History of the Jeep Wrangler

While the Jeep Wrangler was officially introduced in 1987, its roots can be traced back to the 1940s and the years leading up to its introduction. For example, the Jeep Civilian Jeep-5, better known as the CJ-5, was around from 1955-1983. Like the Wrangler, it featured an upright grille, round headlights, and a removable soft top. The CJ-7, which also had a similar design, joined the Jeep lineup in 1976 and was discontinued in 1986. One year later, in 1987, the first-ever Jeep Wrangler joined the lineup, and the world of rugged SUVs was changed forever. The 1987 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) replaced the CJ-7, using many of its design features. However, some updates were made. These included an angled grille, wider track, rectangular headlights, and a modernized interior. While the open-body profile of the famed CJ-7 was used for the Wrangler, it was more similar mechanically to the Cherokee in terms of its engine and 4x4 drivetrain. The original Jeep Wrangler trim levels included Base ("S" or "SE"), Laredo, Islander, Sport, Sahara, Renegade, and Rio Grande.

The second-generation Jeep Wrangler, named TJ, was introduced in 1997. This generation was nicknamed The Ultimate Escape Machine due to its astounding off-road capabilities and on-road handling. The All-New 1997 Jeep Wrangler earned the 4x4 of the year award, making it the fifth Jeep vehicle to get the honor. The Wrangler TJ featured a retro look that was inspired by the CJ-7, bringing back the upright grille and round headlights. It was the largest overhaul given to a Jeep model since the Willys Quad became the MB in the 1940s. In fact, nearly eighty percent of the Wrangler's parts were newly designed. From a mechanical standpoint, the biggest change from the YJ to the TJ was the new Quadra-Coil suspension. Replacing the standard leaf springs, the Quadra-Coil system greatly enhanced the Wrangler's on-road ride. The Wrangler's off-roading abilities were also enhanced by greater ground clearance, more axle articulation, and more aggressive approach and departure angles. The Wrangler TJ also, however, kept many classic Jeep outfittings, including the round headlights, removable doors, a soft or hard top, and a fold-down windshield (first seen in 1940). The same 4.0-liter AMC inline-six engine that was used by the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee was also employed by the Wrangler TJ. The Wrangler TJ is the generation that gained the Wrangler's recognition as the premier off-roading vehicle.

In 2003, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Rubicon. This trim level was meticulously crafted to handle even more rugged off-road trails than the other Wrangler trims by adding more off-roading features and upgrading the suspension. In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler Unlimited is a stretched version of the Wrangler TJ, featuring four doors instead of two. The Unlimited body style added ten inches to the wheelbase, fifteen inches to the overall length, and gave rear seat occupants two inches of additional leg room. The additional wheelbase length enhanced the on-road performance, improved the Wrangler's versatility, and allowed for up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. 2005 was the first model year that the Wrangler Rubicon was eligible for the Unlimited body style.

The Jeep Wrangler received its most recent update in 2019 with the Jeep Wrangler JL. The current form of the Wrangler boasts the model's long history, with the upright grille, a removable soft or hard top, a fold-down windshield, round headlights, and removable doors. The legacy of the Wrangler was carried on in 2019 with impressive off-road handling provided by three remarkable 4x4 systems. The part-time Command-Trac system is standard, while full-time Selec-Trac is optional. Meanwhile, the Rubicon comes exclusively with Rock-Trac 4x4. These systems are well-equipped to help drivers handle any terrain with refined off-road performance.

The 2021 model year brought two remarkable upgrades to the Wrangler JL, both featuring new powertrain options. The first is the Wrangler Rubicon 392. Featuring a 392-cubic inch 6.4L HEMI V8, the Rubicon 392 trim is the fastest, most powerful Wrangler ever, with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Also released in 2021, the Wrangler 4xe was the first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) made by Jeep. Featuring a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine and two electric motors powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, the Wrangler 4xe offers 375 horsepower, 475 lb-ft of instant torque, and a 370-mile total driving range.

While the Jeep Wrangler has come a long way over the years, the inspiration from the earliest Jeep models can still be seen. If you're interested in getting into a new Wrangler and enjoying a piece of American automotive history, then come on down to Flagler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and test drive a new Wrangler! If you prefer, you can also browse our new inventory to find the Wrangler that suits your desires. We look forward to serving you!