October 15, 2024 | Ella Mason

The Most Legendary Jeeps


The Most Iconic Jeeps

When it comes to rugged reliability and iconic design, few vehicles can match the legacy of the Jeep. Over the decades, the brand has produced some truly legendary models that have made their mark on and off the road. Here’s a look at some of the most legendary Jeeps ever created.

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Willys MB: The Original War Hero

The original Jeep, the Willys MB, was born during WWII. With its unmistakable design and robust engineering, it became the blueprint for every Jeep that followed. Built for the battlefield, it’s the ultimate symbol of versatility and freedom.

Willys MB Jeep - from 1943Joost J. Bakker, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Birth Of The Civilian Jeep

After the war, the Willys MB evolved into the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series. The first civilian models took the rugged DNA of their military predecessors and added features that appealed to everyday drivers.

Jeep CJ - 1945-49David Berry, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

CJ-2A: Civilian Workhorse

The CJ-2A offered innovations like a tailgate and a side-mounted spare tire. This model marked Jeep’s transition from a military utility vehicle to a trusted workhorse for farmers, ranchers, and outdoors enthusiasts.

1946 Jeep CJ photographed in Laval, Quebec, Canada - 2010Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

CJ-5: A Jeep For Every Adventure

One of the longest-running Jeep models, the CJ-5, set the stage for the recreational off-roader. With its rounded fenders and classic open-top design, the CJ-5 captured the adventurous spirit of the Jeep brand and remains a fan favorite.

Jeep CJ-5 model with original V6 engine. Red open body.CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons

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The Influence Of The CJ-7

Introduced in the 1970s, the CJ-7 added features like an optional automatic transmission and a longer wheelbase. It’s often considered the forerunner of the modern Wrangler due to its blend of comfort and capability.

1980 Jeep Cj-7 Blue V8English: CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons

Birth Of The Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer was the pioneer of luxury SUVs. With woodgrain panels and a roomy interior, it combined rugged capability with comfort and style, making it the go-to vehicle for family road trips and off-road excursions alike.

1982 Jeep Wagoneerharry_nl, Flickr

The Introduction Of Quadra-Trac

The 1973 Wagoneer introduced Quadra-Trac, the first automatic four-wheel-drive system, adding a layer of sophistication to the already versatile Jeep.

1973 Jeep WagoneerAlden Jewell, Flickr

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Cherokee: The First Compact SUV

The original Jeep Cherokee redefined the SUV segment. Its smaller size and lighter unibody construction made it more agile than traditional SUVs, yet it still offered serious off-road capability.

1975 Jeep Cherokee In Beige, Front RightMr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Cherokee XJ Revolution

The Cherokee XJ changed the game in the 1980s. With its boxy design and legendary durability, it became a staple in both urban and off-road environments, influencing SUV designs for decades.

1999 Jeep Cherokee - (XJ)Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Wagoneer’s Legacy Of Luxury

The Jeep Wagoneer set the bar for high-end SUVs. With its plush interior and advanced 4x4 system, it was one of the first vehicles to combine true off-road capability with a comfortable driving experience.

Blue Jeep Grand WagoneerTennen-Gas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Wrangler: The Off-Road Icon

When people think of Jeep, the Wrangler is often the first vehicle that comes to mind. With its removable doors and roof, the Wrangler embodies the freedom and adventure spirit of the Jeep brand.

94 White Jeep WranglerGreg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The TJ Generation: Return Of The Round Headlights

The Wrangler TJ, introduced in 1997, brought back Jeep’s iconic round headlights and added a more refined coil-spring suspension system, enhancing its off-road performance without sacrificing comfort.

Jeep Wrangler TJRon Kroetz, Flickr

Unleashing The Rubicon

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon set a new standard for off-road vehicles. With heavy-duty axles, electronic lockers, and a disconnecting front sway bar, it was built to tackle the toughest trails.

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubiconsv1ambo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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The First Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee debuted in 1993, redefining the SUV market. Combining luxury and serious off-road ability, it became the benchmark for what an upscale SUV could be.

1993-1995 Jeep Grand CherokeeIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Grand Cherokee ZJ: A Luxurious Trailblazer

With leather interiors, a V8 engine option, and a unibody construction, the first-generation Grand Cherokee offered a unique blend of comfort and ruggedness, solidifying its place as a premium off-roader.

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis Edition Interiorpingping, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cherokee Trailhawk: Off-Road Versatility

The Cherokee Trailhawk introduced a more rugged version of the mid-size SUV, complete with skid plates, a raised suspension, and an aggressive design that emphasized its off-road prowess.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - 2014Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Gladiator: A Jeep with A Truck Bed

The Gladiator is a perfect blend of Jeep’s iconic off-road capability and a functional pickup truck. With its rugged frame and removable top, it offers the versatility and open-air experience of a Jeep with the added utility of a truck bed.

White Jeep GladiatorAlexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Gladiator Rubicon: Built For The Rough

For those seeking the ultimate off-road truck, the Gladiator Rubicon is equipped with front and rear electronic locking differentials, rock rails, and an Off-Road+ mode for serious trail performance.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, FrontKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Compass: A Crossover Jeep

The Jeep Compass offers the brand’s signature 4x4 capabilities in a compact crossover package, making it an ideal choice for those who want Jeep performance in a smaller, more urban-friendly vehicle.

