Wikipedia

Jeep Wrangler

(Redirected from Commando Jeep)

The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep's Toledo Complex.

Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Sahara edition
Overview
ManufacturerJeep[a]
Production1986–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact SUV (2-door)
Mid-size SUV (4-door)
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
ChassisBody-on-frame
RelatedAIL Storm
Chronology
PredecessorJeep CJ

The Wrangler is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s. Although neither AMC nor Chrysler (after it purchased AMC in 1987) have claimed that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model — both the CJ Jeeps and the conceptually consistent Wrangler, with their solid axles and open top, have been called the Jeep model as central to Jeep's brand identity as the rear-engine 911 is to Porsche.[1]

Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield and can be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers,[2] by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line. The suspension on all Wranglers included trackbars and anti-roll bars, and, from the 1997 TJ onwards, front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf springs.[3]

From 2004 on, the Wrangler has been complemented with long-wheelbase versions, called Wrangler Unlimited. 2004-2006 models were longer versions with 2 doors. In 2004 only automatic transmission-equipped “Unlimited” versions were sold. In 2005 both an automatic and manual 6-speed (NSG-370) were offered. Since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers were four-door models, offering over 20 in (508 mm) more room. By mid-2017 the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.[4]

Background

edit

Outwardly resembling the Jeep CJ-7, the first Wrangler - formally announced in February 1986 at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show - was said to be based on a new set of design parameters. "The product philosophy behind the two vehicles" François Castaing (AMC VP of Product Engineering) stated, "is completely different".[5]

The new car had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, and improved handling, along with additional passenger comfort features. The YJ still had leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ – however, the springs were wider, and the first Wrangler had trackbar suspension links and anti-roll bars for improved handling and safety, making it less likely to flip by untrained or unwary drivers.[6]

Manufacturing

edit

Jeep YJ models were manufactured between 1986 and 1995 at Brampton Assembly, and subsequently at the Toledo South Assembly plant.[7] A major difference in the 1987–1995 models were the rectangular headlights, which reverted to rounded ones in the TJ and then JK versions. In 2006, Wrangler production was moved to Toledo Complex.[8] Post-2006 Wranglers were set apart from their predecessors by the angle of the grille. In all previous models, the grille was flat and even with the front fenders. The newer Wrangler was constructed with a grille that angled out from the top and then continued in a straight line from the midway point, toward the bottom. This decreased the hood length while increasing the length of the fenders. In more recent models, this angle has been lowered more toward the bottom of the grille. In Egypt, the YJ was produced in both short and long-wheelbase versions. The extended wheelbase retained the 2-door design and was dubbed LJ (or labeled as YJL in Egypt's Owner's Manual). The long-wheelbase continued as TJL (aka J8) inspired the JK's 4-door version.

Models

edit

The Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a new model after the discontinuance of the Jeep CJ series.[9] It was revised in 1996, and completely redesigned in 2006. In addition to the model's name Wrangler, each model received a designation corresponding to its generation: YJ (1986–1995), TJ (1997–2006), JK (2007–2018), and the current JL model. Foreign military versions of the Wrangler have carried the J8 designation which was initially dubbed TJL when first produced at Arab American Vehicle's Egyptian plant.[10] The Wrangler-based pickup truck, the Gladiator, began production in 2019 for the 2020 model year.[11]

YJ (1986)

edit
YJ
 
Overview
ProductionMarch 1986–December 1995 (Canada; USA)
1989–2001 (Iran)
1995–1998 (Indonesia)
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
2-door SUV
RelatedAIL Storm I
Main article: Jeep Wrangler (YJ)

Although introduced in 1986 (under the control of Renault), and by 1987 (the first model year) under the new ownership of Chrysler, the first-generation Wrangler had been developed by American Motors Corporation (AMC). It featured rectangular headlamps, differing from the round ones on its predecessors, the CJ Jeeps. The new 'Wrangler' was a new design, and compared to the CJ-7, it had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, and improved comfort, safety, and handling. It continued many features of the CJ-7 such as part-time 4WD, live rigid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and having an open body on a separate frame. It maintained the same wheelbase.[12]

TJ (1996)

edit
TJ
 
Overview
ProductionJanuary 1996 – July 2006
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
2-door SUV
RelatedAIL Storm II
Main article: Jeep Wrangler (TJ)

Introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, the second-generation Wrangler reintroduced the round headlamps from the classic Jeep models. The main engine was the AMC 242 4.0 L inline 6. From the Wrangler TJ onwards, all Wranglers were fitted with coil-spring instead of leaf-spring suspension, the automatic shifter was relocated to the floor.

In 2004, a long-wheelbase "Unlimited" model was introduced. Furthermore, starting in 2006, Israeli Automotive Industries Ltd. produced the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative, built under license from Chrysler, for the Israel Defense Forces, based on a 2,931 mm (115.4 in) wheelbase Wrangler (TJ).

