A Jeep Wrangler is a compact 4×4 sports utility vehicle that debuted in 1987. The Jeep Wrangler succeeds the jeep of World War II and has become a true American icon. Jeeps are best known for being rugged off road military vehicles. The civilian jeep better known as the CJ was inspired by the military jeeps and became the predecessor of the Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler was a vast improvement over the CJ. The new Jeep Wrangler design offered far more passenger comfort, a larger wheel base, less ground clearance and the signature square headlights. These new enhancements made for a vehicle that was versatile both off and on road, appealing to a diverse group of consumers.
The live axels in both front and back mimicked the original CJ design. The Wrangler design was easily recognized as a workhorse and its off road ruggedness. Off road fans honored the Jeeps mechanics and found it to be a fun loving vehicle. However, the new upgrades changed the off road performance especially with the lower ground clearance and lower center of gravity. Many off road enthusiast detested the new design and nicknamed the Wrangler the “Yuppie Jeep”. The Wrangler proved to be very adaptable and began altering the views of the off road enthusiast.
In addition to the off road ruggedness and fun of the Wrangler, it is also a smart daily on road vehicle. The purchase price of the Jeep Wrangler is the lowest in comparison to the other 4×4 sports utility vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler has also been named as one of the best vehicles to hold its value. Not to mention, it also ranks in the top four for best resale value.
The Wrangler was designed and founded by AMC in 1987. After the unveiling of the Wrangler, AMC sold out to Chrysler, who then created the Jeep Division. The Wrangler was originally manufactured in Ontario Canada until the plant shut down in 1992. Manufacturing was then transferred to the Toledo Ohio plants where Wranglers are now generated from.
Chrysler decided to improve the design of the Wrangler even more in 1997. New features such as anti-sway bars, a wider wheel base, higher ground clearance and lower center of gravity are a few of the notable changes that were made. The 1997 Wrangler design replicated more of the original civilian jeep than the original Wrangler design. The 1997 model reverted back to the original round headlights but became a more consumer friendly vehicle. The design afforded passengers a more comfortable ride and added easier handling capabilities for drivers.
Trying to stay ahead of the market, Chrysler released yet another revised model of the Wrangler in 2007. The new design added features such as a four door model with longer body style and added passenger comfort. However, Chrysler reserved the two door shorter body style Wrangler for the outdoor off road fans. Appealing to a broader range of purchasers made the Wrangler even more popular than before.
Signifying rugged durable fun, the Wrangler has also embodied all aspects of a smart vehicle. Purchasers can rest assured that whether it is affordable fun or modern convenience, the Jeep Wrangler can offer both.
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