1938 — Willys-Overland, based in Ohio, hired a new chief engineer and he re-engineered the Willys Four engine to increase durability and improve horsepower from 45 to 60.The U.S. Army tells all vehicle manufacturers that it is searching for a replacement to the motorcycle/side car combination for light reconnaissance and messenger duties.

1939 — Willys-Overland begins discussions with the Army regarding a reconnaissance vehicle.On Dec. 22, 1939, Willys-Overland submits preliminary sketches to the Army. The vehicle is dubbed the “Mosquito.”

1940 — In February Willys-Overland is contacted by the Army for a replacement for the “Howie-Belly Flopper,” a crude reconnaissance vehicle where the driver lays on his stomach.The final recommendation for the new vehicle is approved by the Army Ordinance Technical Committee.On July 11, the Army sends a request for bids to 135 vehicle manufacturers for a light reconnaissance vehicle. Along with the specification, the Army stipulates the manufacturers must deliver a pilot model in 49 days and 70 complete vehicles in 75 days.Only three manufacturers respond to the request: Willys-Overland, the Ford Motor Co. and Bantam of Butler.On July 22, Willys-Overland tells the Army that it cannot provide the vehicle on such a tight time frame. The Army, wanting as many options as possible, gives Willys-Overland the go-ahead to produce, at its own cost, a prototype regardless of the time schedule.Bantam is told on July 25 that since it is the only company to agree to the time frame, it has won the bid for 70 vehicles.Bantam delivers its prototype to the Army on Sept. 23.Willys-Overland delivers its two prototypes to the Army.On Nov. 23, Ford delivers its prototype to the Army.In November, the Army requests that all three manufacturers deliver 1,500 versions of their prototypes for further testing.

1941— Deliveries begin from all three companies in June.On July 15, 1941, the Army signs a contract with Willys-Overland to become the lead producer of the military reconnaissance vehicle.Bantam is selected as the primary source of trailers for the new vehicle.Ford is later given a contract to build the vehicle by the Army.In November, Willys-Overland begins deliveries of the updated and final version of the Jeep. This model is known as the MB and sees action in every theater of war.

1945 — Willys-Overland is given permission to begin the manufacture of the Jeep vehicle for civilian use. This first production model, the CJ-2A, first rolls off the assembly line on July 17, 1945. While similar in appearance to its military forerunner, the CJ-2A is much improved with a tailgate, power-take-off unit and upgraded transmission, transfer case and gear ratios.On Aug. 20, the last military MB is built. Willys-Overland has built a total of 361,339 while Ford supplied 277,896 to the military during the war.

1946 — Willys-Overland introduces the first all-metal station wagon.

1947 — In May, Willys-Overland introduces a pick-up to its model line. The trucks were available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive.

1949 — The CJ-3A is introduced to replace the CJ-2A.Four-wheel drive is added to the station wagon.

1950 — Willys-Overland trademarks the name “Jeep”A new 4-cylinder F-Head engine is introduced.The M-38 military version of the CJ-3A begins production.

1951 — The CJ-3A was marketed as the “Universal” Jeep. A stripped down chassis version was introduced in July and was called the “Farm Jeep”.An all new military Jeep, the M38-A1, is introduced.

1952 — The 1,000,000th Jeep is produced on March 19.

1953 — The Kaiser Corp. buys Willys-Overland.The CJ-3B is introduced. The vehicle features a larger F-Head engine that’s already being used in the pick-up trucks and station wagons.

1954 — Kaiser-Willys stops making passenger cars to concentrate all its efforts on Jeep products.On Feb. 23, the 500,000th post-war Jeep is produced.A new 226-cubic-inch, 6-cylinder L-head engine is offered in the pick-up and station wagon.

1955 — Based on the military M38-A1, the CJ5 is introduced. The new vehicle featured a much more rounded off appearance, a one piece windshield, but export models had a split windshield.

1956 — A longer wheelbase version of the CJ-6 is introduced.The name station wagon is dropped at the end of the model year. Beginning in 1957 the models are called “utility wagons.”Built from the CJ-6, the M170 military vehicle is introduced.

1957 — The FC-150 and FC-170 models are introduced. These cab-over-engine models were available in pick-up, stake and cab/chassis variations.

1958 — The L-head 6-cylinder engine is rated at 105 horsepower.

1959 — The FC-170 model now offers an optional heavy-duty rear end including a stronger rear axle, heavy-duty springs, shock absorbers and increased break capacity. The Surrey Gala is introduced.

1960 — New two-tone color options are available on the utility wagons as was a one piece windshield, one-piece tailgate glass and new seat fabrics and interiors.

