Throwback Thursday: A Look at The Most Important Jeeps Ever Made

Jeep has produced many models over the last seventy plus years. But what are the most important of all those models? 

Jeep has been making vehicles for civilians for nearly 75 years now. That longevity is a testament to the quality and desirability of the various models they have produced over the years. To the uninitiated the model list may look like alphabet soup. There is of course the JK. Hence, the JK Forum. But there is also the YJ, SJ, CJ, DJ, XJ, and of course the A-OK. Alright, we made up the last one just to make sure you were paying attention. But you get the point, Jeep has produced dozens of models over the years. But which of those models would you say were the most important that Jeep ever made?

This week’s “Throwback Thursday” is all about determining the most important Jeeps ever made. A couple years ago the folks at TFLclassics posted a video on their YouTube channel that took on this very topic. We think it is worth revisiting again today. And they put together a very solid list. However, we want to know your thoughts. Do you consider one model more important than all the others? If so, why? Or is the most important model the one sitting in your driveway right now simply because it is yours? Nothing wrong with that answer either.

Most Important Jeeps

Notice we are not looking for the most capable Jeep or the most expensive or the one with the most technology. When we say important, we mean important to the brand for its survival. And important to the consumers because it offers so much in a total package. What Jeeps put Jeep on the map and kept it there for so long? Today everyone loves a Jeep. That is proven by the fact that for many years now a Wrangler retains its value better than almost anything else you can buy. A Jeep is an American freedom machine. It would not be that icon today if they built garbage that nobody wanted.

Important Wranglers

We will break down our list by types of Jeeps. First up is the Wrangler. We would put the YJ on the list because it was the first to use the Wrangler name. The square lights may divide some, but it introduced the Wrangler to the world. On the other end of the spectrum is the Wrangler 4xe. Let’s face it, electrification is the future and the 4xe is the very first electrified open-air SUV on the planet. Then there is the Wrangler LJ. The stretched version of the beloved TJ. The LJ was not around very long and is sought after today. And it really introduced the world to a longer and more practical Wrangler. Of course, today we have the 4-door Wranglers and while the LJ was not a 4-door it did show Jeep that buyers would love a roomier Wrangler.

Important Non-Wranglers

This list must include the Jeep Cherokee XJ. The XJ might be the most perfect SUV ever. Legendary 4.0L six-cylinder engine, the simple design, easy to daily drive and easy to modify into an extreme off-roader the XJ can do it all. The ZJ Grand Cherokee helped usher in the luxury SUV craze to America. Some might hate it for that, but the fact remains that this was an important vehicle in automotive history.

The GOAT

The Jeep CJ-2A we would say is the single most important Jeep. It is difficult to put anything else on the list above it. It was the first civilian Jeep. This is where it all started. Nothing else would exist if it were not for the CJ-2A. It is not the most comfortable, fastest, or most capable. But you can’t really argue that it is not the most important.

Your Selections

You just read our thoughts. The video below will show you what TFLclassics thinks. But what are the most important Jeeps in your mind? What would make your list and why? Please head to the JK Forum forums and share your list.

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