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The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most beloved and unique vehicles on the road today. Find out how this off-roader achieved its iconic statis.
Everyone Knows the Jeep Wrangler
When it comes to automotive icons, the Jeep Wrangler may be at the top of the list. The unique off-roader has been a popular model for decades now and has grown a following like no other. But how did we get here? What makes the Jeep Wrangler such a desirable vehicle? We’ve gone down the rabbit hole and found 10 reasons that make the Jeep Wrangler so iconic.
Beginnings in the American Military
First, we’ve got to acknowledge the Jeep Wrangler’s history that spans all the way back to World War II. An American auto manufacturer by the name of Willys were the original creators of what we now know as the Jeep Wrangler. The Willys MB, sometimes referred to as the Willys Jeep, was a four-wheel-drive (4WD), light duty utility vehicle that helped American troops traverse war-torn Europe with relative ease. The Willys Jeep was such an effective asset to our military that it was historically considered “one of three decisive weapons the U.S. had during WWII” by then President, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
After becoming such a success during WWII, the Willys Jeep continued on as a common military vehicle for the United States and other militaries around the world in conflicts thereafter. Willys also introduced the Civilian Jeep or Willys CJ following the war. The Jeep CJ held a lot of the same basic construction, 4WD drivetrain, and exterior design as the Willys MB, but it was revised for use by the general public.
The Jeep CJ would change hands several times over the years between Willys, Kaiser, and AMC before being officially rebranded as the Jeep Wrangler in 1986. The following year, Chrysler took the Jeep Wrangler under their wing and has remained a key best seller to the automotive parent company that’s now known as Stellantis. The Wrangler’s past in military is still celebrated today as its exterior design still holds a lot in common with the Willys Jeep, it’s still ready to take on any terrain, and Jeep even produces a Willys and a special Freedom Edition Wrangler that both honor that original Jeep and to honor our troops.
Ready to Go Off Road
Whether it’s an old CJ-7 or today’s latest models, the Jeep Wrangler is ready to take things off the pavement and onto the trails. Jeep Wranglers can basically drive straight off the dealership lot and into the wilderness thanks to their large off-road ready tires, Trail Rated suspension, solid axles, and 4WD. All that combined with the Wrangler’s unique exterior make for great approach and breakover angles so even the toughest rock terrain can be climbed with ease. For those moments though when you or your buddies do get stuck, the Jeep Wrangler features a multitude of tow hooks and even an available Warn winch for those extra sticky situations.
Drop the Top…
One of the coolest features that a Jeep Wrangler has always had available is the ability to completely remove the roof. There’s nothing quite like driving a Jeep Wrangler during those hot summer months with the top off and letting nature in, whether it’s the wind through your hair or the mud kicking up from the wheels. Plus, you get a better look at that underlying structure that’s normally hidden by the roof, adding to the Wrangler’s unique look.
…and the Doors
Jeep Wranglers have the unique capability to easily drop the doors for when you want extra ease of access in and out of the vehicle. All you have to do is pop some of the door bolts off, remove a wiring harness, lift the door up and take it off. It’s super simple. While having removed doors on most other vehicles would make them look like junkyard finds, the Jeep Wrangler can pull the look off with ease – especially with the roof gone.
An Enduring Design
As mentioned, the Jeep Wrangler has always held key visual cues that were prevalent on the original Willys MB design from 1941. The body continues to be a sharp edged, metal box on wheels. At the front is the same seven-slot grille and circular headlights (except for the YJ generation, those were square). At the rear is an exposed spare tire attached to a side hinged tailgate. It’s just such a perfect, simple design in the same way that a Mini Cooper or Volkswagen Beetle have remained virtually the same visually throughout their entire existence.
Options & Editions Galore
The other thing that makes Jeep Wrangler’s so iconic is their special editions and unique options. Some of the most iconic versions of the Wrangler were the Golden Eagle, Rio Grande, and the Renegade editions. Even in recent years we’ve seen the commemorative 80th Anniversary Edition, the North Edition tailored for those cold winter months, and even video game related ones like the Call of Duty Edition Jeep wrangler.
Jeep doesn’t just stop at special editions though. You’ve also got a substantial catalog of options and packages to choose from when it comes to the Wrangler. You can have a bumper integrated Warn winch, the traditional two-door or the Rubicon’s four-door, added exterior graphic packages, that insane 6.4L V8 HEMI in the 392, and so much more. Jeep really lets you craft your Wrangler how you want it, but things get even more exciting on the aftermarket.
A Plethora of Modifications
Now, just because the Jeep Wrangler has a great design doesn’t mean that you can’t tweak it to better suit your style. The Wrangler has the most extensive list of available aftermarket products of any vehicle. You can take the Wrangler and completely outfit it to climb some of the steepest surfaces the Moab Trail has to offer. You could go the overlander route and make your Wrangler the ultimate camping utility for those remote getaways under the stars. There’s also the option of giving the Wrangler those angry eye covers and getting a funny spare wheel cover. I wouldn’t add those last aftermarket bits personally, but “it’s a Jeep thing” to do whatever you want to this iconic ride.
Access to an Exclusive Club
Speaking of “it’s a Jeep thing”, once you own a Wrangler, you’re in the club. Jeep Wrangler owners are one of the most inclusive and welcoming groups in the car community. These Jeep fans love to park their Wranglers next to each other in unique ways, go out on the trails together, or drop off the occasional rubber duck to a fellow owner. While any Jeep will do, the Wrangler is your best bet for having the most fun with fellow owners. Read more about Jeep fandom here!
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
The Jeep Wrangler has been around for a long while and it has gained a couple of competitors in that time that tried to copy its schtick. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Well, models like the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, Suzuki Samurai, Daihatsu Rocky, Land Rover Defender, and Ford Bronco all tried to copy some of what made the Jeep Wrangler special and get a piece of its lucrative market share. The fate of those models was either being discontinued or pivoting to find a different audience away from the Wrangler. While the Ford Bronco returned a few years ago with an off-road attitude and removable doors, the Wrangler has continued to beat it in sales year after year. Just proves that the Jeep Wrangler is still the champion of its own design.
The Jeep Wrangler’s Influence on Pop Culture
Another thing that has made the Jeep Wrangler such an automotive icon is the model’s persistent involvement in pop culture. It’s been in movies like Jurassic Park, Clueless, and Tomb Raider. It’s been the hero car in shows like The Duke’s of Hazzard, Macgyver, and Power Rangers. The Jeep Wrangler is even popular with kids growing up as it’s one of the most popular Power Wheels electric ride-on designs ever and it’s even parked in Barbie and G.I. Joe’s garages. From childhood to adulthood, the Jeep Wrangler is there, and it’ll continue to be around for a long, long time.