1961 — A dressed up version of the CJ-5 is introduced and called the “Tuxedo Park.” This vehicle featured whitewall tires, chrome mirror supports and bumpers.

1962 — The Jeep Wagoneer is introduced, but is considered a 1963 model, with features like automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It is the first of what is now called a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Wagoneer is the first four-wheel-drive vehicle with an independent front suspension.1963 — Sharing the same styling as the Wagoneer, the Gladiator pick-up truck line is introduced. Although the name would change to the J-10 and J-20, the basic design of this popular truck would last until 1987.Production of the M38-A1 for the military ends.1965 — The utility wagons are dropped from the model line at the end of 1965.Production of the CJ-3B ceases at the end of the 1965 model year.1966 — The CJ-5 and CJ-6 models were now available with the “Dauntless” cast iron V-6.The Wagoneer receives its first major styling changes since its introduction.The Super Wagoneer is introduced.1967 — Available in four body styles, the Jeepster is reintroduced. Unlike the earlier version of the Jeepster, this one was available with four-wheel drive.The Kaiser Jeep Corp. forms a special division devoted exclusively to military and government contracts. This includes research and development. Called the Defense and Government Products Division, this is the forerunner of AM General.Kaiser Jeep signs a contract with the U.S. Post office to supply postal Jeeps.1970 — American Motors buys the Kaiser Jeep Corp. for $70 million to add the KJ sales ($400 million) to the AMC sales of $730 million. This gives AMC a broad market coverage.Jeep Renegade 1 is introduced.1971 — On April 1, AM General is incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Motors Corp. and is separate for the Jeep Corp.1972 — The name “universal” is dropped from Jeep vehicles.1973 — The Jeep Division of AMC introduces the first automatic full-time four-wheel drive system, Quadra-Trac. This system is available in all full-sized vehicles. The system, regardless of driving condition, automatically adjusted the front and rear differentials to deliver the correct speed and power to each wheel.1974 — The Cherokee is introduced.The Jeep Renegade, previously available on a limited basis, becomes a regular production model based on the CJ-5. Powered by a 304 CID V-8, it featured special paint treatment, rear mounted spare, a roll bar, passenger safety rail and forged aluminum-styled wheels1975 — An all-new blue or tan “Levi” seat trim was offer for the first time as was a factory-installed radio.1976 — The classic Jeep features are modernized with the introduction of the CJ-7. Featuring an option one-piece removable hardtop, automatic transmission and the Quadra-Trac system, the CJ-7 represents a major advancement in four-wheeling.By stretching the CJ-7 chassis another 10 inches, an open cab pick-up version CJ-8 was offered. This is called the Scrambler. Both a hard and soft top are available.The Jeep Honcho pick-up is introduced. This J10 series truck has a finish of gold, black and white blended with any of six basic body colors. The fender lips were striped in gold and white.1977 — Jeep vehicles make up 16 percent of the four-wheel-drive market.Front disc brakes are offered as an option on all CJ models to replace the power drum brakes.All CJ models are offered with fully boxed side rail frames and strengthened rear body panels. Factory air conditioning and a center console are also offered for the first time.A four door Cherokee is added to the lineup.1978 — Jeep begins production of the CJ-7 at the Brampton, Ontario, plant.1982 — Renault increases its investment in AMC and it has 46 percent of the company with options to buy over half of AMC.1983 — The new “Selec-Trac” is introduced.The LTV Corp. buys AM General from American Motors.1984 — The Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer are introduced as a smaller companion to the full-sized Grand Wagoneer. The Cherokee is named 4 Wheel & Off-Road magazines “4x4 of the Year.”“Quadra-Link” is introduced.“Command-Trac” is introduced.1986 — The YJ Wrangler replaces the CJ series. It has a wider track, angled grill, rectangular headlights and a more modern interior.1987 — The Chrysler Corp. buys Jeep.1991 — The final year of the Grand Wagoneer production.1993 — The Grand Cherokee is introduced.1997 — The TJ Wrangler makes its debut and features a “Quadra-Coil” suspension.2002 — The Liberty is introduced to replace the Cherokee as a mid-sized SUV entry. This is the first Jeep vehicle to feature independent front suspension.2005 — A complete redesign of the ZJ Grand Cherokee, the WK Grand Cherokee debuts with a 5.7 Liter Hemi engine and an improved ride and handling system.2006 — An all new seven-passenger, three-row Jeep based on the WK platform is introduced. The Commander is two inches longer than the WK and offers unique stadium-style seating.2007 — The Compass and Patriot represent Jeep’s entries into the popular subcompact SUV market.2008 — The industry-exclusive Sky-Slider open-air roof system is introduced on the Liberty models.