Jeep through the years

800px-Covered_Willy%27s_jeep_Wings_Over_Wine_Country_2007.JPG — Wikimedia/BrokenSphere

One of the most iconic brands in American automotive history, the Jeep has been on the roads for over 70 years. From the rugged army vehicles of the 1940's to the stylish Wranglers of today, take a tour of the history of the Jeep. Willys MA jeep at the Desert Training Center, Indio, CA, June 1942.The original Jeep was designed for the military in 1941. To demonstrate the vehicle's rugged, off-road capabilities, one of the very first Jeep models was driven up the steps of the U.S. Capitol. When asked by a reporter what the name of the vehicle was, the test driver replied, "It's a jeep."

1941-1945: Willys MB/Ford GPW

The original Jeep was designed for the military in 1941. To demonstrate the vehicle's rugged, off-road capabilities, one of the very first Jeep models was driven up the steps of the U.S. Capitol. When asked by a reporter what the name of the vehicle was, the test driver replied, "It's a jeep."

1942-1943: Ford GPA 'Seep' (Sea Jeep)

Ford GPA at the South African National Museum for Military History. Amphibious version of the WWII Ford GPW Jeep.

1942-1943: Ford GPA 'Seep' (Sea Jeep)

Photo of the "Seep" in action.

1946-1965: Willys Jeep Wagon

800px-Willys_Jeep_Wagon_green_in_yard_maintenance_use.jpg — Wikimedia/CZmarlin

Originally designed for the military, Jeep moved into civilian production after World War II. Jeeps were still used by the armed forces, but in 1945 the company began producing it's "CJ" series ("civilian jeep.")

1946-1965: Willys Jeep Wagon

Willys-Overland Motors was the company that originally designed the Jeep. The company was dissolved in 1955, but at one point was the second largest car manufacturer in the country, after Ford.

1947-1965: Willys Jeep Truck

Jeeps gained popularity in post-WWII America primarily because of their four-wheel drive capabilities - an uncommon feature at the time that made Jeeps attractive to farmers, ranchers and anyone who needed to navigate rough roads.

1948-1950: Willys-Overland Jeepster

Willys found success with "CJ" style Jeeps, but wanted something more friendly to average motorists. Enter the "Jeepster." These unique Jeeps were only produced between 1948 and 1950.

1948-1950: Willys-Overland Jeepster

Photo of a 1948 "Jeepster."

1959-1978: M151 Military Utility Tactical Truck

M151 Military Utility Tactical Truck, also called the MUTT. This jeep replaced the models created by Willys and served in the Vietnam War.

1959-1978: M151 Military Utility Tactical Truck

TOW missile being fired from a Ford M151 MUTT

1967-1969: Kaiser Jeep M715

The Kaiser Jeep M715 was a heavy-duty vehicle that served in Vietnam. The truck was used extensively by other countries for military purposes, and a variant is still produced today by Kia for the South Korean armed forces.

A USPS Mail Delivery vehicle made by Jeep - May 2009

1946: Jeep CJ-2A

743px-%2746_Jeep_CJ_%28Auto_classique_Laval_%2710%29.jpg — Wikimedia/Bull-Doser

1946 Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep)

1949-1953: Willys Overland CJ-3A

Willys' "CJ-3A" was a bare-bones civilian jeep produced in 1949. These smaller, lighter jeeps were most commonly used for outdoors, off-road activities. By 1951, the vehicle was referred to as a "Farm Jeep."

1953-1968: Willys CJ-3B

The successor to the CJ-3A, the CJ-3B was higher and more powerful. The model was in production until 1968 in the U.S., but the design was licensed internationally to other automakers. Mahindra, in India, still produces a version of the CJ-3B today.

1954-1983: Willys CJ-5/Jeep CJ-5

The Willys CJ-5 (later the Jeep CJ-5) was designed as the successor to the CJ-3B. Due to the popularity of the CJ-3B, the two models were produced alongside each other. The CJ-5 proved to have a much longer lifespan, however. This popular model was in production for nearly three decades.

1955-1975: Willys CJ-6/Jeep CJ-6

Civilian Jeep model: Willys CJ-6

1976-1986: Jeep CJ-7

Civilian Jeep model: Jeep CJ-7

1981-1986: Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

Civilian Jeep model: Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

1981-1985: Jeep CJ-10

Civilian Jeep model: Jeep CJ-10.

1987-1995: Jeep Wrangler YJ

Jeep introduced the "YJ" in 1987. The model was also called the "Wrangler" and proved to be such a success that Jeep still produces Wranglers in various styles to this day.

1991: Jeep Wrangler YJ (Renegade)

Photo of the Jeep Wrangler "Renegade"

1997-2006: Jeep Wrangler TJ

Photo of the Jeep Wrangler TJ - the successor to the YJ.

1997-2006: Jeep Wrangler TJ

Photo of the Jeep Wrangler TJ.

Photo of the Jeep Wrangler X

2007-Present: Jeep Wrangler TJ

800px-%2710_Jeep_Wrangler_Sport_%28MIAS_%2710%29.jpg — Wikimedia/Bull-Doser

Photo of the Jeep Wrangler TJ

2012: Jeep Wrangler "Dragon"

The "Dragon" is a concept car unveiled at the Beijing International Auto Show. The special edition Jeep is designed to cater to the Chinese market: the largest auto market in the world and one where Jeep has seen great success in recent years. Check out more images of the "Dragon" HERE.