The original Jeep was the prototype Bantam BRC. Willys MB Jeeps went into production in 1941 specifically for the military. The Jeep became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the United States Army and the Allies during World War II, as well as the postwar period. 

The first civilian models were produced in 1945. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser.

The brand has gone through many owners, Including Willys, which produced the first Civilian Jeep (CJ) in 1945. Willys was sold to Kaiser Motors in 1953, which became Kaiser Jeep in 1963. American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser's Jeep operations in 1970. Chrysler bought out AMC in 1987, shortly after the Jeep CJ7 was replaced with the AMC-designed Jeep Wrangler or YJ. Daimler Benz bought Chrysler in 1998 to form Daimler Chrysler. Fiat eventually bought Chrysler in 2014.

Jeep's has always been known for its off-road capabilities. The Wrangler is one of the few four-wheel-drive vehicles with solid front and rear axles. These axles are known for their strength and durability.