The Wrangler is a mini SUV produced by American automaker Chrysler under its Jeep marque
Perhaps the quintessential niche vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler has held the crown of ultimate off-roader ever since it was offered to the general public. This SUV's lineage goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the now-legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. The name Jeep was derived from the original military moniker of "GP," which stood for general-purpose vehicle.
Following the war, the Jeep CJ-2A ("CJ" stood for "Civilian Jeep") debuted and sported such "luxuries" as a tailgate, fuel cap and side-mounted spare tire. Back then, most Jeeps were bought by farmers and construction workers who needed to get to places where there were no roads. The 1950s saw the introduction of the iconic CJ-5 nameplate, a model that lasted into the '80s with minimal changes.
The Wrangler moniker came about in the mid-1980s as the singular replacement for the earlier CJs. Although the Jeep Wrangler did its forebears proud in terms of off-road prowess, a combination of that still-short wheelbase, loud and drafty cabin and tepid performance meant it was annoying at best as a daily commuter and road trip vehicle.
For the most recent version of the Wrangler, Jeep has attempted to make it more civilized via a new four-door body style and new safety and convenience features. But die-hard Jeep enthusiasts shouldn't be too worried about this softening: The latest Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of providing rugged off-road capability and distinctive style.
