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1903
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The Standard Wheel Company expands bicycle operations to include Overland Automotive.
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1903
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The Overland "Runabout" is introduced.
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1908
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John North Willys, an Overland dealer in Elmira, NY travels to Indianapolis and buys the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company.
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1909
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Overland Automotive is moved to Toledo, OH.
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1912
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Overland Automotive is renamed Willys-Overland Motor Company.
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1913
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John North Willys purchases Edwards Motor Company of New York City, obtaining a license to develop Knight sleeve-valve engines. Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles begins.
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1914
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Willys continues increasing production and becomes the number two automaker in America, second only to Ford.
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1926
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The Willys Whippet debuts. Featuring a 100" wheelbase, it is the smallest car then made in America.
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1932
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Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles end.
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1935
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John North Willys, the father of the company that will later become known as Jeep, passes away.
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1936
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Coming out of bankruptcy following the Great Depression, the company is reorganized as Willys-Overland Motors, Inc.
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1940
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Two of the five Willys Quad prototype vehicles are delivered to the US Army. Powered by the 60hp "Go-Devil" engine, this vehicle has more power than the competing entries from Bantam Car Company and Ford.
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1941
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Willys improves upon the Quad with the debut of the Willys MA. 1,553 units are produced. Of these, approximately 30 are known to still be in existence.
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1942
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Willys begins production of the world-renown Willys MB. 335,531 units are produced. "Jeep" becomes a household name with the news of this amazing vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. These are the most desired Jeep vehicle for restoration.
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1944
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The US Army contracts Willys to develop a long-wheelbase version of the MB. Willys responds by developing the MLW-1 and MLW-2 prototypes.
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1944
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The CJ-1 is developed. This is the first prototype of the CJ line. No CJ-1s are known to still be in existence.
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1944
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The CJ-2 is developed. 45 examples of this model are built. Nine of these vehicles are known to still be in existence.
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1945
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Willys-Overland begins producing the Civilian Jeep (CJ) line, with the introduction of the CJ-2A model. 214,202 units were produced between 1945 and 1949.
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1946
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Production begins on the Willys Jeep Wagon. Over 300,000 are manufactured between 1946 and 1965. This vehicle is the first 4-wheel drive wagon and is the predecessor to today's Grand Cherokee and Commander.
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1947
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The first Land Rover prototype is developed by the Wilks family using many spare Willys MB parts.
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1947
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Production begins on the Willys Jeep Truck. From 1947 to 1965, more than 200,000 are manufactured.
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1948
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Production begins on the Willys Jeepster. Only 19,000 vehicles are manufactured from 1948 to 1950.
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1949
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The CJ-3A is introduced, and more than 132,000 are made before the production ends in 1953.
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1950
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Willys CJ-V35 is developed for the US Marines. This vehicle was designed to be driven in deep water. Over 1000 units are delivered prior to the start of the Korean War. Only 29 of these vehicles are known to still be in existence.
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1950
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Willys develops the M38 / MC for the US Army. Similar to the CJ-V35, this vehicle is delivered to support troops in the Korean War.
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1950
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Willys Engineering develops a prototype vehicle known as the X-98.
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1950
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Willys develops the CJ-4 prototype. Only one of these vehicles produced. The vehicle is still in existence.
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1950
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Willys develops the CJ-4M and CJ-4MA (long-wheelbase) military prototypes. These vehicles are similar to the CJ-4 prototype but are outfitted with a snorkel, blackout lights, etc.
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1952
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The M38A1 begins production. This vehicle is designed to carry a rear-mounted 105mm or 106mm recoilless rifle.
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1952
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The Willys Aero compact car begins production.
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1953
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The BC Bobcat lightweight combat vehicle prototype is developed. This vehicle never goes into production.
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1953
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Kaiser buys Willys-Overland and changes name to Willys Motor Company.
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1953
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The CJ-3B goes into production. By 1968, over 155,494 are sold. Over 50 years later, this vehicle is still in production today, under license, by Mahindra of India.
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1954
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CJ-5 debuts at the start of its three-decade run. 603,303 units are produced over this time period.
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1954
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The M170 begins production. This vehicle is outfitted as either field ambulance or a six-man troop carrier.
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1955
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The USAF DJ is produced for non-combat maintenance and delivery work for use at US military bases.
