What Does Jeep Stand For?

Added: 01 May 2019

Anyone that wants a 4x4 or Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) will almost certainly consider a Jeep. You know when you buy a Jeep 4x4 or Jeep SUV that you’re getting something that will certainly get the job done. It’s a brand that’s known for making very robust vehicles that can stand up against the worst conditions known to man.

But, what does Jeep actually stand for? There have been many reports about the name ‘Jeep’ and if it’s actually an acronym for something else. Well, if you’ve been wondering what Jeep means, then you’re finally going to find out!

General Purpose vehicles

Contrary to what a lot of people believe, the word Jeep isn’t technically an acronym. Each letter doesn’t stand for something, but it’s a reference to another acronym from back in the days of the war. Military personnel would refer to some vehicles as GPs - or General Purpose. These vehicles were used to transport people around camps and for travel between bases. As such, they needed four-wheel drive and off-roading capabilities.

So, it’s thought that Jeep comes from the word GP, which can almost sound like someone is saying Jeep. This is where the brand was born, and Jeep has since become synonymous with 4x4’s and SUVs - so much so that other branded vehicles are often described as jeeps if they meet this description!

The Jeep Brand

Jeep is a company that’s somewhat unique in the auto industry. While a lot of companies will design cars for all manner of purposes, Jeep has a fairly strict mantra that they live by. They’re a division of the Chrysler group, and their product range is mainly made up of SUVs and off-road vehicles. In the past, Jeep also developed pick-up trucks - and they’re going to make a comeback in this market this year!

The company is very much considered the daddy of the SUV and 4x4 markets. This is because they started out making these vehicles for the military. As such, they had to be of a very high standard and combine performance with safety. Military personnel had to be able to drive their GP at reasonably quick speeds over rough terrain without worrying about damaging it. Jeep has continued with this throughout their life, putting a firm emphasis on longevity and quality. They design their vehicles to last, which is why they don’t make that many compared to other brands.

While they are mainly focused on being robust and strong, Jeep has also ventured into the luxury SUV market as well. Interestingly, many people believe that luxury SUVs are only around today because of the Jeep Wagoneer that was created in 1962. It was the first car to ever offer luxury style with SUV performance, and we’ve seen many others like it since then.

So, to sum it all up; Jeep derives from the military term GP, which stands for General Purpose vehicles. The brand is renowned for its ability to continually produce excellent 4x4s, SUVs, and off-roading vehicles.

If you’re looking for something that fits this bill, then talk to us, and we’ll find the ultimate Jeep for you.