6 reasons why Jeep is still popular
Jeep is a timeless SUV brand, exemplifying key attributes like adventure, freedom, and passion for more than 80 years. The brand has authentically lived up to its core values and the brand message “Go Anywhere. Do Anything.” The line-up from the brand has become a way of life for innumerable people in the country who treat owning it as a badge of honor. Here is what makes the automobile brand stand out:
Owned by a trusted automaker
Jeep is owned by Stellantis—a global automobile company known for its passion, diversity, innovativeness, community development, and sustainability. Besides Jeep, Fiat, Opel, and Chrysler are a few of the other brands from the house of Stellantis. The company is not just a trusted name; it is a trendsetter, be it in creating safe and clean mobility solutions, community involvement, sustainable technology and electrification strategies, and more.
World War II contribution
Birthed in the 1940s, the earliest model of the brand helped transport hundreds of Allied soldiers worldwide. It became a hero with its reliable 4×4 technology. This was the decade when Willys-Overland, the original manufacturer of the brand, developed the 1,200-pound 3-passenger vehicle with an 80-inch wheelbase. This was the military model, the specs of which were created by government officials. Much later, in 1945, the first civilian model, CJ-2A, was launched; it had the historic 7-slot grille that has become a brand trademark ever since.
Persisted under different manufacturers
Jeep survived under the ownership of multiple manufacturers over the years. From Willys-Overland in the 1940s to Kaiser Motors in the 1950s, the brand was also passed on to American Motors Corporation (or AMC) in 1970. In 1987, Chrysler took over all the AMC brands, and in 1998, Daimler Chrysler entered the picture. In 2009, when Chrysler joined hands with the Fiat Group, the brand moved under the parentage of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Finally, in 2021, Stellantis took over as the custodian of the brand. The indomitable spirit of the brand, its value-driven proposition, engineering superiority, and its popularity have ensured that the brand always stays afloat.
Superior models
Every decade saw the production of remarkable Jeep models that went on to become best-sellers. Here are the most notable ones:
The Wagoneer in the 1960s was all about sophisticated refinement, prestige, and innovation. The 1970s saw the launch of the Cherokee (SJ), a model that won all the awards that year for the 4×4 category.
In the 1980s, the Cherokee got an uplift, and the new Cherokee (XJ) was a first-of-its-kind, 4-door compact SUV with UniFrame engineering.
The 1993 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) set new benchmarks in the industry. It was a powerful beast on the road, with amazing off-road and on-road capabilities.
In 1997 came the Wrangler (TJ), and in 1999, the Grand Cherokee (WJ), with newer power and agility.
2003 witnessed the 4-door Wrangler Rubicon.
In the 2000s, the brand introduced Compass and Patriot for the cross-utility segment.
In 2016, the all-new Grand Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, and Wrangler were introduced. All 4 models played a significant role in the further evolution of the brand.
In 2019, the Gladiator was re-introduced.
In 2020, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 was launched, while the new Wrangler 4xe also made an entry. The latter is a plug-in hybrid EV.
In 2022, the brand has plans to introduce the Grand Cherokee 4xe, another futurist EV.
In addition, all-powerful models like the premium SUV Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, and the Compass, with upgraded interiors and capabilities, have been launched to create an indelible mark in the automobile industry.
“Most patriotic brand”
The brand was voted the most patriotic brand for the 19th consecutive year. The brand developed a Freedom Edition for its six best-sellers, and these Jeep models come with hoods fitted with militaresque stars and national flags.
Unbeatable features
The brand’s models are synonymous with the following high-end features:
- “Trail Rated” models: Jeep models with the badge pass five sets of grueling tests on the road. The tests are called:
Traction: Conducted to see how the vehicle handles unpredictable driving terrain and conditions favorably.
Water Fording: Tests for seamless travel through waterbodies.
Maneuverability: Checks for safe navigation through the harshest routes.
Articulation or suspension flexibility: Checks for wheel stability.
Ground Clearance: Evaluates the car’s capacity for smoothly riding over rocks and logs. - 4×4 system: The models come with the ability to master all terrains and weather conditions. Be it mud, gravel, rock, snow, or sand, you are in safe hands with a Jeep SUV. The specs include a front-sway bar disconnect system, skid plates, rock rails, body-on-frame design, heavy shafts, and solid axles.