(Credit: Getty Images)

While Jeeps are one of the most popular car brands on Long Island, what do you know about the Jeep brand?

Fun facts you didn't know about Jeep

Updated August 16, 2016 5:24 AM
By Ted Starkey   edward.starkey@newsday.com

Jeep is one of the more popular car brands on Long Island, thanks to the area's sometimes-snowy winters and access to the beach during the summer. In 2016, the brand is celebrating 75 years since it first went into production during World War II, and has changed a lot along the way.

Check out some facts you may not know about Jeeps below:

Over 120,000 Jeeps on LI

(Credit: Getty Images)

According to New York DMV records, Jeep was the sixth-most popular car brand on Long Island in 2015, with 123,471 registered in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

First production in 1941

(Credit: AP)

During World War II, the Willys MB was put into production by Willys-Overland Motors in 1941 for supplying the U.S. Army with transportation, mostly in Europe, and being the first "Jeep" 4x4. 16,000 Willys MAs were also built for the nations of England and Russia, at the cost of $738.34 each.

World War II

(Credit: AP)

The Jeep became a useful transportation tool during World War II, with over a half-million being produced in the first five years, according to the George C. Marshall Foundation. Marshall later called the vehicle "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare," according to Jeep.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE

Post-war transition

(Credit: AP)

Once World War II ended in 1945, the Jeep was transitioned to civilian life, with the CJ model being the first model for public sale. The CJ - short for Civilian Jeep - featured a rear-mounted spare tire and swinging tailgate, it was marketed for delivery, farm or construction use.

Jeep Cherokee

(Credit: AP)

The Cherokee version of Jeep was introduced in 1974, and the compact SUV brand name still lasts until today.

'Mork & Mindy'

(Credit: AP)

The ABC show "Mork & Mindy," which aired from 1978 to 1982, featured the two characters, played by Robin Williams and Pam Dawber, riding around in a blue Jeep -- which even spawned a plastic model kit of the car for fans to build.

'Dukes of Hazzard'

(Credit: AP)

Another popular Hollywood version of the Jeep CJ was Daisy Duke's model used in the CBS show "Dukes of Hazard" from 1979 to 1985. Fans could buy model kits and die-cast versions of the white "Daisy" model.

Jeep Wrangler

(Credit: AP)

The Jeep CJ was rebranded the Jeep Wrangler in 1987, and remains an iconic model for the brand.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE

Jeep Grand Cherokee

(Credit: Getty Images)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993, to great success, as it became a popular vehicle in the luxury SUV set.

Round headlights

(Credit: AFP / Getty Images)

While most people know the Jeep Wrangler by its round headlights, the model actually had square headlights for a time between the 1985 and 1995 model years.

7-slot grill

(Credit: AP)

Jeep vehicles all use some form of a seven-slot grill on their front -- a feature that even sparked a 2001 legal fight between Jeep and Hummer.

Jeep ownership

(Credit: AP)

While the Jeep name started with Willys, who produced the CJ, the brand was sold to Kaiser Motors in 1953, and then American Motors Corporation in 1970. AMC was bought by Chrysler Corporation in 1987, and now Jeep is owned by Fiat Chrysler.

1996 Jeep Wrangler

(Credit: Getty Images)

If you're shopping for a used Jeep Wrangler, it will be impossible to find a 1996 model. That's because there were no 1996 models produced at all, as after the 1995 models with square headlines were finished, it was replaced them with the 1997 model that brought back the rounded headlights.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE

Look ma! No doors

(Credit: AP)

The Jeep Wrangler is the only car that is designed to have its doors removed.

Popemobile

(Credit: Getty Images)

During Pope Francis' visit to the United States in 2015, he rode in a modified Jeep Wrangler during his motorcades through Washington and New York.

Jeep on Instagram

(Credit: Getty Images for Jeep)

According to a 2015 Auto Insurance Center study, out of 4.6 million Instagram posts taken by users, Jeep was the second-most popular car brand geotagged. Jeep was the most Intagrammed car in 19 states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Colorado.

Made in Toledo

(Credit: AP)

Since Jeep began production, the company has been headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, ever since. According to the Detroit Free Press, all models were made in the U.S. until 2014, when the company began to move some production into Brazil, China and India.

'Jeep wave'

(Credit: AFP / Getty Images)

When a pair of Jeep Wranglers pass on the road, it's not uncommon to see the two drivers exchange a wave hello -- otherwise known as the "Jeep wave," which has been around since the days of the CJ.