A Comprehensive Guide to Jeep Wrangler's History

The history of a Jeep Wrangler is rarely more than that of a new car. After decades of development, the contemporary Jeep Wrangler has all the features that make it enjoyable to drive. Considering the Wrangler's classic style, off-road capabilities, and personalization, it is difficult to dispute why Jeep has endured throughout the years. Wranglers are still among Jeep's most popular models.

Beginning on the battlefield during World War II, Jeep has a rich American history and has continued to adapt to modern times. Learn more about the Jeep Wrangler's past and get a greater appreciation for your car.

An American War Vehicle

When the US military requested an all-terrain vehicle for World War II, Willy's-Overland Motors developed their prototype, the "Quad." Two of these prototypes were produced by Willy's-Overland and were given the moniker of the 4x4 system for which Jeep would later be famous.

After the vehicle prototype was improved, the Willy's MA was produced in 1941. To comply with US Army requirements, this vehicle was lighter. After undergoing rigorous testing, the Willy's MA "won a contract with the U.S. military to provide a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the war," according to Motor Trend. Under this contract, 16,000 automobiles were serviced at $738.74 apiece. The initial models were shipped to US allies in England and Russia through the Lend-Lease program. The Willy's MB, a variant of the vehicle designed primarily for battle, would later be released by Willy's-Overland. Over time, it would come to be known as "Jeep."

The First Commercial Jeep for Farmers

By the end of World War II, Jeeps had transcended the battlefield. In 1945, the CJ-2A, a new model, was introduced as "The All-Around Farm Work-Horse." Because it was as strong as two heavy draft horses and could operate at four miles per hour without overheating, it helped farmers all over the world. Following the CJ-2A's popularity, Willy's-Overland introduced a redesigned Jeep truck in 1947 that functioned as a four-wheel drive pickup. Selling to contemporary farmers as well, this maintained Jeep's standing as a formidable brand.

The Jeep Name Becomes Registered

It's still unclear how Willy's came to be known as "Jeep." The meaning of the name itself is the subject of numerous stories. As "A small general-purpose motor vehicle with an 80-inch wheelbase, a ¹/₄-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. Army in World War II," the word has earned a place in the dictionary. According to history, the initials GP (Government Purpose) are where the term originated, which led some people to pronounce the word "Jeep." In 1950, Willy's-Overland registered the term as a trademark since the nickname had been widely used.

Post-World War II Military Jeeps

Despite the end of World War II, the military continued to require additional Jeeps. Other variants were produced, such as the Jeep M38 (MC) and the M-38A1 (MD). The military commissioned these vehicles to serve in the Korean War. Additionally, the Willy's-Overland team experimented with giving their farming-focused CJ series a militaristic style, which led to the creation of the CJ-3B (Universal). Notably, this Jeep had a more prominent hood to accommodate the taller F-head engine, which would provide farmers more power.

The Civilian Jeep

Henry J. Kaiser purchased Willy's-Overland's production company in 1953, and it changed its name to Willy's Motors Inc. We refer to this period as the Kaiser Jeep era. Due to the heavy-duty tasks they frequently carried out, Jeeps were now utilized mainly by the military and agricultural sectors. This began to change in 1954 with the introduction of the CJ-5, a more comfortable car. At this point, Jeep began to appeal to a broader audience. The CJ-5 was able to satisfy customers who were searching for off-road vehicles that were not commercial. Since the CJ-5 served as the model for the current Jeep Wrangler, it was able to maintain production for 30 years, the longest of any Jeep brand.

The End of The Kaiser Jeep Era

Jeep made even more design experiments in the 1960s and 1970s. At the end of the 1960s, the business started the Great Escape campaign, promoting all the activities that a Jeep could do. Although they debuted vehicles like the Wagoneer, Renegade, and Cherokee, Jeep continued to honor its military roots with the CJ-7 and Golden Eagle models. When Willy's Motor Inc. was acquired by American Motors (AMC) in 1970, the Kaiser Jeep period came to an end.

The First Jeep Wrangler

The 1980s marked the end of the CJ series, which had previously catered to farmers, and the beginning of the Jeep Wrangler period. Although Wranglers are famed for their off-road capabilities, the YJ, the first model, did not have this capability. With on-roading in mind, this model was a more refined automobile. With square headlamps and Cherokee-like features, the YJ was regarded as the first Wrangler. When Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, Jeep once more relocated to a different company, where it is now known.

The New and Improved Wrangler

The YJ generation of the Jeep Wrangler was manufactured until 1996. Two years later, Willy developed a new model known as the TJ. Because Jeep engineers redesigned 80 percent of the parts for the new and improved Wrangler, it was the biggest upgrade since the Quad became the MB.

The Modern Wrangler

The development of the Rubicon in 2003 contributed to the mid-2000s conclusion of TJ production. Named for the Sierra Nevada mountain trail, the Rubicon model was Jeep's most capable off-road vehicle to date. As the business worked to enhance the Wrangler, buyers witnessed a proliferation of additional Jeep models throughout the 2000s. With the JK and JL Wranglers, they elevated the car to new heights. There are now several varieties of Wranglers available, each with its take on the classic car.

Since the Jeep Wrangler was created for the battlefield, it should come as no surprise that it remains one of the most well-liked vehicles on the road today. The Jeep Wrangler had a long history because it was a challenging but entertaining vehicle that battled the odds.

The modification and upgrade options available today have made Jeep Wranglers more adaptable than ever before. Customers can personalize this car by installing auxiliary lighting on top or adding Jeep Wrangler body protection. If you possess this classic vehicle and want to customize it, check out Ledlightjeep's wide selection of Jeep Wrangler accessories and parts.