Jeep Wrangler

Outwardly strongly resembling the Jeep CJ-7, the first Wrangler, which was formally announced in February 1986 at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show, was based on a new set of design parameters. "The product philosophy behind the two vehicles" François Castaing (AMC VP of Product Engineering) explained, "is completely different".[5] The new car had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, more comfort and improved handling. The YJ still had leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ – however, the springs were wider, and the first Wrangler sported trackbar suspension links and anti-roll bars for improved handling and safety, making it less easy to flip by untrained or unwary drivers.[6]

The Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a new model after the discontinuance of the Jeep CJ series.[7] It was revised in 1996, and completely redesigned in 2006. In addition to the model name Wrangler, each model received a designation corresponding to its generation: YJ (1986–1995), TJ (1997–2006), TJU's (commonly known as LJs- 2004–2006 Unlimited models, or YJL, in the Egyptian owners manual.), JKU (2007–2017 Unlimited models) and JK (2007–2017), and the latest JL model, introduced for the 2018 model year. Foreign military versions of the Wrangler have carried the J8 designation which was initially dubbed TJL when first produced at Arab American Vehicle's Egyptian plant.[8]

Jeep YJ models were manufactured between 1986 and 1995 at Brampton Assembly, and subsequently at the Toledo South Assembly plant.[9] A major difference in the 1987–1995 models were the rectangular headlights, which reverted to rounded ones in the TJ and then JK versions. In 2006, Wrangler production was moved to Toledo Complex.[10] Post-2006 Wranglers were set apart from their predecessors by the angle of the grille. In all previous models, the grille was flat and even with the front fenders. The newer Wrangler was constructed with a grille that angled out from the top and then continued in a straight line from the midway point, toward the bottom. This decreased the hood length while increasing the length of the fenders. In more recent models, this angle has been lowered more toward the bottom of the grille.

In Egypt, the YJ was produced as well as a long wheel-base version, dubbed LJ (or labeled as YJL in Egypt's Owners Manual), and which has retained the 2-door design. The YJL is considered as the first predecessor of the JK's long wheel-base by continuing as TJL (aka J8) which has directly inspired the JK's 4-door.

There is a Wrangler-based pickup truck, the Gladiator, which began production in 2019 for the 2020 model year.[11]

YJ
Overview
Production	March 1986–December 1995 (Canada; USA) 1989–2001 (Iran)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door SUV
Related	AIL Storm I

Although introduced in 1986 (under control of Renault), and by 1987 (the first model year) under new ownership of Chrysler, the first-generation Wrangler had still been developed by American Motors Corporation. It featured rectangular headlamps, differing from the round ones on its predecessors, the CJ Jeeps. Although continuing many essentials, such as an open body with only minor modifications, on a separate frame, with the same wheelbase, part-time 4WD and live rigid axles on leaf-springs, both front and rear, just like the CJ-7 – the new 'Wrangler' was promoted by the manufacturer as a significantly new design with a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, more comfort and improved safety and handling.[12]

Israeli military carmaker Automotive Industries Ltd. introduced its first generation of the AIL Storm, the workhorse off-road vehicle of the Israeli Security Forces, as a variant of the 1991 Wrangler YJ, but on the 103.5 in (263 cm) CJ-6 / CJ-8 wheelbase. AIL builds the whole vehicles themselves, save for various externally sourced engines. Long and short wheelbase versions were also available for civilian purchase.

Aside from this, there was a Jeep-managed production line in Egypt, whose jeeps are used by the Egyptian armed forces – but this was absorbed into the AIL Storm production after it closed in 1995.[13]

Up-armoured AIL Storm I, ("Sufa")

TJ
Overview
Production	January 1996 – July 2006
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door SUV
Related	AIL Storm II

Introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, the second-generation Wrangler reintroduced the round headlamps from the classic Jeep models. The main engine was the AMC 242 4.0L inline 6. From the Wrangler TJ onwards, all Wranglers were fitted with coil-spring instead of leaf-spring suspension.

