Best ten Jeeps

WILLYS MA (1941-1945)

The first Willys MAs were delivered to the United States Army in June, 1941. Designed by American Bantam, it was the modified Willys version that served as a lightweight, four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle.

WILLYS CJ-2A (1945-1949) As World War II came to a close Willys looked to a 'Civilian Jeep' and the CJ-2A became the first full-production Jeep for civilians; a basic machine intended for the man-on-the-land, explorers and industry.

WILLYS STATION WAGON (1946-1965)

This steel-bodied, two-door, seven-seater wagon was arguably the world's first SUV; four-wheel drive became an option in 1949.

JEEPSTER (1948-1951)

The two-door, two-wheel drive convertible proved the Kaiser-Willys crowd had a sense of humour and some Californian style: "A gay companionable car to drive with laughter in your heart and a song on your lips."

WAGONEER (1963-1993)

The world's first premium SUV, a niche filled out by Land Rover with the Range Rover seven years later. The Wagoneer, with automatic transmission and independent front end, replaced the Willys Wagon.

CJ-7 (1976 -1987)

On a longer wheelbase than previous CJs, the 7 offered automatic transmissions, hard tops and better dynamics in the first major update of the CJ series.

WRANGLER (1987-present)

This ongoing series tidied up the Jeep for a wider audience than just hard-core off-roaders; more engine and transmission options plus more comfort and features in two revisions so far (1997 and 2007).

XJ CHEROKEE (1984-2001)

One of the best Jeeps to date; surprisingly competent off road in standard form and a handy family wagon.

JK WRANGLER UNLIMITED (2007-present)

A no-nonsense four-door Jeep; not as refined on-road as some but excellent off-road credentials and practical as a four-five seater. Short wheelbase JKs also a treat.

WK II GRAND CHEROKEE (2010)

Now with four-wheel independent suspension this latest Grand Cherokee - a distant relative of the Willys Wagon and Wagoneer - has style and dynamics impressing critics around the world.