History of the Jeep Wrangler

Despite its 1987 debut, the Jeep Wrangler has roots dating back to the 1940s. A significant precursor, the Jeep Civilian Jeep-5 (CJ-5), was produced from 1955 to 1983 with similar features like round headlights, an upright grille, and a removable soft top. The CJ-7, a similar design, joined in 1976 but was discontinued in 1986. In 1987, the first-ever Jeep Wrangler emerged, revolutionizing rugged SUVs. The 1987 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) succeeded the CJ-7, retaining key design elements and introducing updates like a modernized interior, wider track, angled grille, and rectangular headlights. While it maintained the CJ-7's open-body profile, it shared mechanical traits with the Cherokee, particularly in its engine and 4x4 drivetrain. The Jeep Wrangler's launch included various trim levels: Base ("S" or "SE"), Laredo, Islander, Sport, Sahara, Renegade, and Rio Grande.

In 1997, the second-gen Jeep Wrangler, known as the TJ, debuted as "The Ultimate Escape Machine" for its exceptional off-road prowess and on-road handling. It proudly earned the 4x4 of the Year award, the fifth Jeep model to do so. Drawing inspiration from the CJ-7, the Wrangler TJ brought back the iconic grille and round headlights, marking the most significant transformation since the 1940s, with almost eighty percent of its components revamped. A standout upgrade from the YJ to the TJ was the Quadra-Coil suspension, replacing leaf springs for improved on-road comfort. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with more ground clearance, better axle articulation, and aggressive approach and departure angles. While evolving, the Wrangler TJ retained classic Jeep features like soft or hardtop options, removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and round headlights. Under the hood, it packed the same 4.0-liter AMC inline-six engine as the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, cementing its status as the ultimate off-roader.

In 2003, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Rubicon, a meticulously engineered trim designed to conquer the toughest off-road trails, surpassing other Wrangler models. It achieved this with additional off-road features and an enhanced suspension system. A year later, in 2004, Jeep launched the Wrangler Unlimited, a variant of the Wrangler TJ with a stretched body featuring four doors instead of two. The Wrangler Unlimited had a ten-inch longer wheelbase, added fifteen inches to the overall length, and provided an extra two inches of rear seat legroom. This extended wheelbase improved both on-road performance and versatility, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Notably, in 2005, the Wrangler Rubicon became available in the Unlimited body style for the first time.

In 2019, the Jeep Wrangler received its most recent update, giving rise to the Jeep Wrangler JL. This latest version proudly embraces the Wrangler's rich heritage, showcasing iconic elements like the upright grille, a choice of removable soft or hard tops, a fold-down windshield, round headlights, and removable doors. In keeping with tradition, 2019 brought three impressive 4x4 systems, each contributing to exceptional off-road capabilities. The standard offering is the part-time Command-Trac system, while the full-time Selec-Trac system is available as an option. Moreover, the Rubicon trim exclusively features the Rock-Trac 4x4 system. With these robust systems in place, drivers are empowered to conquer any terrain, elevating the Wrangler's off-road performance.

In 2021, the Wrangler JL saw two significant enhancements, each introducing new powertrain options. The first was the Wrangler Rubicon 392, a standout trim equipped with a potent 6.4L HEMI V8 engine with a displacement of 392 cubic inches. Boasting an impressive 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, the Rubicon 392 became the fastest and most powerful Wrangler ever produced. Another noteworthy release in 2021 was the Wrangler 4xe, marking Jeep's venture into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The Wrangler 4xe combines a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine with two electric motors powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. This setup results in robust performance, offering a remarkable total driving range of 370 miles, 470 lb-ft of instant torque, and 375 horsepower. Furthermore, Jeep recently unveiled the 2024 Wrangler with mid-cycle updates, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, a windshield-integrated stealth antenna, and the all-new Rubicon X trim, among other exciting upgrades.

While the Jeep Wrangler has come a long way in its evolution, it still carries the unmistakable influence of its original models. If you're curious about driving a modern Wrangler while embracing a piece of American automotive history, we encourage you to visit Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Come take a test drive in one of our latest Wrangler models, or browse our extensive new inventory to find the Wrangler that suits your preferences perfectly. We're excited and ready to assist you!