There’s nothing more American than apple pie, baseball, and the Jeep Wrangler. This iconic vehicle has been in continuous production for decades, and there’s no sign that things are going to slow down.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Jeep Wrangler came into being and where it’s going next, here is a brief look at the Jeep Wrangler through the years.
Humble Beginnings
The origins of the Wrangler go back to the Second World War. It was originally just called a Jeep, which is rumored to come from the Popeye comic strip. The Jeep was just like the main character who would go anywhere and do anything.
When the war ended, Willy’s MB started working on a Jeep meant for Civilians. This CJ (Civilian Jeep) hit the market in 1944 and had an added tailgate, lower gearing, and a canvas top. It looked a lot like the Wrangler we know and love today.
Outside of adding new exterior colors and a few upgrades here and there, the Jeep remained somewhat unchanged until 1986.
The Wrangler YJ
The Jeep Wrangler YJ added rectangular lights and a new face. The body style and frame didn’t change, but the updated look helped people pay more attention. Unlike the previous model that was meant to be more of a weekend adventure car, the new Wrangler added enough comfort features to make it a daily driver.
By 1991, Jeep increased this vehicle’s horsepower and torque by giving it an inline six-cylinder engine. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the Jeep could be equipped with automatic transmission.
The Wrangler TJ
The TJ is considered the first true second-generation Wrangler. The body and frame were made to be stiffer, and the ride was improved with coil springs. The round headlights also made their way back, as Jeep enthusiasts practically demanded the change.
Most of the other parts of the TJ didn’t change. The engine options were the same, but the reface was enough to launch the Wrangler back into popularity.
Wrangler JK
Believe it or not, the Jeep Wrangler didn’t exist as a four-door vehicle until 2007. Most Jeep executives wonder why they waited so long, as this was a hugely popular decision. Today, more than 75% of Jeeps have four doors.
The JK added more traction and stability control to increase the Wrangler’s overall safety rating. It also retained many of the charms that made the original Jeep stand out: a fold-down windshield, removable doors, roll bars, and a soft top, to name a few elements.
Today’s Wrangler
The more modern Wrangler, the JL, keeps the off-road performance abilities we love but also improves the on-road experience. Jeep made sure to load the JL with modern convenience features like Bluetooth connectivity.
The newest Jeep Wrangler stands out with what’s under the hood. Alongside the gas-powered engines we’re used to, the Wrangler also has a diesel engine for the American market. There’s also a new hybrid Wrangler called the 4xe (pronounced four-by-e).
Jeep continues to push the limits of what’s possible on America’s favorite off-road vehicle. Engineers listen to what people want and make updates and changes to keep this vehicle at the head of the pack.
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