The Wrangler is produced in Toledo, Ohio by American automaker Chrysler, under the Jeep marquee. This off-road vehicle is a successor the extremely popular World War II Jeep vehicles known as “Willys”. The Wrangler itself was available for purchase in 1987 and has received several overhauls and updates in 1997 and 2007 respectively.

The Wrangler was originally developed in Canada until 1992 and its name there was until 1995, YJ. From 1997 to 2006, they where recognized as TJ. This was due to the fact that Chrysler had a pickup for sale on the Canadian market by the same name.

The Jeep YJ began its existence in Ontario, Canada and featured a galvanized body, wider wheelbase, and a lot more comfort than the model it replaced, the Jeep CJ. The YJ was powered by a 2.5 L AMC 150 I4 engine and had an option to increase it to a 4.2 L AMC 258 I6. The YJ was manual for much of its early existence until finally in 1994, they introduced an automatic transmission as well as a center high-mounted stop light. In addition to the base, Laredo, Islander, Sport, Sahara, and Rio Grande trims, Jeep also had the more luxurious “Renegade” trim. This trim cost a hefty 4,266.00 and added a 4.0 L I-6 engine, wider and sportier tires, aluminum rims, power steering, fog lamps, and a large variety of convenience and performance items.

In 1997, the YJ was discontinued and replaced by the TJ. This Wrangler was a beefier and more improved version of the 4X4 that featured a coil-spring suspension which provided a smoother ride and better handling, and also marked the return of the line’s round headlights which where lost with the introduction of the YJ. Other small tweaks to the TJ included a larger fuel tank, child seat tethers, and an improved audio system. In 2002, a variety of new colors and wheel styles where also introduced to the market.

These two models have been replaced by the JK version of the Wrangler. The 2007 model year marked a complete redesign of the jeep and featured a roomier interior and a longer wheelbase. Hardcore fans where outraged by the fact that the Wrangler grew in size but Chrysler was quick to note that the previous model updates received the same welcome from the market and later became widely accepted. Chrysler hopes this is the case with their new bigger and more rugged JK version of the Wrangler and currently offers the JK in both 2 door and 4 door models as well as the Wrangler Unlimited trim.