Since its beginnings on the World War II battlefields as a four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle to its current lineup of capable SUVs, Jeep has had an impressive history with plenty of unique vehicles. Learn more about some of the best Jeep models ever manufactured and the special features that make them fan favorites.
1. Jeep CJ-2A
The CJ-2A deserves its place on a list of the best Jeep vehicles ever made because it was the first one available to civilians. The CJ-2A was manufactured from 1945 to 1949 and was marketed to farmers as “A Powerhouse on Wheels.” It could operate for 10 hours a day without overheating the engine, and a variety of farm tools and implements could be used in conjunction with the onboard power take-off unit. Since the CJ-2A was designed for farming and industrial use, it came standard with only a driver’s seat and driver’s side mirror.
2. Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler was one of the more eye-catching vehicles ever produced. It was manufactured from 1981 to 1985 and had the look of a small pickup truck with a wheelbase that was 103 inches long. Instead of using a separate pickup bed, the vehicle had a removable half cab that created a box in the style of a pickup truck. The CJ-8 also had some famous owners. The U.S. Postal Service in Alaska used the vehicles for delivery trucks, and former President Ronald Reagan used one on his ranch in California.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced to the world in 1992 when it crashed through a glass window at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Since then, it has paved the way for other luxury SUVs to follow. The Grand Cherokee was the first SUV to come equipped with a driver’s side airbag. Today it comes with plenty of impressive standard features, including automatic dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 7-inch touch-screen display.
4. Jeep J10
Jeep never did too much with designing trucks, which is what makes the J10 so special. Manufactured from 1974 to 1987, the J10 shared the same body as the Cherokee and Wagoneer from the cab forward, and then it offered either a 7-foot or 8-foot bed. One of the more interesting aspects of the J10 was the 10-4 trim that was produced from 1974 to 1983 and came with an optional CB radio that was factory-installed.
5. Jeep YJ
The Jeep YJ deserves its place in history because it was the first vehicle to sport the Wrangler badge. It was introduced in 1987 to replace the long-lived CJ Series. The YJ was the first and only Jeep to have polarizing square headlights. It also had a modern interior and open-body profile that we know and love from today’s Wrangler. The last Jeep YJ rolled off the line in 1995.
Although Jeep has produced many iconic vehicles over the years, these five models deserve recognition as the best ever made. If you would like to find out what it’s like to own a small piece of that storied history, come down to Earnhardt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Gilbert, AZ. and let us help you find the Jeep that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
“1945 Willys CJ-2A Jeep 3” via Flickr by Jack Snell. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original
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