The iconic jeep was born for war. With the war already raging in Europe and America’s entry into the global conflict seeming imminent, the generals wanted a light-weight reconnaissance cross-country vehicle. They got what they wanted. They got the jeep, and went on to win the war.

The end of the war, however, did not mean the end of the jeep. It continued to be a favorite military transport vehicle because of its versatility and power. Indeed, a new model was introduced, the M38 (MC). This was followed by the M38A1 which featured the new rounded fenders. By the mid-60s, the M606 versions were introduced but this model was mainly exported and sold to friendly foreign governments.

During the Vietnam War, a new military vehicle was introduced, the M151 MUTT (Military Utility Tactical Truck). It was designed and initially produced by Ford Motor Company. A later model, the M151A2, was also produced by Kaiser Jeep and AM General Corporation.

In the civilian world, Willys modified the military jeep, incorporating powered wipers, a tailgate, naugahyde seats, and chrome trim. These were called the CJs for civilian jeeps. In 1955, the CJ-5 was launched based on the military M38A1.

Apart from the CJ series, there were also other manufacturers who came up with their own civilian versions of the military jeep, such as Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi.