When most people think of Jeeps, they probably think of muddy Wranglers and Cherokees. The truth is, with over 70 years of history, Jeep has had several models, trim levels and special editions that are not as well known, and they span from the Kaiser Jeep era right up to present day. Check out this list of 10 cool Jeeps that you probably didn't even know about.
Jeep produced a CJ-5 Renegade trim level from the early '70s until the CJ-5 was killed off in 1983, but a shortage of aluminum wheels in 1973 resulted in the ultra-rare CJ-5 Super Jeep appearance package. Only a few hundred were ever built, but they are instantly recognizable with a wild stripe package, curved chrome bumper, white upholstery and a white soft top.
After the CJ/Wrangler, the Jeep Cherokee XJ might be the most popular Jeep ever made, but the slightly fancier XJ Wagoneer continues to fly under the radar. This model was produced from 1984 to 1990 featuring wood paneling and a slightly nicer interior than the standard XJ Cherokee, but this model got a more distinctive look in 1986 thanks to the addition of dual stacked headlights.
The Jeep FC was a forward control "cab-over" truck built from 1957 until 1965. Not only is the Jeep FC rare (only about 16,000 were ever made), but these trucks were generally worked very hard, which means many of them led a rough life and not many survived the years.
The first-gen Jeep Compass was hopefully about as close as Jeep will ever come to producing a car, and while this hatchback/crossover never got too much love, the 2007 Jeep Compass Rallye was pretty cool. Going for more of a tuner look, the Compass Rallye was offered in a limited number of monochromatic paint jobs, and it added Mopar goodies like the black wheels, bumper-mounted driving lights and a body kit that gave it the appearance of being lowered.
Before the Scrambler and Wrangler Unlimited models, the CJ-6 was the original extended-wheelbase Jeep. Based on the CJ-5, the CJ-6 had its wheelbase stretched by 20 inches, and while these Jeeps were more popular in overseas markets, you'll still see a few of them running around today.
As a sendoff for the first-generation Grand Cherokee, Jeep introduced the 5.9 Limited trim level for the 1998 model year only. Before the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and Trackhawk, the 5.9 Limited was the most performance you could get from a Jeep at the time with Chrysler's 360 CID V8 (5.9L) stuffed under the hood. Special wheels, grille and hood heat extractors gave the 5.9 Limited a special look, while the interior added more luxury with nicer leather and wood trim.
The Jeep Dispatcher (also known as the DJ) was built from the 1950s until 1984, and it's main role was as a delivery vehicle for the U.S. Postal Service. Like the Jeep FC, the DJ was designed for work, so not many of these DJs survive today.
To those who don't know about the limited production 2005 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sahara Edition, this one can be a little confusing as the Wrangler offers Rubicon and Sahara trim levels. The Rubicon Sahara Edition model (aka, the RubiHara) was created to promote the movie Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey, and production was limited to just 1,000 units. In addition to being a long-wheelbase Rubicon, the Sahara Edition came painted only in Light Khaki with a chrome grille, Moab wheels, two-tone interior and a serialized dash plaque.
The Hurst Jeepster is actually believed to be one of the rarest Jeeps ever made with only around 100 being built – the exact production number is unknown. This Jeep is easy to identify with its white paint job and red and blue body stripes as well as the hood scoop with an integrated 8,000-rpm tachometer.
The JK Wrangler (2007-2018) had no shortage of special-edition models, but the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Red Rock Edition was definitely the rarest. This limited-production Wrangler was built to celebrate 50 years of the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, and it packed in just about every Mopar and Jeep accessory that was available including a two-inch lift and a CB radio. Only 50 of these Red Rock Edition Wranglers were made.