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1955
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The CJ-6 is introduced. Based on the CJ-5, the vehicle features a wheelbase that is 20" longer. Only 50,172 units are produced.
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1955
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The DJ-3a debuts as a two-wheel drive version of the CJ-3a. This vehicle is used for postal delivery and a surrey-topped version is developed for use as a tour vehicle.
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1955
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The CJ-3B long-wheelbase vehicle begins production under license by several manufacturers around the world. This long-wheelbase vehicle is never produced in the United States.
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1956
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Production of the FC-150 truck begins.
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1957
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Production of the FC-170 truck begins.
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1958
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Production of the FC-170 DRW (dual rear wheel) truck begins.
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1959
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The M151 begins production under a joint effort of Jeep, AM General, and General Motors.
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1960
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The M606 is developed from the CJ-3B. Heavy-duty options are added to make the vehicle suitable for military use.
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1963
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Company changes name to Kaiser-Jeep Corporation.
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1963
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The J-Series Wagoneer debuts. Larger than the Willys Wagon, this vehicle is the first four wheel drive SUV featuring an automatic transmission.
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1965
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The Gladiator J-Series pickup debuts as a replacement for the Willys Pickup.
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1964
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The CJ-5A and CJ-6A Tuxedo Park editions begin production.
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1965
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Kaiser-Jeep discontinues production of Willys wagons and trucks, retiring the Willys name with the line.
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1965
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The DJ-5 replaces the DJ-3a model for use as a delivery and tour vehicle.
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1965
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The DJ-6 is introduced as a long-wheelbase version of the DJ-5.
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1966
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The Willys Jeepster Commando, based on the CJ-6 chassis, is introduced. This vehicle is offered in roadster, station wagon, pickup, or a power-top convertible.
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1967
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The DJ-6a is developed exclusively for postal use. AM General continues to produce this model throughout the 1980s.
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1970
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American Motors Corporation takes over Kaiser-Jeep.
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1971
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American General is spun off from American Motors Corporation. This company later produces the HMMWV.
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1975
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Willys-Overland resurrected as a wholesale/retail parts business.
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1976
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Offering an optional automatic transmission, the CJ-7 starts its 10-year run. This vehicle is slightly longer than the CJ-5. A total of 379,299 units are produced.
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1977
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The Jeep II concept is unveiled. This vehicle strongly resembles the original Willys MB and was designed to address fuel economy concerns.
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1981
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The CJ-8 "Scrambler" is introduced. Only 27,792 of these vehicles are produced. Though rare, these vehicles are very sought after for restoration.
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1982
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The CJ-10 and CJ-10a are introduced. These two models are quite rare. The CJ-10a is powered by a Nissan diesel engine, low-range gearing and a Dana 70 rear axle. The CJ-10a is capable of towing up to 20 tons, and is primarily used as an airplane tow vehicle.
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1984
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The new Cherokee (XJ) is introduced to compete in the growing compact SUV market.
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1986
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The first Wrangler (YJ) is introduced as a replacement for the long-running CJ lineup. The YJ features square headlights and a wider body than the CJ.
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1986
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The Comanche (MJ) pickup debuts. This vehicle is based on the same architecture as the Cherokee.
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1987
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American Motors is purchased by Chrysler Corporation.
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1988
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A long wheelbase version of the YJ is produced in Valencia, Venezuela for export markets only.
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1991
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The J-Series Grand Wagoneer is discontinued.
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1991
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The Renegade trim level is added to the YJ lineup. This trim level features a unique fender skirt package and the new 4.0L I-6 engine.
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1993
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Chrysler introduces the Grand Cherokee (ZJ) to replace the discontinued Wagoneer.
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1997
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The redesigned Wrangler (TJ) is introduced. Round headlights make a return, and the front suspension is changed from leaf sprung to coil sprung.
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1997
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The Jeep Dakar concept is unveiled. This four-door Wrangler model wows auto show audience with its light bar, roof rack, and classic Jeep styling.
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1997
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The Jeep Icon concept is unveiled. This concept features independent front and rear suspension.
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1997
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Jeep Cherokee is given a mild facelift. The body lines of the vehicle are smoothed out and the interior is redesigned.
