The Untold Story of Jeep Wrangler

SUVs want to dominate, but there will always be pro off-roaders willing to hang on, less concerned with aesthetics than off-road capability, and focused on what really matters. One of those that still remains at the foot of the canyon is the Jeep Wrangler, whose official history is just over 30 years old, but whose roots go back to the first half of the last century.

Military ancestor: Willys MB
Willys MB

The origin of the Jeep Wrangler is found in that of the Jeep itself. Known then as Willys-Overland, in 1940 it participated in the United States Army contest to present its project for a vehicle for the armed forces. His proposal was the Quad, which already established the aesthetic base of the model: rectangular shapes, characteristic grille with slats, round headlights, etc.

During the process it was evolving to adapt to the requirements of the army, gaining some size to become the Willys MA and, later, the definitive MB.

The Civil Ancestor: C. J. Willys (1945)
Jeep C-J

As with so many advances, the Willys went from the military to the civilian field, receiving a name change along the way (CJ) as well as in its morphology and mechanics: a 60-hp four-cylinder engine, a more rigid chassis, a larger windshield and suspensions. more comfortable.

It began its journey in 1945 and was manufactured until 1986, going through several series that perfected the concept in different ways: progressively increasing the power of the engines, improving the gearbox, etc.

First generation (1986) Jeep Wrangler YJ

In 1987, the market demanded a higher level of comfort, even without losing off-road capability, which led Jeep to launch the first Wrangler, which received the name YJ. It kept much of the character of its predecessor, but was distinguished by fairly characteristic rectangular headlights. It was marketed with a motor of just over 110 hp.

Second generation (1997) Jeep Wrangler

It was not until a decade later that the second generation appeared, which was clearly inspired by the predecessors of the Wrangler itself, recovering round headlights that it has not lost since then.

During its long life, the first Rubicon was presented, an extreme version with greater 4x4 capacity than the average. In its first appearance, in 2003, it already had a 4:1 gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel drive with three differentials, etc.

Third generation (2007) Jeep WranglerJK

True to the quote, 10 years later the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler was presented, which brought with it important innovations. It grew in size, released a new chassis, completely renewed its range of engines (both gasoline and diesel, with powers of up to 285 hp) and marked the debut of the Unlimited version, with greater length and wheelbase, four-door body and capacity for five passengers. 

Fourth generation (2018) Jeep Wrangler JL



Once again on time, the fourth generation of the model is the one currently on the market. Its image evolves what is already known, with an aesthetic that combines modernity and familiarity. It has further increased its off-piste capabilities, improving its ground clearance as well as its approach, exit and breakover angles. Its engines are 285 and 268 hp gasoline, with the small one having mild hybridization technology. The Wrangler owner prefers to upgrade the vehicle with Jeep JL oem led headlights, because it is brighter and long life span. In addition, its range of bodies is broader than ever: three doors, five doors, closed roof, soft top, removable hardtop... and even the long-awaited pick-up variant, which has received the name of Jeep Gladiator.