2008 Jeep Compass Limited 2.4 WagonOSX, Wikimedia Commons

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Patriot: Budget-Friendly Utility

The Jeep Patriot combined affordability with versatility. While not as rugged as its siblings, it provided a solid option for drivers seeking Jeep DNA at a lower price point.

2011 Jeep PatriotFiat Chrysler Automobiles, Flickr

Liberty: A Modern Off-Roader

The Jeep Liberty was designed to fill the gap between the Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee, offering a modern take on Jeep’s off-road tradition with a more refined interior and advanced 4x4 options.

2008-2010 Jeep Liberty LimitedIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Renegade: Jeep’s Playful Side

The Renegade introduced a fun, quirky design to the Jeep lineup, aimed at younger, city-dwelling adventurers. Its compact size and bright color options made it stand out in the crowded crossover market.

Jeep Renegade, Gims 2019Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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The SRT8: A High-Performance Jeep

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 brought high-performance driving to the Jeep lineup, with a powerful V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it a standout in both speed and capability.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8Autoviva, Flickr

Trackhawk: Unleashing Power

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk takes performance to the next level. With a supercharged Hellcat engine, it’s one of the fastest SUVs in the world, proving that Jeep can excel on the pavement as well as off it.

Jeep Trackhawk Demon-800 2019HachmannLgbg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Forward Control: Jeep’s Unique Truck

The Jeep FC (Forward Control) was a unique design experiment that placed the cab over the engine, offering a compact yet highly functional layout for specialized tasks like firefighting and snow plowing.

63 Jeep Forward ControlGreg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Jeepster Commando: A Retro Classic

The Jeepster Commando combined the style of a convertible with off-road capability, offering an open-top experience and a vintage look that’s still sought after by collectors today.

1971 Jeepster Commando Sc-1 Pickup OrangeCZmarlin - Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons

Jeepster Revival

In 2021, Jeep paid tribute to its classic Jeepster with a modern concept vehicle, blending the retro styling of the original with contemporary technology and off-road features.

1957 Jeep Jeepster Station WagonJack Snell, Flickr

J-Series Pickup: Jeep’s Hardworking Truck

Before the Gladiator, the J-Series pickup trucks were Jeep’s answer to the full-size truck market, offering serious hauling capability with the brand’s signature off-road prowess.

1974 Jeep J10 Pickup Truck All-Original Finished In GreenCZmarlin - Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons

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The Grand Wagoneer: Luxury Reborn

Jeep revived the Grand Wagoneer nameplate in 2021, bringing back the legacy of the original with an ultra-luxurious interior, advanced technology, and powerful engine options.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer SeriesMr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Commander: A Full-Size Adventure

The Jeep Commander offered three rows of seating and a more squared-off design, providing a larger, family-friendly option without sacrificing off-road capability.

Jeep Commander (front) - 2024Mateusmatsuda, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The 2024 Wrangler 4xe: Jeep Goes Electric

The Wrangler 4xe is Jeep’s first plug-in hybrid, combining electric power with the Wrangler’s legendary off-road capability. It’s a glimpse into Jeep’s electrified future.

A 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe electric vehicle is parked while being charged.Phil Pasquini, Shutterstock

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The Jeep Hurricane: A Concept For The Ages

The Jeep Hurricane concept was introduced in 2005, featuring a dual-Hemi engine setup and an innovative four-wheel-steering system, making it one of the most extreme off-road concepts ever created.

Jeep Hurricane Concept VehicleInsomnia Cured Here, Flickr

Jeepster Beach: A Modern Retro Concept

In 2021, Jeep unveiled the Jeepster Beach, a concept that blended classic 1968 Jeepster styling with modern components, highlighting the brand’s commitment to both heritage and innovation.

Jeep wrangler rubicon interior - 2021hendra yuwana, Shutterstock

Jeep Mighty FC: A Tribute To The Past

The Jeep Mighty FC concept revisited the cab-over-engine design of the original Forward Control, offering a modern take on this unique Jeep truck with updated suspension and off-road features.

Very nice example of a red Jeep FC-150J. Kyle Rasmussen, Shutterstock

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The Cherokee KL: A Modern Evolution

The modern Cherokee KL blends style, safety, and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude FrontKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Wagoneer L: A Full-Size Luxury SUV

The Wagoneer L takes Jeep’s largest SUV to new heights with extended wheelbase options, a luxurious interior, and a powerful turbocharged engine.

2023 Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer LAutomotive Rhythms, Flickr

The Jeep Grand Commander

The Grand Commander is a unique model exclusive to the Chinese market, offering three-row seating and a more refined, upscale design tailored for urban drivers.

Jeep Grand Commander - China 2019Navigator84, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Jeep Yuntu Concept

The Jeep Yuntu concept, unveiled in 2017, previewed a potential future direction for Jeep’s large SUV offerings, featuring plug-in hybrid technology and a sleek, modern design.

Jeep showroom. Jeep logo on a bumper of new Grand Cherokee.Tikhomirov Sergey, Shutterstock

The Grand Cherokee L: Room For More

The Grand Cherokee L adds a third row to the iconic Grand Cherokee, providing more space and comfort while maintaining the brand’s legendary 4x4 capability.

Jeep Grand Cherokee display at a dealership - 2023Jonathan Weiss, Shutterstock


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