The history of the ever-popular Jeep company is quite extensive. Initially, the Jeep vehicle served as a solution for wartime demands, but after much success in this endeavor, it became one of the most valuable vehicles on the civilian market. The company has released many models and versions, but some have received more praise than others. Here are the most popular civilian Jeeps of all time, in no particular order.
CJ-5 and CJ-6, 1955–1983
The Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-6 were not the first of their kind, but they did open the door to off-roading culture. Specific to civilians, the CJ series contains many differences from the military versions to ensure compatibility with daily driving.
Wrangler TJ, 1997–2006
The Wrangler will always go down in history as one of the most popular civilian Jeep models of all time. It’s incredibly customizable, and it continues to lend a loving hand to the entire off-roading community. It not only serves the everyday commuter but also tackles any terrain you put it on. Just be sure to consider a few upgrades to optimize its performance.
CJ-2A, 1945–1949
You’ll never run across a list of the best Jeep models without a mention of the CJ-2A. This special Jeep model opened the doors to the Jeep brand for all civilians in 1945. It was simple in design and only slightly different from the military version. Some of the first customers to grab ahold of this Jeep were farmers because it performed well on varied terrain and got the job done.
Grand Cherokee, 1993–1998
The first Grand Cherokee to enter the consumer market was an incredibly versatile model. When it was released in 1993, it was one of the most versatile vehicles available, and it paved the path for many other automakers to step up their utility vehicle production. Through its successful five-year stint, it received many technological updates to remain in line with consumer requests.
Commander, 2005–2010
The Jeep Commander is a unique vehicle for this list because it was produced for only five years before the 2011 Grand Cherokee effectively replaced it on the consumer market. The Commander featured harsh lines that, at that time, consumers were into. Many people now consider this vehicle to be a large box on wheels. Toward the end of the Commander’s production, Jeep began producing limited-series models that housed 357-horsepower engines with 5.7L V8s.
There’s no doubt about Jeep’s ability to evolve and open door after door. With the success the brand has earned over time, there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon. Which Jeep model is calling your name?
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