The History of the Jeep Wrangler

The History of The Jeep Wrangler

The Beginning

The Jeep Wrangler first entered the world in 1987 and has grown to be one of the most recognizable vehicles manufactured today and definitely the most iconic Jeep vehicle. Also known as the YJ, TJ, JK, the Jeep Wrangler was initially made to be the successor to the World War II Jeep vehicle, but was given updates over time. Before the Wrangler became associated with Jeep, Chevy produced a Wrangler model under their line of trucks in Canada. The Jeep Wrangler was first built at Brampton Assembly in Ontario, and later at Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Updates through the '90's

Until 1995 the Jeep Wrangler was offered as a two door convertible, as well as a two door truck. Also, there was a choice of three different engine options, which included a 2.0-liter, 4.0-liter, and a 4.2-liter.  Four different transmission options were available. Gas tank options included a standard 15 gallon tank or the optional 20 gallon tank. Today there is a greater demand for a greater fuel capacity and therefore while the times have changed, the Wrangler has evolved with its drivers. In 1998, the Jeep Wrangler evolved again, with the offer of an enhanced off-road technology, better axle ratio, SmartKey anti-theft device, and automatic speed control. For the 2000 model year, Jeep redesigned its 4.0-liter PowerTech inline six-cylinder engine and added a five-speed transmission.

Wrangler Evolution of the 2000's

2001 brought even more evolution to the Jeep Wrangler, with an improved soft top with a four ply thickness, various hard top options, an available trunk feature for added storage, gauge cluster, airbag cutoff switches, child seat-tether anchors, and an updated ABS system. In 2002, the Jeep Wrangler began to offer the X trim level, available roll-up windows and hard doors. The most notable update to the 2002 Jeep Wrangler was definitely considered to be the new premium sound system. In 2003, the ever-popular Rubicon trim was introduced to the world, along with the 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a fold and tumble rear seat. 2004 featured the Jeep Wrangler with a standard AM/FM/CD stereo system, a new aluminum design for its Sahara trim that would be discontinued in 2005, and introduced the Columbia trim.

2007 and Beyond

The Jeep brand prides itself in the evolution of its vehicles and clearly the Jeep Wrangler is no exception to this. In 2007, the Jeep Wrangler received a complete redesign with a new four-door model, a new V-6 engine, and updates to many of the safety features. The year of 2007 also introduced the choice of two different models that either came with two-doors or four-doors. 2009 brought some minor upgrades to the Jeep Wrangler. For instance, there was an addition of start assist, sway control, and storage areas received upgrades, as well. The 2010 Jeep Wrangler was upgraded with its customers in mind, with the easily removable soft top, fog lights, towing hooks, and an interior compass. The addition of the V6 engine with 285 horsepower came in 2012 and made it so that all Wranglers at the time were four-wheel-drive standard. 2013 offered a new tire pressure monitoring system and changes to the interior and exterior trims and for the following year the Jeep Wrangler featured only minor changes to the trim levels.

Electric Jeep Wrangler Arrives

Find A Full Lineup of Jeep Wrangler Models in Long Island NY

The Jeep Wrangler has a long history of a quality and iconic vehicle and with the constant evolving of this vehicle the years to come will only make it better. Whether you are searching for a new or used Wrangler, or even a Wrangler PHEV, and are in the Long Island area, East Hills Jeep is the place to go. Visit our complete Wrangler inventory online!