Used Jeep Dealer

The History and Legacy of the Jeep Brand

The history of Jeep is directly tied to two of the biggest events of the 20th Century: World War I and World War II. Following the First World War, it was clear to the US Army that they needed a better solution for navigating wartime terrain. They wanted a single vehicle that was lightweight and mobile, easy to move, and able to handle rugged conditions that would also be easy to work on so they could keep a more limited selection of parts on hand for repairs and service. As it became increasingly likely that the US would be drawn into a Second World War, the US Army put out a call for such a vehicle to be developed, and two manufacturers answered: Willys-Overland and the American Bantam Car Company.

What happened next was the herculean task of designing and developing a uniquely functional and practical vehicle in less than two months. Bantam developed a design and even a prototype but lacked the manpower to make it a reality—the design was then given to Willys and Ford to go into production. Two new prototypes were developed, one from each company, ultimately resulting in two initial vehicles: the Willys MB and the Ford GPW. These were the two original Jeeps, with most of the initial run consisting of the Willys model. Interestingly enough, the distinctive metal grille that has become an iconic part of Jeep design was originally a Ford component, and the US Army liked it, so it became standard on all Jeep models.

As for the name itself, there are several different stories about where “Jeep” came from, and all automotive historians have accepted no single version. Some claim that it came from the designation “GP,” which was a military term used to indicate an item was “General Purpose” or “Government Purpose.” This has been disputed by some, however. Instead, they claim that the go-anywhere nature of those original army vehicles earned them a nickname based on “Eugene the Jeep,” a character from Popeye comics in the 1930s. Some sources even find the word “jeep” used to refer to new or untested vehicles going back to World War I—whatever the original source, that early vehicle for WWII became forever known as the Jeep.

Following the war, many soldiers came back home and found they missed the vehicles they had come to rely on while overseas. There was immediate interest in the idea of a civilian model that people could drive for work or leisure outside of combat, so work began, which resulted in the original Civilian Jeep (CJ) model: the 1945 CJ-2A. In the decades that followed, this model was redesigned and improved through numerous generations, all the way through the 1980s, when the modern Jeep Wrangler was introduced as an unofficial successor to the original. Today, the Jeep brand includes a variety of vehicles, including popular SUVs and even a midsize truck, all of which continue to live up to the legacy and reputation of that remarkable original.

Check Out Our Used Jeep Vehicles

Here at Roanoke Motors CDJR, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic selection of used Jeep models for you to choose from. Picking the right one can be tricky since you have so many amazing options available, but that is why we work hard to ensure you find the perfect model with everything you need. If you are looking for a small SUV, then the Jeep Renegade or Compass are both terrific options with a lot to offer. Best of all, when looking at used models, you can find options like the Jeep Patriot, a popular compact SUV that was discontinued following the 2017 model year.

If you want something larger, the Jeep Cherokee and midsize Grand Cherokee are both amazing options with a lot to offer. These are terrific choices for a growing family, giving you plenty of room inside for the people and things you need to bring along with you. For incredible off-road performance, the legendary Jeep Wrangler continues to live up to the legacy of those first Jeep vehicles that helped the Allies win World War II. Joining the Wrangler out on the trail is the remarkable Jeep Gladiator, a midsize truck with capability that lets it go anywhere your next adventure might take you. No matter which Jeep model best meets your needs, we are ready to help you find it and make sure you drive away happy.

Why Choose Roanoke Motors CDJR?

This is a great question and something we encourage all of our customers to ask—the answer starts with unbeatable customer service. We have worked hard to put together an amazing team of people who are committed to helping you with everything you need. Our salespeople will listen to you, answer all of your questions, and act quickly based on what you want and what you are looking for. You will never feel pressured toward something you do not want or like you are being tricked into buying a vehicle someone is trying to get rid of—your needs come first.

We also pride ourselves on our amazing selection of used Jeep models for you to choose from, with dozens available at any given time. This makes it easy for us to show you a variety of options, understand exactly what you want in your next ride, and make sure you get the perfect vehicle with everything you need. We also ensure all of our pre-owned vehicles are in the best shape possible so you can drive away with confidence that your Jeep will keep going strong for many years to come. Finally, with our certified service center and Roanoke Advantage, you get complimentary oil changes, roadside assistance, and more routine services for as long as you own your vehicle—so you can enjoy unbeatable peace of mind.

Find the Used Jeep You Have Been Looking For

As you shop for a used Jeep, you deserve to have the best experience possible, working with people who care about what you need while choosing from fantastic vehicles in excellent condition. That is precisely what you will find when you come to shop with us at Roanoke Motors CDJR and experience a better way to look for your next vehicle. With our fantastic team working for you, it is easy to find the perfect used Jeep, get simple and hassle-free financing that fits your budget, and drive with confidence, knowing that your vehicle will remain in great shape for a long time. Call or come visit us at Roanoke Motors CDJR today to learn more, and let us show you how rewarding and enjoyable it can be to shop for a used Jeep.