Late in the TJ's life cycle, in 2004, a long-wheelbase "Unlimited" model was introduced for the first time. Furthermore, starting 2006, Israeli Automotive Industries Ltd. produced the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative, built under license from Chrysler, for the Israel Defense Forces, based on a 2,931 mm (115.4 in) wheelbase Wrangler (TJ)

TJ-based long-wheelbase models

TJ Wrangler Unlimited, a plus 10 inch (25.4 cm) LWB soft-top, as of 2004

Israeli AIL Ltd. Storm II Commander

JK
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (JK, Germany)
Overview
Production	August 2006 - April 2018
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door SUV 4-door convertible 4-door SUV
Related	Jeep J8

The third-generation Wrangler was released in 2006 for the 2007 model year. Developed under the ownership of DaimlerChrysler, the JK was Jeep's first Wrangler that was a completely clean-sheet design of the body, frame, and suspension. New features for the Wrangler included power windows, remote power door locks, navigation, as well as electronically detachable sway-bars on some models.

Along with the traditional 2-door model, a 4-door "Unlimited" model was released, offering considerably more room, thanks to an over 20 inches (50 cm) longer wheelbase. These became quite successful sellers. By mid-2017 the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.[4]

On September 2, 2011, Jeep announced a partnership with Activision for the second year in a row, to make a special edition Modern Warfare 3 Jeep based on the Wrangler Rubicon model. The Jeep comes with various features including the interior and exterior being designed with a Modern Warfare 3 theme. Jeep dealers started selling this model in November 2011.[14]

JL
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S
Overview
Production	November 2017 – present
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door SUV 4-door convertible 4-door SUV 4-door SUT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	96.8 in (2,459 mm) (2 door). 118.4 in (3,007 mm) (4 door)
Length	166.8 in (4,237 mm) (2 door). 188.4 in (4,785 mm) (4 door)
Width	73.8 in (1,875 mm)
Height	70.9 in (1,801 mm)
Curb weight	4,439 lb (2,013 kg) (Rubicon Unlimited)

The fourth-generation Wrangler was unveiled in late 2017 for the 2018 model year. The JL features a host of new features including: additional powertrains over the Pentastar V6, a redesigned 8-speed automatic transmission, an easier fold-flat windshield, new zipperless soft tops, and a more modern interior. Powertrains for the 2018 models included a 2.0L Turbo I4 making 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and also keeping the tried and true 3.6L Pentastar V6 gasoline engines now making 285 Hp and 260 lb-ft of torque for 2018. Additionally, a 2.2 I4 Turbodiesel that was first available in Europe is now available since 2020 in North American markets. For the 2021 model year, Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler, dubbed the Wrangler 4xe, that will go on sale in early 2021. The Wrangler 4xe will provide an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range. Advertisements have mentioned the release of a 392 model 6.4 L V8 Wrangler Rubicon that is expected to be producing approx 470 hp. Sales of the new 392 are expected to be available early 2021. [15]

JL Rubicon (Geneva Int. Motor Show 2018)

The Jeep Wrangler received the 2009 Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) in the sport utility vehicle category. In 2012 and for 2013, it was also awarded the Best Resale Value Award from Kelly Blue Book in the compact sport utility vehicle category.[16][17] The Wrangler also holds the Models to Best Hold Its Value recognition from Kelley Blue Book for 1998, 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2012.[18][19][20]

The 2011,[21] 2012,[22] and 2013[23] Jeep Wranglers have received Canadian Black Book's Best Retained Value Award for the compact SUV category.

In 2007, The Jeep Wrangler had set the Guinness World Record for highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle after ferrying Matthias Jeschke and his Extrem Events adventure team up Chile's Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth (record reached the same year by a Suzuki Samurai [24]). The trek from base camp to the world record height ran from March 7 to March 13, when the team's pair of Wrangler Rubicon Unlimiteds checked in at 6,646 metres (21,804 ft).

In 2007 and for 2013, the magazine Four Wheeler awarded the Jeep Wrangler with its Four-Wheeler of the Year Award[25][26] and in January 2010, they awarded the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon its title of 4x4 of the Decade.[27][28]

In 1997, 2007, and 2012, the magazine Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road awarded the Jeep Wrangler with its 4x4 of the Year award.

The 2008 edition of Forbes Autos lists the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler at number four among the top ten vehicles with the highest resale value.[29]

In May 2009, Business Week magazine named the Wrangler One of the Most Iconic Cars of the Last 20 Years.[30]

A 2018 iSeeCars.com study named the Jeep Wrangler as the vehicle with the lowest depreciation after five years.[31]

• Jeep Jamboree: Off Road Adventure – a video game based on the then-current Jeep Wrangler YJ model

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeep Wrangler.

• Official website