2. Jeep Willys
The Jeep Willys was the first mass-produced all-wheel drive vehicle they conceived just before World War II as a light military vehicle. It was capable of going over any terrain and durable enough to withstand bullets, explosions and harsh conditions. But, one of its most important features was its simple but robust all-wheel-drive system, which made it extremely capable on any terrain.
The production of the original Jeep started in 1942 as the U.S. entered the war. And they ended it in 1946 after building more than 600,000, exporting them to all parts of the world. The original Jeep proved that AWD systems don’t need to be heavy, fragile or complicated, too. Even after the war, the demand for those capable machines was strong.
Despite being a military vehicle, Jeep proved its worth after the war as a practical machine. Versatile, you could equip it to do numerous things, from towing to plowing. The unique concept of a rugged, compact and extremely capable off-road machine evolved into the Jeep brand. Today, they are the biggest producer of off-road vehicles and SUVs and a true legend of the segment.