What Makes The Jeep Brand So Desirable So Many Years Later?
When the Jeep first came out in 1941 it looked only slightly like the Jeeps that you see in the streets now. Sure, for the most part, the design has stayed intact. You can recognize a Jeep from a mile away.
In the last few years, the popularity of the Jeep brand has allowed for a boost in sales and it has stayed at the forefront over many SUV’s thanks to the introduction of the four-door Unlimited Wrangler in 2007. There was a substantial jump in sales in 2017 when over 190,000 units were sold and in 2018 over 196,520 units were sold. That’s more than a14% increase in one year.
DESIGN
There are many different models in the Jeep family and although every model is its own style there are some key notes that help us identify a Jeep. Its boxy utilitarian style, bumpers, grille, skid plates, fenders, and huge tires are a few examples. In the course of the 1960s, Jeep came out with over fourteen new models for work, play, recreation and, according to jeep.com “luxuriously capable transportation”.
With over 75-years of history and 190 thousand units sold worldwide in 2018, Jeep considers the Grand Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass vehicles contributed greatly to its success in the market.
In 2017, The Compass Jeep got an all-new re-design inside and out. The Compass, a model by the brand, provides on-and-off road crossover. The authentic Jeep brand exterior styling includes an open-air dual-pane sunroof.
FUNCTIONALITY
Let’s focus on one of the Jeeps most popular model; the Wrangler. Over the years the Wrangler’s on-road driving has been enhanced drastically, especially with the adoption of the Pentastar V6 engine for the current generations in Jeeps. Newer models, like the JK model, which are models from 2007-2017, are able to keep up with traffic, unlike older models which didn’t have the power to compete on the highway.
What makes the off-roading such a breeze when driving the Wrangler? It’s the fact that it can go through trials and terrain that many other vehicles must avoid. Wranglers have a short wheelbase, short front, and rear overhangs, and great ground clearance, delivering the impressive approach, departure and breakover angles that make off-roading easier. Let’s not forget that combined with the transmission, solid front, and rear axles, a coil-over suspension, and a 4-wheel drive, the Wrangler really lives up to its slogan “Go anywhere. Do anything.” that it’s advertised as.
LIFESTYLE/ CULTURE
Jeep vehicles became a common form of transportation when veterans began to buy Willys MB post-World War II, making the brand realize its demand on the market. The first model out in the market was the CJ-2A. The Wrangler, that we are so accustomed to knowing by name, took a while to arrive. It made its debut in 1987 with American Motors Company. We can still see a little of the look that made the Jeep iconic in the first place. Willy’s round headlights and seven-slotted grille can still be seen on Wranglers today.
QUALITY PRODUCTS: AWARDS WON
Jeep is considered one of the most awarded SUV brands ever, thanks to its revolutionary design and its multitude of standard safety equipment. Here are a few awards Jeep won in 2016 alone. The Jeep Wrangler was named on Strategic Vision’s Most Loved Vehicles list. The Jeep Cherokee won the award for the best Compact Sports Utility vehicle by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), the Jeep Renegade was named the Best SUV for the money by Autobytel.
But hold on, the Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) awards named Jeep as the most active auto brand on the market. The Jeep Grand Cherokee received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and was also named the “Most Ideal Mid-Size SUV” for six years in a row by AutoPacific. As for their 4×4 systems, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both won awards for “Four Wheeler of the Decade” by Four Wheeler.
Jeeps have been a staple in the SUV family for centuries and it’s easy to see why. They are dependable, they have a long history, they have the capability to keep up with traffic and it has a recognizable style.
If you’re interested in test-driving any model in the Jeep family, make sure to come see us at Cape Coral Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM for a test drive. Want to do some research online first? Check out our vast inventory of Jeep vehicles before stopping by.