What Jeep was made by Ford?
While Jeep is primarily known as a brand owned by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), there was a brief period in the 1940s when Ford produced a Jeep-like vehicle under contract with the U.S. government. This vehicle, known as the Ford Pygmy, was one of the earliest military-style off-road vehicles to be mass-produced.
The Origins of the Ford Pygmy
In the early days of World War II, the U.S. military was in need of a lightweight, four-wheel-drive vehicle that could be used for reconnaissance, transport, and other tactical purposes. The Willys MB, which would later become the iconic Jeep, was selected as the primary vehicle to fulfill this need. However, the Willys company was unable to keep up with the military's demand, leading the government to seek additional manufacturers to produce a similar vehicle.
Ford was one of the companies that answered the call, and in 1942 they began producing their own version of the military Jeep, known as the Ford Pygmy. The Pygmy shared many of the same design features as the Willys MB, including a boxy body, fold-down windshield, and four-wheel-drive capabilities.
Key Differences Between the Ford Pygmy and Willys MB
While the Ford Pygmy and Willys MB were similar in many ways, there were a few key differences between the two vehicles:
- Engine: The Pygmy was powered by a 2.2-liter Ford flathead V8 engine, while the Willys MB used a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Transmission: The Pygmy had a three-speed manual transmission, compared to the Willys MB's four-speed.
- Styling: The Pygmy had a slightly more rounded and streamlined appearance compared to the more boxy Willys MB.
Despite these differences, the Ford Pygmy was largely interchangeable with the Willys MB, and both vehicles served a critical role in the Allied war effort during World War II.
The End of the Ford Pygmy
Production of the Ford Pygmy ended in 1943, as the military's focus shifted towards the Willys MB as the primary Jeep-like vehicle. Only around 13,000 Ford Pygmys were produced, compared to the hundreds of thousands of Willys MBs that were built during the war.
After the war, Ford did not continue production of the Pygmy, and the Willys MB (later renamed the Jeep CJ-2A) became the dominant civilian off-road vehicle in the post-war years. The Ford Pygmy remains a relatively obscure footnote in the history of the Jeep, but it played an important role in the early development of the iconic military vehicle.
Is Willys Jeep a Ford?
Though sharing the same general design–including a doorless steel tub, inline 4-cylinder engine, and 4x4 drivetrain–the two models were built in separate factories and given different titles: the Ford GPW and Willys MB, respectively.
Why is Jeep discontinuing Cherokee?
The decision to discontinue the Jeep Cherokee is a strategic move driven by market trends, declining sales, and the brand's future direction towards electrification and premium SUVs.
What Jeeps did Ford make?
Ford jeep may refer to:
- Ford GPW, the World War II U.S. four-wheel drive military utility vehicle, manufactured by Ford, using the "Willys" licensed design, from 1941 to 1945.
- Ford Pygmy, Ford's first prototype for the U.S. Army's requirement for the World War II light reconnaissance vehicle.
What is the oldest Ford Jeep?
Ford Pygmy
| Ford Pygmy | |
|---|---|
| Produced | 23 November 1940 |
| No. built | 1 |
| Specifications (Pygmy) | |
| Mass | 2,100 lb (950 kg) road |
Who is Jeep Cherokee made by?
| Jeep Cherokee (KL) | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Jeep |
| Production | 2013 – February 2023 |
| Model years | 2014–2023 |
| Assembly | United States: Toledo, Ohio (Toledo Complex: 2013–2017); Belvidere, Illinois (Belvidere Assembly Plant: 2017–2023) China: Changsha, Hunan (GAC Fiat Chrysler: 2015–2022) |
What was made first Bronco or Jeep?
2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Bronco
The Bronco was initially introduced in the mid-1960s as a competitor to the Willys CJ-5. In the mid-1980s, that Willys Jeep became the Wrangler we all know today, as the original Bronco continued on.
What company originally owned Jeep?
Willys-Overland
Who Owned Jeep Before Chrysler? Willys-Overland started the civilian Jeep business but didn't stay in it. Kaiser Motors bought the company in 1953, and then American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased the Jeep operation in 1970. Chrysler made a smart move when it acquired Jeep and the rest of AMC's brands in 1987.
Is the Jeep Cherokee made by Ford?
The Jeep Cherokee is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) manufactured and marketed by Jeep over five generations.
What is the Ford version of the Jeep?
Ford Bronco® SUV
Introducing the Ford Bronco® SUV Family | Off-Road Vehicle | Ford.com.
Does Ford still own Jeep?
Have you ever wondered who makes CDJR vehicles, or who owns Jeep? FCA, or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is the parent company that oversees the full Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, FIAT, and Jeep brands.
