The Jeep Mystique

What is the "Jeep Mystique" anyway?

Well, let's just say that no other vehicle in the history of auto making has ever captured the imagination of so many.

Since it's birth from necessity, and trial by fire at the beginning and during the United States of America's involvement in World War II, the Jeep became much more than it was ever intended.

The first designer's were originally commissioned by the U.S. military to build a small utilitarian reconnaissance vehicle, but that little 4x4 spine jarring rig ended up wearing many hats during the war.

The first Jeeps were used to haul Generals, carry mounted 50 caliber machine guns, tow artillery weapons, serve as field ambulances and much more.

Today the Jeep has undergone many changes and there have been a number of different models which have departed from the early military style. However, the heritage of those original "Universal" style Jeeps from WWII lived on in the:

• Willys-Overland CJ (civilian Jeep),
  
• Kaiser (Willys) CJ,
  
• AMC and Chrysler Wrangler YJ, TJ, and
  
• the current JK models.
  

Along the way there have been:

• 2 1/2 ton Jeep military trucks,
  
• civilian Jeep pickup trucks,
  
• car-like Jeepsters,
  
• Jeep forward control trucks,
  
• delivery vans and Postal Jeeps, and
  
• SUV styles such as the Wagoneer, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Commander, Patriot and Compass.
  

Why do so many of us admire this unusual hunk of metal, plastic and rubber?

I can't speak for anyone else, but to me the Jeep symbolizes freedom on several fronts. First, is it's initial historical role in helping to liberate oppressed people around the world and restoring freedom and liberty...and secondly, is Jeeps functional ability to go places where most other vehicles can not.

So, the Jeep Mystique can be summed up as a reminder of our freedoms and our responsibilities to fight to maintain those freedoms if need be. It's a love affair for many Americans and folks around the world that has been going on since 1940 through today.

But on a lighter note, to most of us the Jeep Mystique simply means that these rigs are...well, just plain fun to own and drive.