produced more than 600,000 jeeps.
Besides just being a "truck" the jeep was used for many other purposes.
The jeep was widely copied around the world, including in France by
Hotchkiss et Cie (after 1954, Hotchkiss manufactured Jeeps under licence from Willys). There were several versions created, including a
railway jeep and an
amphibious jeep. As part of the war effort, Jeeps were also supplied to the Soviet
Red Army during World War II.During the jeep's service in Korea the name was referred to as "Just Enough Essential Parts" by the troops due to the very basic design.
In the United States military, the jeep has been supplanted by a number of vehicles (for example Ford's
M151 MUTT) of which the latest is the
High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or "
Humvee").
The M715
In 1965, Jeep developed the
M715 1.25 ton army truck, which served extensively in Vietnam. Today it serves other countries, and is still being produced by
Kia under license.
The Jeep marque
The marque has gone through many owners, starting in 1941 with
Willys, which produced the first
Civilian Jeep (CJ). Willys was sold to
Kaiser in 1953, which became Kaiser-Jeep in 1963.
American Motors (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations in 1970. The utility vehicles complemented AMC’s passenger car business by sharing components, achieving volume efficiencies, as well as capitalizing on Jeep’s international and government markets.
The French automaker
Renault began investing in AMC in 1979. However, by 1987, the automobile markets had changed and even Renault itself was experiencing financial troubles. At the same time,
Chrysler Corporation wanted to capture the Jeep brand, as well as other assets of AMC. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the
Jeep CJ was replaced with the AMC-designed
Jeep Wrangler or YJ. Chrysler merged with
Daimler-Benz in 1998 to form
DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler eventually sold most of their interest in Chrysler to a
private equity company in 2007. Chrysler and the Jeep division now operate under the name Chrysler Holding LLC.
Toledo, Ohio has been the headquarters of the Jeep marque since its inception, and the city has always been proud of this heritage. Although no longer produced in the same
factory as the
World War II originals, two streets in the vicinity of the old plant are named Willys Parkway and Jeep Parkway.
American Motors set up the first automobile-manufacturing
joint venture in the
People's Republic of China on
January 15,
1984 . The result was Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd., in partnership with Beijing Automobile Industry Corporation, to produce the
Jeep Cherokee (XJ) in
Beijing. Manufacture continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. This joint venture is now part of DaimlerChrysler and DaimlerChrysler China Invest Corporation. The original 1984 XJ model was updated and called the "Jeep 2500" toward the end of its production that ended after 2005.
Jeep vehicles have "model designations" in addition to their common names. Nearly every civilian Jeep until the mid-2000s has an 'xJ' designation, though not all are as well-known as the classic
CJ. Chrysler has now changed to an "xK" designation.
A division of
Chrysler Holdings, the most recent successor company to Willys, now holds trademark status on the name "Jeep" and the distinctive 7-slot front grille design. The original 9-slot grille associated with all WW2 jeeps was designed by Ford for their GPW, and because it weighed less than the original "Slat Grille" of Willys, (an arrangement of flat bars) was incorporated into the "standardized jeep" design.
AM General
The history of the
Humvee has ties with Jeep. In 1971, Jeep's Defense and Government Products Division was turned into AM General, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Motors Corporation, which also owned Jeep. In 1979, while still owned by American Motors, AM General began the first steps toward designing the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. AM General also continued manufacturing the DJ, which Jeep created in 1953.
Off-Road Abilities
Wrangler is the only light-duty vehicle offered in North America with solid axles front and rear. These axles are known for their durability due to their overall strength and lack of rubber boots to get torn on twigs and rocks. Solid-axled vehicles also generally articulate better, especially when traversing ruts. Even the two wheel drive models are equipped with "solid" axles in the front.
Another plus of solid axle vehicles is they tend to be easier and cheaper to "lift." This "lifting" increases the distance between the center of the axle hub and chassis of the vehicle. By increasing this distance, larger tires can be installed, which will increase the ground clearance of the Jeep, allowing it to traverse even larger and more difficult obstacles. Jeep is also known as a symbol of freedom because of the capacity of going almost everywhere. Many people equip theirs with roll-bars, extra lights, and maybe a
winch to pull the vehicle out from the mud or sand when stuck.
Useful features of the smaller Jeeps are their short wheelbases, narrow frames, and great approach, breakover, and departure angles, allowing them to fit places where full - sized trucks could never go.
Jeep events
The Jeep Jamboree
Jamborees are two-day off-road events held throughout the year in which Jeep owners can bring their friends and families to meet other Jeepers, tour scenic trails, and test the limits of their vehicles. Any Jeep with a low-range transfer case is allowed, although
Full Size Jeeps require prior approval. Only registered participants are allowed to take part in the trail rides and activities; no spectators are allowed. Participants can choose to camp at a local campground, stay in a motel, or find other lodging. The day starts off with breakfast, followed by a general meeting that discusses the trail of the day, as well as the driving techniques required. The trail run is concluded by sundown. Thirty Jamborees are planned for 2008.
