Greatness Through the Ages: A Look Back at the Jeep Wrangler

Very few vehicles are more recognizable than the Jeep Wrangler. While many models on the market are known for their continuous evolution in style and outward appearance, the Wrangler is the exception. The Wrangler made its debut in the American market in 1986, but the legacy and lineage of the vehicle go back much further. When you shop for a used Jeep Wrangler, you are becoming part of a legacy that reaches back over eighty years.

If you’ve ever watched a documentary on WW2 or an old episode of M*A*S*H*, you’ve seen a vehicle resembling the Wrangler being used in action. This is due to the military Jeeps utilized in WW2 and the Korean conflict. Their later appearances in film and television would skyrocket the vehicles to popularity. This brings us to the Jeep Wrangler of the modern age.

Many covet this vehicle and attest to its durability, rough and uncompromising performance, and unique style that sets it apart from others. While finding a used Jeep Wrangler here at The Faricy Boys is easy, you might not be aware of just how unique the Wrangler’s pedigree is. Join us now as we take a closer look.

From the Battlefield to a New Beginning

As we previously mentioned, the debut of the Jeep Wrangler occurred in 1986. However, it should be noted that the Wrangler would have never come to fruition had it not been for its predecessor, the Jeep CJ. To properly cover the many different variations and generations that made up the CJ family would require a lengthy account, but we’ll touch upon the basics of how this vehicle in question would eventually beget the Wrangler.

The CJ began production in 1944 as a civilian version of the military MB model. CJ, which stands for “Civilian Jeep,” holds the unique distinction of being the first four-wheel drive vehicle to be produced on a massive scale for the commercial market. The Jeep CJ was not only a hit here in America but could be found putting in hard days’ work around the world. The final member of the CJ family, the CJ-7, was revealed in 1976, and it’s here that we see the early stages of what would become the Wrangler. In 1986 the Jeep torch was passed to the Jeep Wrangler as it began a new legacy.

The Wrangler Arrives

Debuting for the 1987 model year, the Wrangler was originally produced by the now-defunct AMC (American Motors Corporation). AMC was acquired by Chrysler Corporation the same year the Wrangler was revealed, and Chrysler has continued to own the Jeep brand to this day. From the very beginning, the Wrangler proved to be a unique asset, especially with the growing interest in off-roading during the 1980s, mainly thanks to the monster truck craze of the era. Available as a two-door hardtop or convertible, the Wrangler showed that Jeep understood the desired style and ruggedness that’s always been synonymous with the Jeep brand.

There was much more to the Wrangler than just style. It was specifically designed to be a consumer-friendly vehicle that could be utilized for daily driving and not just off-roading. Emphasis was placed on the vehicle’s improved suspension, anti-roll bars, and wider springs, which made the Wrangler easier to maneuver and handle. A five-speed manual transmission and an available three-speed automatic meant that drivers had a choice of how they wanted to tackle the trails. Of course, the Wrangler also carried on the tradition of serving overseas in a military capacity. Both the Israeli and Egyptian armed forces made use of the vehicle.

The Jeep Kept-a-Rollin’

One of the aspects that makes the Jeep Wrangler such a unique vehicle is that while it has undergone several redesigns and upgrades, it has kept the same iconic looks. Only a real Jeep expert can easily tell the generations apart. As the old expression goes, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” However, while the changes might go unnoticed by many, they make all the difference in terms of performance. As 1997 rolled around, the Jeep Wrangler entered only its second generation since its debut a decade earlier.

Remarkably, the biggest alteration with the vehicle was the adoption of the iconic circular headlights rather than the square headlights of the first generation. As it had done in the previous generation, Jeep made adjustments to the suspension, making the vehicle easier to handle on the road. Of course, the Wrangler’s powertrain options were given a series of upgrades during this period. It continued to utilize inline-four and inline-six engines, but the Wrangler’s transmissions were upgraded over the years to allow for better control and optimal performance. While the 1997 Wrangler offered a five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic, these were both replaced by the end of the generation. A six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic with overdrive took their place.

Aging Like Fine Wine

The fact that we’re still praising the attributes and development of the Jeep Wrangler certainly indicates that the brand did something right. When the vehicle entered the latest phase of its development in 2017, the results certainly spoke for themselves. Not only did the fourth-generation Wrangler introduce diesel and V8 HEMI engine options, but a plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe variant made its debut in 2021. When combined with more modern tech features and comfort upgrades, the future of the Wrangler looks brighter than ever before.

Since 2018, annual sales have never dropped below 200,000 units, a testament to the staying power and popularity of the Wrangler. To illustrate just how ambitious Jeep had gotten with its outside-the-box thinking, the Jeep Gladiator seamlessly blended the off-road attributes of the Wrangler with the versatility of a pickup. While predicting the future is outside the realm of possibility, it’s safe to assume that the Jeep Wrangler will be providing perfection for some decades to come.

Glory Belongs to the Brave

From its legacy on the battlefields of the Second World War to its presence on the driveways and dirt roads of today, it’s impossible to limit one’s praises of the Wrangler’s many attributes. It’s been remarked that “the more things change, the more things stay the same.” Perhaps there’s no better way to describe the Jeep Wrangler than with this phrase. Sure, there have been modifications to the mechanical workings of the vehicle, and a series of trims and special editions have come and gone. Still, for the most part, the modern Wrangler is a testament to the fact that sometimes things don’t need a flashy makeover. A truly great vehicle can endure from its reputation and pedigree alone.

If you’ve been in the market for or have been curious about making an investment in a used Jeep Wrangler, it’s the perfect time to do so. There are so many generations and options to choose from that it is easy to find your ideal adventure companion. Here at The Faricy Boys, we have always stood for quality and customer satisfaction. We guarantee there’s a used Jeep Wrangler on our lot with your name on it, whether you are looking for a mint classic model or an off-lease vehicle with all the latest features. It’s a wild world out there; exploring it in a Wrangler is the experience you’ve been waiting for.