TJ-based long-wheelbase models
 
TJ Wrangler Unlimited, a plus 10-inch (25.4 cm) LWB soft-top, as of 2004
 
Israeli AIL Ltd. Storm II Commander

JK (2006)

edit
JK
 
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (JK, Germany)
Overview
ProductionAugust 2006 - April 2018
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
2-door SUV
4-door convertible
4-door SUV
RelatedJeep J8
Main article: Jeep Wrangler (JK)

The third-generation Wrangler was released in 2006 for the 2007 model year. Developed under the ownership of DaimlerChrysler, the JK was Jeep's first Wrangler that was a completely clean-sheet design of the body, frame, and suspension. New features for the Wrangler included power windows, remote power door locks, navigation, as well as electronically detachable sway bars on some models.

Along with the traditional 2-door model, a 4-door "Unlimited" model was released, offering considerably more room, thanks to an over 20 inches (50 cm) longer wheelbase. These became quite successful sellers. By mid-2017 the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.[4]

On September 2, 2011, Jeep announced a partnership with Activision for the second year in a row, to make a special edition Modern Warfare 3 Jeep based on the Wrangler Rubicon model. The Jeep comes with various features including the interior and exterior being designed with a Modern Warfare 3 theme. Jeep dealers started selling this model in November 2011.[13]

JL (2017)

edit
Main article: Jeep Wrangler (JL)
JL
 
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S
Overview
ProductionNovember 2017 – present
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
2-door SUV
4-door convertible
4-door SUV
4-door SUT
Dimensions
Wheelbase96.8 in (2,459 mm) (2 door). 118.4 in (3,007 mm) (4 door)
Length166.8 in (4,237 mm) (2 door). 188.4 in (4,785 mm) (4 door)
Width73.8 in (1,875 mm)
Height70.9 in (1,801 mm)-72.8 in (1,849 mm)
Curb weight4,439 lb (2,013 kg) (Rubicon Unlimited)

The fourth-generation Wrangler was unveiled in late 2017 for the 2018 model year. The JL features additional powertrains over the Pentastar V6, a redesigned 8-speed automatic transmission, an easier fold-flat windshield, new zipperless soft tops, blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and a more modern interior. Powertrains for the 2018 models included a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 making 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m; 41 kg⋅m) of torque and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine making 285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m; 36 kg⋅m) of torque. Additionally, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel I4 was first available in Europe and since 2020 in North America with EcoDiesel engines. For the 2021 model year, Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler, dubbed the Wrangler 4xe, that went on sale in early 2021. The Wrangler 4xe provides an estimated 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range. In late summer 2021 Jeep released the Rubicon 392 model, the most powerful JL ever produced. It comes with a 6.4L Hemi V8 that produces 470 hp (350 kW; 477 PS) and 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m; 65 kg⋅m) of torque. Its 470-horsepower engine powers through a quarter mile in 13.0 seconds, going 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.[14]

Electric Wrangler

edit
Further information: Envi (automobile)

In September 2008, Chrysler vice-chair Tom LaSorda unveiled a range-extended electric 4-door Wrangler along with a similarly engineered Town and Country minivan and a purely electric sports car. The Wrangler would have a 40-mile (64 km) range before a gas engine starts and begins supplying additional electricity.[15] The 4xe has a 17kWh battery with a usable capacity of 15kWh and has an all-electric range of 21 miles (34 kilometers) per charge. The 4xe is a plug-in Hybrid that takes advantage of Jeep's new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.[16]

In early 2021 Jeep created the Magneto concept using an battery electric powertrain on a slightly modified Jeep JL two-door frame and body.[17] The Magneto sports a JPP 2-inch (50mm) lift kit, 17-inch Lights Out black metallic wheels with 35-inch (958mm) mud-terrain tires, custom roll cage, Mopar Rock Rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan.[18]

In April 2022, Jeep unveiled a new concept: the Wrangler Magneto 2.0. It includes a new electric powertrain calibration, which Jeep refers to as “electronic nitrous oxide” to maintain peak power for as long as 10 seconds. Rated at 625 horsepower and up to 850-footpounds (1152 joules) of torque, the Magneto 2.0 is capable of 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 2 seconds. [19]

 
JL Rubicon (Geneva Int. Motor Show 2018)

Recognition

edit

The Jeep Wrangler received the 2009 Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) in the sport utility vehicle category. In 2012 and for 2013, it was also awarded the Best Resale Value Award from Kelly Blue Book in the compact sport utility vehicle category.[20][21] The Wrangler also holds the Models to Best Hold Its Value recognition from Kelley Blue Book for 1998, 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2012.[22][23][24]

The 2011,[25] 2012,[26] and 2013[27] Jeep Wranglers have received Canadian Black Book's Best Retained Value Award for the compact SUV category.

