Types of Jeeps
- Military Jeeps are one type of Jeep; many more types exist.backside of jeep image by goce risteski from Fotolia.com
Jeeps were developed for U.S. Army use in World War II. Returning soldiers wanted civilian counterparts of the go-anywhere, almost-indestructible vehicles they had used in the war, so companies such as Willys, Kaiser, American Motors and Chrysler produced non-military versions. Many types of Jeeps exist, and for maintenance, knowing the type is important. Classification is primarily based on year of production, but other factors enter into the equation. - Most 4-passenger jeeps built after World War II have the prefix "M" followed by a model number. Jeep wagons, trucks, and ambulances were also built. The Ford Jeep model M151, called the "MUTT" for "Military Utility Tactical Truck," was first used in the Vietnam War. Military Jeeps were modified to carry anti-tank, anti-aircraft and other artillery as well as firefighting equipment. The Chrysler Jeep Wrangler has a military version, the J8.
- Jeepsters were designated by the prefix "VJ" and were made by Willys between 1948 and 1951. The Jeepster Commando, or C101, was produced from 1966 to 1971. Forward Control Jeeps (1956 to 1965) have FC numbers, and Fleetvan Jeeps (1961 to 1975) have an FJ prefix.
- Civilian Jeep models are prefixed by CJ. Dispatcher or delivery Jeeps are 2-wheel drive versions of Civilian Jeeps designated by DJ. Civilian Jeeps included the Tuxedo Park Mark III, Camper, Renegade versions, Super Jeep, Golden Eagle, Golden Hawk and Scrambler. Several limited-run anniversary editions were built as well. Jeep began station wagon production in 1946, which they replaced with the Wagoneer in 1962.
- Full-sized Jeeps morphed from utility vehicles into Sport Utility Vehicles during the 1970s. Early Wagoneer models were prefixed by SJ, but 1984-1990 models had XJ and the 1993 Grand Wagoneer ZJ. Cherokees from 1974 to 1983 were designated SJ, from 1984 to 2001, the designation was XJ. From 1993-1998, Grand Cherokees bore ZJ, and from 1999 to 2004 they were called WJ. Jeep Comanches are designated MJ models. Jeep Wranglers are designated YJ, TJ, LJ or JK, depending on year of manufacture. Jeep Liberty contains KJ models.
- Chrysler Group LLC, a collaboration between Chrysler and Fiat, produces the Jeep brand as of 2010. During the mid- to late-2000s, model number prefixes for new Jeep lines changed. From 2007, Wranglers are model JK; Grand Cherokees changed to WK in 2005; Commanders are XK; Liberty is KK; and Compass and Patriot are MK. The 2010 lineup features the Commander, which seats seven; the Compass, with Sport and Latitude models; the Grand Cherokee Laredo; the Patriot Sport and Latitude; the Wrangler Sport, Islander and Mountain models; and the Wrangler Unlimited.
