Is Jeep owned by Ford?
Jeep is not owned by Ford. As of 2025, Jeep is a brand under Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. Ford has no ownership stake or controlling interest in Jeep or Stellantis.
Current owner: Stellantis
Jeep operates as a core brand within Stellantis, the company created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. This arrangement places Jeep alongside dozens of other brands under a single global corporate umbrella, separate from Ford.
Ownership history at a glance
The following milestones highlight how Jeep’s corporate home has changed over time and how it arrived at its current status within Stellantis.
The following milestones summarize the major ownership changes that led to Jeep’s current status within Stellantis.
- Origins and early development: Jeep’s lineage begins with Willys-Overland and the postwar development of the Jeep brand, which became a staple of American and global off-road vehicles.
- Chrysler era begins: In 1987, Chrysler Corporation acquired American Motors Corporation (AMC), bringing Jeep into the Chrysler family as a key brand.
- Global restructuring and rebranding: In 1998, Daimler-Benz acquired a stake in Chrysler, creating DaimlerChrysler; after a 2007 split, Chrysler’s corporate structure shifted again during the financial crisis.
- Fiat takeover and FCA era: In 2014, Fiat S.p.A. completed a full acquisition of Chrysler, forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company for Jeep for several years.
- Formation of Stellantis: In 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to create Stellantis, which now owns Jeep as one of its flagship brands.
- Current status: Jeep remains a brand within Stellantis, with no ownership link to Ford.
These milestones illustrate that Jeep’s ownership has changed hands several times, but Ford has never owned Jeep and does not hold a stake in Stellantis.
What this means for consumers and the market
Brand independence within Stellantis
As part of Stellantis, Jeep maintains its distinct product identity—most notably its off-road‑focused models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee—while benefiting from shared engineering and manufacturing resources across the group. This structure means Jeep’s strategy is driven by Stellantis’ global plans, not by Ford.
For consumers, the practical effect is consistency in Jeep’s model lineup and warranties, with potential cross-brand benefits from shared platforms and technology within Stellantis, rather than any alliance or ownership with Ford.
Summary
Jeep is owned by Stellantis, not Ford. The brand’s corporate home has moved through several automakers over the decades, culminating in its current status under Stellantis after the FCA-PSA merger in 2021. Ford remains a separate automaker with no ownership stake in Jeep or Stellantis.
Did Ford ever build a Jeep?
Produced from 1941 to 1945, the jeep evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ, and inspired an entire category of recreational four wheel drive vehicles. The name “jeep” is generally believed to be derived from the Ford's vehicle initials – GP. This Ford GPW Jeep was built in 1943.
What brands does Ford own?
Ford currently owns the Ford and Lincoln brands. It also markets auto parts under the Motorcraft brand name. Ford used to own other brands like Mercury, Edsel, and Volvo (prior to 2010), but it no longer does.
- Ford: The company's primary automotive brand, known for models like the F-150 and Mustang.
- Lincoln: Ford's luxury automotive brand, which it has owned since 1922.
- Motorcraft: The brand under which Ford markets its auto parts.
Former brands that Ford no longer owns:
- Troller: Ford previously owned the Brazilian off-road vehicle manufacturer Troller, which was sold in 2021.
- Mercury: The Mercury brand was discontinued in 2010.
- Volvo: Ford sold its controlling interest in Volvo Cars in 2010.
- Mazda: Ford sold most of its stake in Mazda by 2015 and is no longer a part owner.
Are Jeep and Ford affiliated?
Ford never owned Jeep. Willys sold out to Kaiser which became Kaiser-Jeep, which was bought by American motors in 1970. It has since been owned by Chrysler, and now stands alone…
Is Jeep a Ford brand?
No, Ford does not make Jeep. Jeep is currently a brand under the multinational corporation Stellantis, which was formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the PSA Group. While Ford produced Jeeps during World War II, it was not the original designer and never owned the brand.
- Current ownership: Jeep is owned by Stellantis, which was formed when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) merged with PSA Group.
- Historical ownership: The Jeep brand has a long history of ownership, including Willys-Overland, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC). Chrysler acquired the brand from AMC in 1987.
- WWII connection: During World War II, the U.S. military contracted both Willys and Ford to build Jeeps because the demand was too high for Willys to meet alone. The two companies created a standardized, interchangeable design, but Willys is credited with the original vehicle.