In 2007, The Jeep Wrangler had set the Guinness World Record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle after ferrying Matthias Jeschke and his Extreme Events adventure team up Chile's Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth (record reached the same year by a Suzuki Samurai[28]). The trek from base camp to the world record height ran from March 7 to March 13, when the team's pair of Wrangler Rubicon Unlimiteds checked in at 6,646 metres (21,804 ft).

In 2007 and for 2013, the magazine Four Wheeler awarded the Jeep Wrangler with its Four-Wheeler of the Year Award[29][30] and in January 2010, they awarded the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon its title of 4x4 of the Decade.[31][32]

In 1997, 2007, and 2012, the magazine Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road awarded the Jeep Wrangler with its 4x4 of the Year award.

The 2008 edition of Forbes Autos lists the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler at number four among the top ten vehicles with the highest resale value.[33]

In May 2009, Business Week magazine named the Wrangler One of the Most Iconic Cars of the Last 20 Years.[34]

A 2018 iSeeCars.com study named the Jeep Wrangler as the vehicle with the lowest depreciation after five years.[35]

Sales

edit
Calendar year United States Canada Europe
1997 4,732[36]
1998 4,379
1999 89,174 3,477
2000 82,254[37] 3,061
2001 68,831 2,171
2002 64,351[38] 1,921
2003 70,093[39] 1,990
2004 77,550[40] 2,121
2005 79,017 2,593
2006 80,271[41] 2,462
2007[42] 119,243 9,834 [43] 6,612
2008[44] 84,615 12,137 [43] 5,766
2009[45] 82,044 7,271 [46] 3,469
2010[47] 94,310 11,062 [48] 3,747
2011[49] 122,460 15,636 [48] 6,829
2012[50] 141,669 18,996 [51] 7,499
2013[52] 155,502 18,578 5,619
2014 175,328 23,057 5,302
2015[53] 202,702 20,880 6,059
2016 191,774[54] 18,505[55] 4,259
2017 190,522[56] 17,296[57] 3,670
2018 240,032 24,615 6,862
2019 228,032[58] 25,659[59] 7,522
2020 201,310[36] 21,262 7,262
2021 204,609 20,026[60] 8,723
2022 181,409[61] 23,994[62] 7,636[63]

