History of The Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wranglers are well known SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) due to their flexibility and ability to go off-road. Many believe that Jeep Wranglers are descendants of the Willys (or Willys MBs) used during the World War II era, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to how it was produced (and introduced) to the public. With this being said, here’s a look at the Jeep Wrangler and its three generations of improvement.

The First Jeep Wrangler Line

The Jeep Wrangler brand was introduced in 1986 as a replacement for their previous CJ model. Since the sales of the CJ were moving fairly slow, the AMC (American Motor Company) stepped in to design the vehicle and make it more appealing. The plant where the Wranglers were produced (located in Toledo, Ohio) happened to be the same place where the Willy Jeeps were built during World War II. Improvements made on the Wrangler (different from the CJ model) included:

• Wiper blades resting on the windshield.
• Rectangular headlights.
• A new grille.
• A larger windshield.
• A more appealing design for daily drivers.
• As more safety issues were covered (in regards to the vehicle’s performance) during its first generation, several new milestones were reached in Jeep Wrangler’s second generation of vehicles.

The Second Generation Jeep Wrangler Line

The second generation of Wranglers offered a wide range of upgrades such as round headlights and coil-spring suspension. Between 1996 and 2006, the Jeep Wrangler came in fifteen packages (with one vehicle geared to promote the newest Tomb Raider movie).

Between the unique and classic style of the vehicle, the Tomb Raider Jeep Wrangler eventually became one of the most collectible models in the history of the Jeep Wrangler brand. Another popular Jeep Wrangler vehicle during this era was the 2006 Golden Eagle, which featured an exclusive hood, interior trim, a 4.0 liter engine, and a 30 inch tire/wheel group.

The Third Generation Jeep Wrangler Line

The third generation of Jeep Wranglers began in 2007 and continues to this day. Many new luxuries were added, such as a four-door option and a longer/wider wheelbase. Jeep Wrangler also began utilizing computer software to operate its controls (in exception of its steering).

One of the more popular Jeep Wranglers at the moment is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which is the only convertible designed vehicle that has four doors (that is available in the states). Given that this generation of Jeep Wranglers has been the most awarded of all generations, it’s safe to say that the Jeep Wrangler will be around for generations to come.