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. 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. Jeeps have always been known for their abilities off-road, and their popularity endures.
Today, the 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 body 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.
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. 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 current model is the Jeep 2500, an updated XJ Cherokee.
Jeep vehicles have "model designations" in addition to their common names. Nearly every civilian Jeep until the mid-2000's has a 'xJ' designation, though not all are as well-known as the classic CJ. Chrysler has now changed to an "xK" designation. Jeep 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 is one of the few non-J-designated Jeeps).
2005–present Laredo 2005–present Limited 2006 present Overland 2006–present – SRT-8,
Jeep Liberty KJ A small SUV (replaced the Cherokee and kept the name outside North America). Jeep Commander XK
Newest model in the Jeep line, it is 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, slated to begin production for 2007 model year.
