Jeep

Jeeps are vehicles originally designed to be off-road vehicles, similar to automobiles.

The original manufacturer, Willys, had limited manufacturing facilities -- all that was required for the limited specialty market, prior to World War II.

However, during World War II planners realized that Jeeps would be useful in every theatre, and to every branch of the Armed Forces. Eventually the Allies fielded half a million jeeps.

In order to produce sufficient number the War Department issued an ultimatum to Willys -- either they agreed to license their designs to larger companies, who had the capital to build more factories to manufacture jeeps, or the US government would expropriate their designs.

Original design

Original jeeps were small vehicles, built to a simple design, that was easy to maintain and repair in the field. They were four wheel drive vehicles, which could, in theory, carry four passengers, or half a ton of cargo. In practice the rear seats were extremely uncomfortable.

Modern Jeep design

Since World War II the design of the vehicle's called Jeeps has undergone many design changes. While the distinctive front grille makes them recognizable as Jeeps, they are no longer simple, containing complicated features, like air conditioning. They are still capable of four wheel drive.