The Jeep Wrangler has held the crown of ultimate off-roader ever since it was offered to the general public. This SUV's lineage goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the now-legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. First introduced to the world in 1987, the Jeep Wrangler is perhaps one of the most recognizable vehicles that is manufactured and is definitely one of the most recognizable Jeep vehicles. The Wrangler is considered a mini sport utility vehicle and is and has always been produced by Chrysler, under the Jeep name. The Wrangler was a successor of the World War II Jeep vehicle, but was given a make over in 1987, as well as 1997 and 2007. Despite having a long history, the Wrangler is a very popular vehicle that has been able to stand the test of time. The Wrangler is known by Jeep under several names including YJ, TJ, and JK. Starting in 1987 the Wrangler, also known as the YJ was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The vehicle continued to be produced at this location until 1992 when it began to be produced by Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant that is located in Toledo, Ohio.
The First Wrangler
The Wrangler moniker came about in the mid-1980s as the singular replacement for the earlier CJs. Although the original Jeep Wrangler performed well off road, when it came to use as an every day driver, the Wrangler was loud, uncomfortable, and just not meant to be used in this way. The first Jeep Wrangler (1986-'95) had square headlights and, on some trims, monochromatic fender flares and rocker panel extensions, the latter an odd "of the times" styling touch on such a retro vehicle. Initially, a choice of a 2.5-liter four or a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine was offered, and buyers could get a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. One of the biggest improvements during this generation came for 1991, when a new, 4.0-liter inline-6 with 180 hp replaced the ancient 4.2-liter unit that had just 112 hp. Trim levels during this time ranged from base S through Islander, Sahara and top-of-the-line Laredo and, after 1990, Renegade.
Second Generation Wrangler
The previous generation of the Wrangler was introduced in 1997 after a one-year hiatus, and marked a return to the classic Jeep face with its round headlights. It was sold through the 2006 model year. A new dash modernized the cabin upon its debut, while a coil-spring suspension improved on-road comfort. Dual front airbags and the option of antilock brakes made it safer, too. Of course, all the ingredients that made the original CJ so capable off-road remained.
2007 - 2009 Used Wrangler
Over the past twenty years Jeep has worked hard to make the Wrangler more civilized via a new four-door body style and new safety and convenience features. At the same time the latest Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of providing rugged off-road capability and distinctive style. The current Jeep Wrangler was introduced for 2007 and is larger and more refined than the previous generation. Key changes included a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter ride; a more powerful engine; more modern transmissions; and the first-time availability of a four-door, the Wrangler Unlimited. Styling stays true to Jeep. In fact the Wrangler's appearance has changed very little over the years. As far as technology, a new Hill Start assist feature was added for 2009.
Wrangler Power
Base SE is powered by a 2.5-liter, 120-hp inline-4, the used Wrangler Sport gets its power from a 4.0-liter, 190-hp inline-6, and the Sahara runs on a 4.0-liter six. By 2003, the Wrangler "X", which is slotted above the SE, was available and runs on the inline-6. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon also debuted in '03. It features hard-core off-road equipment such as a super-low range in the transfer case, 31-inch tires and locking Dana axles front and rear trims. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and three-speed automatic, the latter upgraded to a four-speed unit for 2003.
Wrangler Unlimited
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited model; it still had only two doors, but a 10-inch wheelbase stretch provided a significant increase in rear legroom and cargo capacity. A Rubicon version of the Unlimited arrived the following year, and a six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed. The Four door Unlimited finally arrived in 2007, offering Wrangler fans a chance to carry their entire families and have much more versatility.
Conclusions
The Jeep Wrangler is one of few vehicles that have stood the test of time, and this is because when the needs of the consumer change, the vehicle changes. While many considered the Wrangler strictly an off road type vehicle in the past, it's no longer that way with many different model options. In fact, the Wrangler can now be thought of as a family car because of its diversity, spacious interior, and safety ratings.
