Jeep Wrangler Through the Years

Here’s how Jeep and its Wrangler overcame every obstacle over 80 years to become not just the face of off-roading but also a premium SUV brand.

From Warrior to Rock Crawler

Jeep Willys MB and Wrangler – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep on Carsforsale.com

The Jeep nameplate has always been synonymous with off-roading prowess and performance but in recent decades it’s come to be known as a lifestyle brand. Here’s how Jeep managed to gain a new generation of fans without losing its way.

First Generation (1941-1945) Willys MB

1942 Jeep Willys MB – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep Willys on Carsforsale.com

There’s no sidestepping the fact that the original Willys set the standard for the brand. It was a key part of the successful campaign America and the Allies led during World War II.
Unlike anything before it, this four-wheel-drive vehicle managed to successfully overcome almost any terrain.
The name Jeep comes from two main sources. First, it’s the slang for “GP”, the Ford branded all-wheel-drive military vehicle of the time.
It’s also the name of a cartoon character from Popeye The Sailor Man that was a cat/dog hybrid that was capable of going anywhere.
As the war came to an end, MB trademarked the name “Jeep” and the legend has carried that name ever since.

Second Generation (1945-1985) CJ

1973 Jeep CJ-5 – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep CJ-5 on Carsforsale.com

This generation was dubbed the “CJ” in development because these were the first “Civilian Jeeps” available to the general public.
The 1945 CJ-2A is the first use of the now-iconic 7-slot grille. Military units of the time continued to use 9-slots.
Kaiser Motors takes over Jeep and creates the CJ-5 in 1953. It’s a more refined Jeep that spawns many variants all based on the same overall design and structure.
The CJ-6 is also born as a longer version of the CJ-5 with more cargo space.

1977 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade - fcanorthamerica.com

1977 Jeep CJ-7 – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep CJ-7 on Carsforsale.com

Further adjustments are made in 1976 as the CJ-7 is born and then the CJ-8 in 1985 finishes off the generation before the first complete overhaul happens in 1987.
The need for more fuel-efficient vehicles and the smash success of the Cherokee XJ results in the end of the line for the historic CJ line.
In 1980, a 60 Minutes segment seemed to indicate that the CJ was inclined to roll over and popular opinion of the car diminished.
It was later found that in over 400 trials, the CJ rolled over in only 8 of them. Half were attributed to a single vehicle in the test which further discredited the validity of the study.

Third Generation (1987-1995) YJ

1987 Jeep Wrangler – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep Wrangler on Carsforsale.com

This generation is the first to formally be known as the Wrangler. The YJ label is no longer an acronym, it’s simply a generational designation.
Jeep consults with Goodyear to ensure there would be no issue with its use of the name despite Goodyears popular Wrangler tire lineup.
They do not approach Wrangler Jeans and thusly end up entrenched in legal battles over the name.
The suit was finally dropped after a new head was appointed at the jean company and the overall battle became too ridiculous to continue.
1987 is the year that Chrysler takes over as the parent company of Jeep, the same role they still fill today.
The YJ is easy to spot and differentiate thanks to the squared headlamps at the forefront of the vehicle.

1990 Jeep Wrangler - fcanorthamerica.com

The overall goal of this Jeep was to add on-road comfort and performance without sacrificing off-roading skill and it was largely a goal that Jeep achieved.
In 1991, the historically bulletproof fuel injected 4.0-liter inline-six engine becomes a mainstay of the brand adding power and performance never before seen in a wrangler.
The same year Jeep released the Wrangler Renegade, which featured huge fender flares and bodywork to appeal to a sportier crowd.
Jeep actually sent the vehicle to another company called ASC who installed the Renegade packaged parts and then shipped them to dealers.
In 1993, Wrangler adds safety as it gets anti-lock brakes as an optional extra.
In 1994, the 4-cylinder variant gets an automatic transmission option for the first time.

Fourth Generation (1997-2006) TJ

1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep Wrangler Sport on Carsforsale.com

The TJ generation of Wrangler made huge advancements in strength, quality, and comfort.
The round headlights returned at the request of many customers and haven’t left since.
The Quadra-Coil system was introduced to Wrangler after earlier debuting in the Cherokee.
This addition allowed for seven more inches of overall travel for the suspension which helped the Jeep maintain its off-road reputation.
The combination of improvements made this Jeep the best to drive on and off-road by far.
The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 4.0-liter six-cylinder engines from the YJ are carried over and unchanged.

2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - fcanorthamerica.com

In 2003, the Rubicon is introduced as the new top of the line off-roader among the Wrangler lineup.
31-inch tires, front and rear locking differentials and a 4:1 gear ratio are all parts of the Rubicon package.
The TJ-L is sold as a long-wheelbase version of the Wrangler, it offered more space for cargo and passengers and was a foreshadowing of things to come.

Fifth Generation (2007- 2018) JK

2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep Wrangler JK on Carsforsale.com

The JK was a completely redesigned Wrangler that for the first time offered a full four-door variant.
Today, nearly 75% of all Wranglers sold are of the four-door variety. This change sparks a boom in sales and brand awareness for Jeep.
Engine changes are regular through this generation as the 4.0-liter six-cylinder is no longer an option in favor of a 3.8 V6.
The Wrangler gots more than 5 inches added to the overall width of the vehicle adding to on-road handling confidence.
Soon after, it’s also dropped for a 3.6 V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Perhaps this is the first fully modern drivetrain for the Wrangler as it can be optioned with a 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - fcanorthamerica.com

While the wheelbase of the Jeep is longer, the overall length is shorter, so approach and departure angles are improved.
While advancing in terms of ride comfort, off-roading prowess, and technology, the Wrangler maintains its major brand identity with removable panels and legacy styling.
Interior creature comforts are like that of any modern SUV including blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and heated seats.

Sixth Generation (2019-Current) JL

2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara – fcanorthamerica.com | Shop Jeep Wrangler on Carsforsale.com

No Jeep has ever been as capable as the JL. Many advancements in efficiency and performance make it so.
The 6-speed manual continues on, but a new 8-speed automatic is now offered.
The off-roading experience improves with an easier fold-flat windshield, easier to remove all-aluminum doors, and a zipperless soft-top.
A new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now offered to improves the in-cabin experience.
A diesel engine is offered for the first time in the Wrangler in the form of the 3-liter EcoDiesel with 442lb-ft of torque.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe - fcanorthamerica.com

Jeep announces the plug-in hybrid “4xe Wrangler” for 2021 set to appear with up to 25 miles of electric-only range.
That electric power when combined with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder provides up to 400 miles on a single tank of fuel.
The 4xe will also provide some 378 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t a gutless hybrid by any means.
Rock-Trac equipped vehicles come with a 4:1 gear ratio and the ability to automatically switch between 2 and 4-wheel drive modes.
This Wrangler also has push-button sway-bar disconnects to ensure maximum suspension articulation on the harshest of trails.