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^

References

edit
  1. ^ Kim, Robert (27 October 2019). "Kaiser Jeep CJ-5 – Transcendent Independent". Curbside Classic. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Jeep Wrangler: The Real Thing or Compromise?". 4-the-love-of-jeeps.com. 1995-03-21. Retrieved 2010-09-19.
  3. ^ Lee, Christian (2007). High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide. CarTech. pp. 74–75. ISBN 9781932494266. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  4. ^ a b DeMuro, Doug (June 2017). "Every Single Two-Door SUV Has Failed". Autotrader. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
  5. ^ Ackerson, Robert (2006). Jeep Wrangler from 1987. Veloce Publishing. p. 7. ISBN 9781904788973.
  6. ^ Massey, Ken; Zatz, David (16 November 2020). "How the Jeep got its name instead of Peep, Beep, or Seep". allpar.com. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  7. ^ "Company News; Chrysler Plans To Close Plant". The New York Times. 26 July 1990. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  8. ^ McKinnon, Julie M. (11 February 2007). "Bumpy at first, assembly smooths out for Wrangler". The Toledo Blade. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  9. ^ "History of Jeep Wrangler". Newsilike. 11 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Wrangler "TJL" diesel technical specifications". aav.com.eg. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  11. ^ Perkins, Chris. "2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup: Everything We Know". blog.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  12. ^ "Jeep Wrangler 1986 brochure". Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  13. ^ Read, Richard (September 2, 2011). "2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition Debuts". MotorAuthority. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  14. ^ "2022 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 - V8 HEMI Engine SUV".
  15. ^ Krisher, Tom (September 23, 2008). "Chrysler plans to sell electric car in 2010". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  16. ^ "Everything You Need To Know About Charging The Jeep Wrangler 4xe". insideevs.com. Retrieved 2022-04-25.
  17. ^ Holman, Sean (2021-04-02). "Jeep Wrangler Magneto Concept First Drive". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2023-02-01.
  18. ^ Shakir, Umar (2022-04-08). "Jeep rehashes last year's all-electric concept with Magneto 2.0". The Verge. Retrieved 2022-05-02.
  19. ^ Wayland, Michael (2022-04-08). "Jeep says its new electric Wrangler SUV concept goes 0-60 mph in 2 seconds". CNBC. Retrieved 2022-04-08.
  20. ^ "2012 Best Resale Value Awards: Compact SUV". Kelly Blue Book. 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-06-17. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
  21. ^ "2013 Best Resale Value Awards: Best Compact SUV/Crossover". Kelly Blue Book. 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-12-01. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
  22. ^ "Kelley Blue Book-Models to Best Hold Its Value". Carfax. 2010. Archived from the original on 2003-11-25. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  23. ^ "2011 Best Resale Value Awards". Kelly Blue Book. 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
  24. ^ "2012 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Ten Cars". Kelly Blue Book. 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
  25. ^ "Canadian Black Book 2011 Best Retained Value Awards". Canadian Black Book. 2011. Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  26. ^ "Canadian Black Book 2012 Best Retained Value Awards". Canadian Black Book. 2012. Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  27. ^ "Canadian Black Book 2013 Best Retained Value Awards". Canadian Black Book. 2013. Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  28. ^ "Driving to the highest altitude by car". Guinness World Records. 2007-04-21. Retrieved 2016-06-05.
  29. ^ Holman, Sean P. (1 February 2007). "2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – Four Wheeler Of The Year – 2007". Four Wheeler. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  30. ^ "2013 Four Wheeler Of The Year". Four Wheeler. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  31. ^ Holman, Sean (December 2009). "Top 10 Most Significant 4x4s of the Decade". Four Wheeler. Archived from the original on 2013-06-15. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
  32. ^ "Jeep Wrangler Indonesia". Chrysler. 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-08-08. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
  33. ^ Zygmont, Jeff (July 31, 2008). "Top 10 Vehicles with the Highest Resale Value" Archived 2008-09-12 at the Wayback Machine. Forbes. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  34. ^ Joseph, Damian; Walters, Helen (October 2009). "25 Most Iconic Cars of the Past 20 Years: Jeep Wrangler". Businessweek. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  35. ^ Blackley, Julie. "Cars With the Lowest and Highest Depreciation". iSeeCars.com. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  36. ^ a b Sales, Jeep Model. "Jeep Wrangler Sales Figures". GCBC.
  37. ^ "Chrysler Group Announces Year-End and December Sales". theautochannel.com.
  38. ^ "Chrysler Group Reports U.S. December Sales". theautochannel.com.
  39. ^ "Chrysler Group Reports December 2003 Sales Increase of 2 Percent". theautochannel.com.
  40. ^ "Chrysler Group 2005 U.S. Sales Rise 5 Percent, Highest Since 2000; December Sales Decline In Line with Overall Industry". theautochannel.com.
  41. ^ Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail; Demand.... Reuters (January 3, 2008)
  42. ^ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". cheersandgears.com. 2008-01-03. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  43. ^ a b "Chrysler Canada Announces 2008 Calendar Year Sales Results". media.chrysler.com (Press release). Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  44. ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  45. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  46. ^ "Jeep Wrangler Sales Figures". goodcarbadcar.net. 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  47. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2010 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  48. ^ a b "Chrysler Canada Finishes Year with Best Retail Sales Since 2002". media.chrysler.com (Press release). 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  49. ^ "Chrysler sales shoot up 37% (26% for 2011)". allpar.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-10. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  50. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent – Strongest December Sales in Five Years; Full-Year Sales Up 21 Percent – Strongest Annual Sales Since 2007". chrysler.com (Press release). 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  51. ^ "Chrysler Canada Finishes Year With Best Retail Sales Year Since 2000". chrysler.com (Press release). 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  52. ^ "Jeep Brand Records New All-time Global Sales Record in 2013". media.stellantisnorthamerica.com (Press release). 6 January 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  53. ^ "Jeep® Brand Records Fourth Consecutive Global Sales Record" (Press release). Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  54. ^ "FCA US Reports 2016 December and Full-year U.S. Sales". media.fcanorthamerica.com (Press release). Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  55. ^ "FCA Canada December and Full-year 2016 Sales". media.fcanorthamerica.com (Press release). Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  56. ^ "Stellantis Media - FCA US Reports 2018 December and Full-Year Sales". media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.
  57. ^ "Stellantis Media - FCA Canada Reports December and Full Year Sales Record for Jeep® Wrangler". media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.
  58. ^ "Stellantis Media - FCA US Reports Fourth-quarter and Full-year 2019 Sales". media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.
  59. ^ "Stellantis Media - FCA Canada Reports Fourth-quarter and Full-year Sales". media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.
  60. ^ "Jeep Wrangler/TJ Canada Sales Figures". Car Figures. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  61. ^ "FCA Reports Fourth-quarter and Full-year 2022 Sales Results". Stellantis Media (Press release). 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  62. ^ "FCA Canada reports fourth-quarter 2022 and full-year sales results, becomes #1-seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country". Stellantis Media (Press release). 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  63. ^ Sales, Jeep Model. "Jeep Wrangler Sales Figures". GCBC. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jeep_Wrangler&oldid=1257009344#Commando_Jeep"