the American Dream: Jeep

the American Dream: Jeep by ric gustafson


In 1986, Lee Iacocca wanted to buy the American Motors Corporation. AMC's best known vehicle was the Jeep. This vehicle with a stiff suspension and a harsh ride helped the Allies win World War II. Others at Chrysler were not happy with Iacocca's idea. AMC's money woes worried Chrysler during their time of economic recovery. Iacocca believed that the sturdy Jeep with it's four wheel drive was more reliable than the Minivan.
During World War II, the army needed a four wheel drive vehicle with a four cylinder engine. American Bantam Company got the contract and it built a vehicle in five days. The army called it the general purpose vehicle or Jeep. This sturdy vehicle hauled guns, ammunition and people and sometimes served as attack vehicles. During the war, 650,000 jeeps were built. Willys-Overland helped Bantam with production.
After the war, a civilian jeep was introduced called the CJ. In 1954, Willys Motors introduced the CJ-5 which came with wider and softer seats, curved fenders and rounded hoods. In 1963, Willys Motors became Kaiser Jeep and introduced the Jeep Wagoneer. It offered four doors and an automatic transmission, floor carpeting and softer seats. In 1973, the Jeep Cherokee was introduced. In 1986, the Jeep Wrangler YJ replaced the CJ and featured square headlights. In 1992, Chrysler came out with the Jeep Grand Cherokee which featured unibody construction and a V8 engine. A 1952 Jeep CJ is on display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. It is on display as an American cultural icon.


research help: ' Engines of Change' by Paul Ingrassia


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric