A Look at the History of the Jeep Wrangler
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A Look at the History of the Jeep Wrangler

Photography: Jeep

Born on the battlefields of WWII, the Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate symbol of American freedom. With its legendary off-road capability and unique open-air design, the Wrangler is built for adventure.

The 40s Introduced the First Civilian Jeep (CJ)

Before the Wrangler, there was the CJ. Born from the Willys-Overland MB, the heroic Jeep of World War II, the CJ series was the first foray into the civilian market. Willys-Overland advertised the CJ-2A as "A Powerhouse on Wheels", pitching it as a work vehicle and mobile power to the masses. A variety of farm implements and industrial tools were devised for use in conjunction with an onboard power take-off unit.

The 50's

With a production run spanning nearly three decades, the CJ-5 is one of the most recognizable classic Jeeps. It featured a more rounded body design inspired by the M38A1 military Jeep. The CJ-5 was better on every front: it was stronger, more comfortable, more versatile, and more off-road capable.

The 60s

A popular and enduring legend, the CJ-5 has probably logged more trail miles than any other Jeep® Brand vehicle. Spanning thirty years, the CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle.

The 70s - Time to Upgrade

In 1976, CJ-7, the seventh generation of the original vehicle and the first major change in Jeep® Brand design in 20 years.

A direct response to consumer demand for more interior space and comfort, the CJ-7 featured a longer wheelbase than the CJ-5. This allowed for the first-time inclusion of an optional automatic transmission as well as an optional molded plastic hardtop.

The 80s - Unleashing The Wrangler (YJ)

The first vehicle to officially bear the "Wrangler" name, the YJ was a significant departure from the CJ series, though it retained the classic open-body profile. The YJ departs from history with square headlights for the first time. While still a capable off-roader, the YJ was designed with better manners on paved roads. It also featured a more modern interior with improved ergonomics.

The 90's - What's Old is New (TJ)

The new TJ Wrangler had a retro-look very similar to the CJ-7, bringing back the classic rounded headlights. But was very different from a mechanical standpoint. Nearly 80 percent of the vehicle parts were newly designed.

The 2000s - More Family Friendly (JK)

The JK generation represented the most significant redesign of the Wrangler to date, bringing with it a host of modern amenities and, most notably, a four-door option.

The introduction of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited was a game-changer for the brand, making the Wrangler a more practical vehicle for families and those needing more cargo space. This new model was a massive commercial success.

The 2010s - The Current Generation (JL)

The current generation of the Wrangler, the JL, builds upon the success of the JK with further refinements in technology, powertrain options, and off-road capability. While retaining the iconic Wrangler look with a classic design, the JL features subtle aerodynamic improvements and a more refined interior. It integrates advanced technology such as a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring.

The 2020s - It's Electric!

Jeep has debuted a plug-in hybrid version of the four-door Wrangler. The new model continues the evolution of a once bare-bones military vehicle into what is still one of the most iconic and recognizable automobiles on the road.

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