Thereâs an all-new Jeep Wrangler headed to showrooms later this year. As the first new Wrangler in over a decade, Jeep fans everywhere are speculating at what it might look like, and more importantly, what it drives like. While the basic look should remain the same, we can expect a lighter aluminum frame and a new engine.
Letâs take a look at the evolution of the Jeep Wrangler, one of the most iconic vehicles ever.
Willys MB: A Vehicle for War and Peace
1940s
While not a direct predecessor, the Jeep Wrangler can be traced back to the classic Willys MB, the light duty military vehicle first built during World War II. The U.S. Army requested a vehicle that was 4-wheel drive, could carry a crew of three, featured a fold-down windshield, and weighed no more than 1.300 pounds.
The result was the Willys MB. Known as a âGeneral Purposeâ vehicle, or âGPâ for short, the Willys MB quickly earned the nickname âJeep,â a name that has stuck with it ever since.
1950s â 1970s
After the war had ended, Willys sold a CJ (Civilian Jeep) version that was essentially the same but with windshield wipers, a tailgate, and civilian lighting.
The Willys CJ would continue to evolve over the years, with the longest running model being the CJ-5, which was produced from 1954 to 1983. The CJ-5 kept all the basic Jeep trademarks: a separate body and frame, rigid solid axles, and the removable doors. It also came with a number of new options. Power steering was first offered in 1965, and a new limited-slip differential was added in 1971. 1977 saw the addition of power disc brakes and a tachometer, and an AM/FM radio first became available in 1981.
1980s
The first vehicle to be called the Jeep Wrangler was unveiled at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show. The Wrangler was an instant hit with both enthusiasts and those who had never driven a Jeep before. Years before the term âsport utility vehicleâ was coined, consumers enjoyed a vehicle that was just as comfortable off the road as on it, that was versatile enough for all their needs.
1990s
While the original Wrangler received new equipment and facelifts over the year, it was not replaced with an all-new model until the 1997 model year. The new Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension for improved handling and the three-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a four-speed with overdrive.
Present Day
2007 saw the introduction of the third generation Wrangler, which was longer and wider. This model added Stability control, along with an off-road tuned anti-lock braking system and a traction control system with electronic limited slip differential.
What will the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler have? Stay tuned to Prescott CDJR of Mendota on social media and be the first to know when it arrives at our showroom in Illinois.
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