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1998
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Daimler-Benz merges with Chrysler Corporation to form DaimlerChrysler, fifth largest auto maker in the world.
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1998
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The Jeepster concept vehicle debuts.
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1999
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The Grand Cherokee undergoes a complete redesign. This vehicle (WJ) wins the coveted 4x4 Of The Year Award.
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1999
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The Jeep Commander concept vehicle debuts.
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1999
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The Jeep Commander 2 concept vehicle debuts. Looking nearly identical to the Commander, this concept features a nearly pollution free fuel-cell powertrain.
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2000
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The Jeep Varsity concept vehicle debuts.
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2001
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After over 17 years of production, the beloved Jeep Cherokee is discontinued.
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2001
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The Jeep Willys concept vehicle debuts.
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2002
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The Jeep Liberty (KJ) is introduced as a replacement for the Jeep Cherokee. The KJ still carries the Cherokee name in export markets.
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2002
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The Jeep Compass concept is unveiled.
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2003
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The Rubicon trim level is added to the Wrangler lineup. This vehicle features lockers, 4.11 axle gear ratio, and puncture resistant tires.
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2004
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The Jeep Rescue prototype vehicle debuts. Geared for search and rescue, this vehicle features high ground clearance, a Cummins diesel engine, and extensive electronics.
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2004
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Following in the steps of the CJ-6 and CJ-8, the Wrangler Unlimited is released. This long-wheelbase vehicle is also offered in the rugged Rubicon trim level.
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2004
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The Liberty CRD (common rail diesel) is announced. This vehicle marks one of the first modern diesel domestic vehicles.
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2004
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The Grand Cherokee undergoes a complete redesign. The 2005 model-year vehicle (WK) features independent front suspension and a powerful 330hp HEMI engine. This vehicle follows tradition by winning the 4x4 Of The Year Award.
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2005
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The jaw-dropping Jeep Hurricane concept debuts with twin HEMI engines and a 0-degree turning radius.
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2005
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The Jeep Gladiator concept truck debuts. This vehicle bears the same name as a 1960's Jeep pickup model and features a side-mounted spare tire, diesel engine, and expandable truck bed.
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2005
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The Jeep Commander (XK) debuts. This 2006 model-year vehicle is the first Jeep vehicle since the Willys Wagon to offer seven-passenger seating. The Commander is powered by a 330hp HEMI engine.
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2005
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 debuts. This 2006 model-year vehicle is the fastest production SUV, featuring a 415hp 6.1L HEMI and full-time four wheel drive. This vehicle can complete 0-60mph sprints in under five seconds.
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2005
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The Jeep Patriot concept debuts with a classic slab-side design.
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2005
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The Jeep Compass Rallye concept debuts. The vehicle is a low-slung, rally-inspired, all wheel drive auto based on the Dodge Caliber architecture.
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2006
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The redesigned Wrangler (JK) is introduced. With styling that closely mirrors the Gladiator concept, the JK features slightly larger dimensions than the TJ, increased ground clearance, and is powered by a 3.8L V6 that generates 205hp and 245lb/ft. Available options include an electronically-controlled sway bar and a modular three-piece hard top.
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2006
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The production version of the Jeep Compass (MK49) debuts. Much to critics dismay, it loses the rally/Baja styling of the concept for a more pedestrian look. Power is derived from a 2.4L and delivered via a CVT. The Compass is not Trail-Rated.
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2006
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The production version of the Jeep Patriot (MK74) debuts. It is based on the same Dodge Caliber architecture as the Compass but features a CVT2 transmission, low-range, and 9" of ground clearance. The Patriot is Trail-Rated.
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2006
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The redesigned Wrangler Unlimited is introduced. Matching most of the Wrangler's specifications, it features a wheelbase that is 20.6" longer than the JK and four doors.
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2007
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The all-new Liberty (KK) is introduced. Powered by the same 3.7L engine as the previous generation Liberty, the new model moves upscale in quality and options and gains a boxy styling similar to the Commander and the old Cherokee. A full-length canvas SkySlider roof is the most exciting new option.
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2008
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The Jeep Renegade concept debuts. The big news with this concept is not it's design but it's powertrain -- a 1.5L Bluetec diesel paired with lithium-ion powered electric motors -- resulting in a combined cycle fuel economy of 110mpg.
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