At a top speed of about 45 mph. That is a long way from 70+ mph. The military classified them as General Purpose vehicles. The guys that used them called them GPs. The vehicles were originally designed by Willis but were then produced by many other companies including Ford and GM for the war effort. After the war Willis retained the design rights and called it a Jeep. The guys that served had no trouble going from GP to Jeep. Willis eventually became part of AMC and Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand when they bought out AMC.
Willis added a top to the Jeep, and then added a station wagon and a 4x4 forward cab truck. AMC farther expanded the line, but still kept the inexpensive posture. Chrysler started expanding the line with more luxury and added to the cost, and they have not slowed down. Chrysler, through its multiple owners have distorted what the brand was built on.