AT A GLANCE

TECHNOLOGY: Jeep continues to excel in rock-climbing and all-terrain durability; the company receives awards for its new safety features.

HISTORY: Commissioned by the U.S. government as a war vehicle in 1941; purchased by Chrysler in 1987.

FAMOUS MODELS: Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot

KNOWN FOR: Indestructibility in almost any environment.

Safety and adventure

Although the rumors about Jeep’s name being a combination of “General” and “Purpose” are questionable, the company’s desire to create a vehicle that could travel on paved, unpaved, or even nonexistent roads, is obvious for anyone to see.

Enthusiasts from around the world quickly embraced Jeep as the perfect vehicle in which to experience the outdoors. Years of innovation and refinement in engineering have not only increased Jeep’s ability to handle rough terrain, but to do so safely. The Jeep Patriot won an award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its multi-stage air bags and brake assist and anti-lock braking system.

Jeep occupies an unusual place in the automotive industry; neither car nor truck, Jeep has forged its own identity as a rugged, reliable off-road machine, a welcome and trustworthy companion of adventuresome individuals.

The spirit of Jeep is best exemplified in the Wrangler, the classic Jeep. This vehicle is designed entirely for off-road driving, with the kind of high ground clearance and robust four-wheel-drive system that allow it to cross virtually any terrain on the planet.

By resisting pressure to significantly change the intent or look of the vehicles, Jeep has based its future survival on being exactly what it has always been—and by all accounts, this seems to be a lucrative path.

2013 VEHICLES TO WATCH

Compass

The Jeep Compass gets improved fuel economy for 2013 with up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Grand Cherokee

For Jeep’s luxury SUV, the Overland Summit models get new standard features, and a new Trailhawk model is added for 2013.

Wrangler

Jeep’s engineers focused on interior ergonomics and capability in improving the iconic Wrangler for the 2013 model year.