The 1948 Jeepster VJ-2 was introduced in this year. It came with some deluxe features and interior fittings in addition to a high level of standard equipment that cost extra on other automobiles. These included whitewall tires, hubcaps with bright trim rings, sun visors, deluxe steering wheel, wind wings, locking glove box, cigar lighter, as well a continental tire with a fabric cover.

However, the Jeepster had a 4-cylinder engine, and its $1,765 price was about the same as a Ford Super DeLuxe club convertible with roll-down windows, which featured car-like styling and a V8 engine. The Jeepster was powered by the same 134.2 CID straight-4 "Go Devil" engine found in the Jeep, which produced only 63 HP, passing through a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive standard.

The Jeepster was also only offered with rear-wheel drive, thus limiting its appeal with regular Jeep customers. Its distinctive boxy styling and performance were praised by automotive journalists, The independent front suspension was borrowed from the successful the Willys Station Wagon as were the entire drivetrain, front end, rear suspension, steering, and four-wheel drum brakes. The flat-topped rear fenders were taken from the Jeep truck line.

The Jeepster did not readily catch on with the intended car market segment. Sales were also limited by sparse advertising and an insufficient dealer network. Total production for 1948 was 10,326.

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