A Brief History of Jeep

Jeep originated when the United States government issued ordinances for vehicles to be produced during World War II. The Jeep 4x4 was the first Jeep made, serving as "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare." The Jeep MB, another war vehicle, was widely modified for long-range desert patrol, sawmilling, firefighting pumpers, snow plowing, and more. The first civilian Jeep was the CJ, known as the "All-Around Farm Work Horse," which aided in farming and agriculture.

Jeep was the first American carmaker to sell pickup trucks with four-wheel drive. Although Jeep experimented with passenger cars after WWII, the company refocused on military vehicles and farming equipment. The Jeep Station Wagon was released in 1946, the Jeep Truck in 1947, and the Jeepster in 1948.

In 1961, Jeep released the two-wheel-drive Fleetvan, designed for light-duty, multi-stop uses such as postal delivery and ice-cream trucks. The Jeep Wagoneer, an SUV, debuted in 1962 and was produced for 28 years—the longest continuous automotive production run in U.S. history. In 1970, American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Jeep for $70 million. The J-10 and J-20 pickup trucks were released in 1971. The Jeep Cherokee won Four Wheeler magazine's Achievement Award in 1974. Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, and Jeep remains under Chrysler ownership today. Jeep's headquarters is in Toledo, Ohio.

It’s common to see Jeeps on the roads of Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, Blaine, and the surrounding areas. At Willands Tech Auto in Whatcom County, we have been repairing Jeeps since 1937 and can service any model you own.

Jeep Today

• Jeep Wrangler: Jeep's iconic body-on-frame SUV with two-door and four-door versions. It has one of the best resale values in the U.S. and won Kelley Blue Book’s 2009 Best Resale Value Award for SUVs, plus Four Wheeler’s 2007 and 2013 Four-Wheeler of the Year.
• Jeep Cherokee: A modernized SUV since the 1980s, refreshed in 2019. Our ASE-certified technicians at Willands Tech Auto can perform many services on the Cherokee, including transmission repairs and brake service.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The range-topping mid-size SUV with over 30 awards for off-road capability, luxury, value, and safety. Awards include IIHS Top Safety Pick (2011), MSN Auto’s Safest SUV in America, and The Detroit News’ Truck of the Year.
• Jeep Compass: Known as the mini Grand Cherokee, offering ample cargo space and modern styling. We service everything from oil changes to brake and transmission repairs.
• Jeep Renegade: The smallest Jeep marketed outside North America, refreshed in 2019 as a subcompact crossover.
• Jeep Gladiator: An all-new mid-size pickup truck with a projected top resale value. For transmission repair or other services, bring your Gladiator to Willands Tech Auto.

Your Trusted Jeep Repair Shop

When your Jeep needs repairs, bring it to Willands Tech Auto in Ferndale. Our owner, Gary Willands, leads a team committed to respectful, transparent service. We only recommend necessary repairs and prioritize your satisfaction.

Why Choose Willands Tech Auto?

• Experienced ASE-certified technicians with expertise in Jeep models
• Transparent, honest communication about repairs and costs
• State-of-the-art diagnostic and repair equipment

To schedule an appointment with Willands Tech Auto in Ferndale, call us at (360) 384-1584 or book online at willands.com. Willands Tech Auto – Honest Car Care from Honest People.