After what feels like years of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Jeep is finally revealing the 2018 Wrangler at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. We’ve already seen the first official photos and know most of the options that will be available, but even so, it’s a big deal. Ahead of the new Wrangler’s debut, let’s take a look back at the history of the Wrangler in the U.S.
Read about the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler right here.
1941–1945: Willys MB
The Wrangler name didn’t appear until the 1987 model year when it made its debut as a replacement for the Jeep CJ. But the Wrangler’s roots go back even further to World War II, when Willys-Overland won a contract with the U.S. military to provide a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the war. That vehicle was officially known as the MB, but it soon picked up the nickname “jeep.”
1945–1954: Willys-Overland CJ
After the jeep’s success in WWII, Willys developed a civilian version that it could sell Stateside. In 1945, the Willys-Overland CJ-2A started production, quickly earning a reputation for being reliable, simple to fix, and almost impossible to break. Those qualities made it a fantastic agricultural and commercial vehicle. It was later followed by the updated CJ-3A and the CJ-3B. A CJ-4 was built but never put into production.
1954–1983: Willys CJ-5
In 1953, Kaiser Motors bought Willys-Overland. The next year, it introduced the newest CJ, the CJ-5. Although there were quite a few different versions produced, the CJ-5 managed to stay in production for nearly 30 years. This is also the generation that, thanks to a Kaiser name change, was officially called a Jeep.
For buyers interested in a less utilitarian vehicle, Kaiser offered a Tuxedo Park line. It also built a longer version called the CJ-6. In 1970, American Motors Corporation bought Kaiser-Jeep, but the CJ-5 still lived on.
1976–1986: Jeep CJ-7
In 1976, Jeep released a new model, the CJ-7. It was larger than the CJ-5, which Jeep was still producing, and offered improved on-road manners, as well as a number of optional features such as an automatic transmission, a roof, and metal doors. It stayed in production for 11 years, but eventually, AMC decided the CJ needed to be replaced.
1987–1995: Jeep Wrangler YJ
Considering its current reputation as a bare-bones off-roader, it might sound odd that the first Wrangler was designed with on-road performance in mind. But with a wider track, lower ride height, reduced body roll, and a larger windshield, the YJ really was a more civilized off-roader. The squared-off headlights, however, weren’t a popular design decision. Chrysler bought Jeep’s parent company, AMC, soon after the introduction of the YJ.
Power came from either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 4.2-liter inline-six, with each engine offering the choice between a three-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission. In 1991, though, a newer 4.0-liter I-6 replaced the old 4.2-liter, with fuel injection giving the Wrangler an extra dose of much-needed power. Over the next several years, Jeep added even more creature comforts, such as rear seat belts and antilock brakes.
1997–2006: Jeep Wrangler TJ
In 1997, Jeep introduced a new generation of Wrangler, the TJ. This version marked the return of round headlights, as well as the first time the Wrangler got a coil-spring suspension instead of leaf springs. Really, though, the TJ was a major update to the YJ, not a complete redesign. That meant carrying over the YJ’s engine options until 2003, when the 2.5-liter AMC four-cylinder was replaced with a newer 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
At the time, we said: “Jeep definitely didn’t turn the Wrangler into the off-road equivalent of the BMW M3, but it substantially curbed the rock climber’s body-related rattles, poor cabin-temperature control, door-seal wind noise, and choppy ride. These refinements much improve the Jeep Wrangler while, true to the wishes of its loyal buyers, allowing it to remain a unique vehicle with a healthy helping of charm, all-American flavor, and take-no-prisoners off-road ability.”
2007–2018: Jeep Wrangler JK
For 2007, Jeep completely redesigned the Wrangler. The new vehicle was taller, wider, and longer, and it rode on a longer wheelbase. It was designed to be even more comfortable than the TJ and offered safety features such as stability control and traction control. Jeep also offered a four-door model for the first time, a decision that quickly proved successful.
The JK was also the first generation of Wrangler to be designed without any AMC-sourced parts. That meant offering a new engine, a 3.8-liter V-6, and dropping the four-cylinder. The Wrangler received new transmission options, as well. Buyers could now choose a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. After Jeep refreshed the Wrangler with an upgraded interior and a 3.6-liter V-6, buyers got the option of a new six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
As we said in our First Drive review: “Based on our limited (albeit intense) drives in Africa, the new Jeep JK appears to be a stirringly successful upgrade–a safer, more civilized, more user-friendly Wrangler that still oozes the legendary, military-bred confidence and prowess of its forebears. For that, the Jeep crew deserves a Patton the back.”
2018–Present: Jeep Wrangler JL
With the JL generation, Jeep focused on improving the Wrangler’s efficiency, adding more technology, and improving off-road capability. The body is still made out of high-strength steel, but the hood, doors, and windshield frame are now aluminum. The tailgate, meanwhile, is magnesium. And although a 3.6-liter V-6 is still available, Jeep now offers a turbocharged four-cylinder, and before long, a 3.0-liter diesel V-6 will become an option. There’s still a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is available, as well.
The JL also gets modern technology options such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors with cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In our First Look, we said: “Although it is very much a modernized Jeep with the sorts of features and technology most buyers expect, it’s also designed by and for Jeepers, so much so that editors from leading off-road magazines were consulted early on to make sure it stayed true to Jeep heritage. It’s a tough balance to strike, but if they did it right, the average car buyer will be just as happy with the new Wrangler as the hardcore off-roaders who’ve helped make it the legend it is.”
The post Jeep Wrangler History: A Closer Look at America’s Favorite Off-Roader appeared first on Motor Trend.
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