Camp Jeep
Camp Jeep is an annual, three-day, multi-activity oriented event which includes mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, tubing, arts and crafts, and performances by top bands. Children are encouraged to participate as much as adults (events permitting). Man-made obstacle courses are also offered, as well as trail rides (although the latter must be reserved in advance). "Jeep 101" courses are offered for people just getting started in the off-road world, with experienced guides demonstrating proper driving techniques and the vehicles' 4x4 systems. There is no actual camping at Camp Jeep; participants may camp locally or stay at a motel.
Jeep related words
Jeeping
Jeeping is a popular verb used to describe the action and effect of driving a Jeep (mostly on difficult terrain), which was created to differentiate off-roading from street-driving.
Jeepers
Jeeper is a popular name given to someone who owns and "drives" a Jeep off-road; a Jeep enthusiast.
Jeep model list
Historical models
Historical Jeep models:
Current models
The Jeep brand currently produces six models:
Jeep Wrangler
- JK — The current version of the Wrangler, released as a 2007 model.
- JK — The long wheelbase, 4-door version of the 2007 Wrangler.
Jeep Grand Cherokee — Large family-oriented SUV.
- WK — The newest Grand Cherokee, 2005-present ("WK" is the designator for the new Grand Cherokee, it's one of the few non-J-designated Jeeps).
- 2005–present – Laredo
- 2005–present – Limited
- 2006–present – Overland
- 2006–present – SRT-8
Jeep Liberty — KK — A small SUV (replaced the Cherokee and kept the name outside North America).
Jeep Commander — XK — Newest model in the Jeep line, it's a seven passenger SUV.
Jeep Compass — A small crossover SUV based on the Dodge Caliber.
Jeep Patriot — A small SUV based on the Dodge Caliber.
Concept vehicles
1958 DJ-3A Pickup
1970 XJ001
1970 XJ002
1971 Jeep Cowboy
1977 Jeep II
1986 Cherokee Targa
1987 Comanche Thunderchief
1989 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler
1990 Jeep JJ
1990 Jeep Freedom
1991 Jeep Wagoneer 2000
1992 Jeep Concept 1
1993 Jeep Ecco
1997 Jeep Cherokee Casablanca
1997 Jeep Wrangler Ultimate Rescue
1997 Fender Jeep Wrangler
1997 Jeep Dakar
1997 Jeep Icon
1999 Jeep Journey
1999 Jeep Jeepster Concept
2000 Jeep Cherokee Total Exposure
2000 Jeep Varsity
2000 Jeep Commander Concept
2000 Jeep Willys
2001 Jeep Willys 2
2002 Jeep Wrangler Tabasco
2002 Jeep Wrangler Patriot
2002 Jeep Wrangler Mountain Biker
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) Concierge
2004 Jeep Treo
2004 Jeep Rescue
2004 Jeep Liberator CRD
2005 Jeep Hurricane
2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept
2005 Jeep Aggressor (the Rezo)
2007 Jeep Trailhawk
2008 Jeep Renegade
Special vehicles
1936 Oscar-Mayer Wienermobile
Jeeps around the world
Jeeps have been built and/or assembled around the world by various companies.
Argentina - IKA Jeeps 1956-current; now owned by Chrysler
Australia - Willys Motors Australia - 1940s-1980s
Belgium -
Brazil - Willys Overland do Brasil, purchased by Ford to become Ford do Brasil - 1957-1985 and the Troller T4 is a fiberglass Jeep version built in Brazil. Troller was purchased by Ford do Brasil in 2007.
Canada - Kaiser Jeep - 1959-1969
China - Beijing Jeep Corporation - 1983 to present as Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive
Colombia - Willys Colombia - at least until 1999
Egypt -
France - Hotchkiss and Auverland - 1952-1962
India - Mahindra & Mahindra Limited - 1960s-current
Israel - Automotive Industries which produces the AIL Storm (Sufa) series of Jeep Wrangler-derivatives
Italy - 1950s
Japan - Mitsubishi Jeeps - 1953-1998
Korea - Asia Motors, Ltd and SsangYong Motor Company. (don't use Jeep name) - 1980s-current
Mexico - VAM Jeeps - 1946-1987
Netherlands - Nederlandse Kaiser-Frazer - 1954-1990s
Philippines - Jeepneys ; MD Juan
Portugal - Bravia - 1960s-1980s
Spain - VIASA, later sold to Nissan - 1960-1990s
Turkey - Tuzla - 1954-1970s Further Information
Get more info on 'Jeep'.
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