The document traces the evolution of the Jeep Wrangler from its origins as a military vehicle during WWII to the present day models. It started as the Willys MB and Ford GPW designed to meet the Army's need for a light utility vehicle. After the war, Willys began producing civilian versions as the CJ models, which grew in popularity. Subsequent generations included the YJ and TJ models which featured upgrades like more powerful engines and optional features. More recent versions include the Wrangler Unlimited with four doors and the current JK model.
1. The Evolution of
Jeep Wrangler
A Timeline of the History of Jeep Wranglers
By: Daniel Eichenauer
2. WWII Demand
Failed Success of Austin
7 in US
Army needed new
vehicle
Army needs
4x4 capabilities
600 lb. load capacity
3 passenger minimum
seating
1932 Austin 7
Gross weight of <1200
lbs.
3. Willy
Introduced in 1941 for
military use
Specifications
2.2 liter 4 cylinder
engine
60 Hp. at 3,600 rpm.
High and Low range
4WD gearbox
1941 Willy
Raw functionality
4. Willy’s Reputation
Functional
Tough as Nails
War reputation spurred
popularity with non-
military customers
Farmers
Ranchers
Utility Companies
Civilians
Classic Jeep Catalog Cover
5. Introduction of Jeep
Original name was “Truck,quarter ton, four by four,
command reconnaissance”
Name too lengthy
Shortened to “General Purpose”
Shorthanded to “GP”
Slurred to Jeep
Name stuck and is still around today
6. CJ (Jeep Universal)
Introduced in 1965 for
civilian use
Americas most popular
4x4
Not competitive with
mainstream car
companies
Only produced
110,000 units 1965 Jeep Universal
7. CJ Continued
Specifications
Four Cylinder Engine
75 Hp. at 4,000 rpm.
3-4 speed Manual
Transmission
Introduction of
Customizability
Heavy-duty springs
Removable doors
Fold down windshield Illustration of available tops for the CJ
Power locking differential
Plow/mower/trencher/welde
r/posthole digger
attachments
Hard/Soft tops
8. YJ Wrangler
Produced from 1987-1995
New Features
Square headlights
4.2 Liter 6 Cylinder Engine
4.0 Liter Inline 6 Engine
introduced in 1991 Sport
model
1991 YJ
ABS brakes introduced in
1993
Introduction of 3 speed 2.5
Liter engine in 1994
9. Sahara Edition
Introduced in 1988
Features
All Standard features
Cloth seats with storage
pockets
Fog lamps
Special fender trim 1988 CJ Sahara
Alloy Wheels
Special Colors
10. TJ Wrangler
Produced from 1997-2006
New Features
Return of the Circular
headlights
Engines
4.0 Liter inline 6
2.5 Liter 4 cylinder
Rubicon Option
Upgraded Suspension 2004 TJ Wrangler
Locking Differentials
Upgraded Axles
11. Wrangler Unlimited
Introduced in 2004
Features
10 inch longer
wheelbase
Double the towing
capacity of standard
Wrangler due to
wheelbase
2007 to present models Side by side comparison of TJ
feature 4 doors Wrangler and TJ Wrangler Unlimited
12. JK Wrangler
Produced from 2007-
Present
New Features
3.8 Liter V6 Engine
Better gas mileage than
the previous 4.0 Liter
Inline 6
JK Wrangler
Stability Control
Anti-roll system
Seat mounted side airbags