Jeep Wrangler is an iconic vehicle that has been around for many years. It’s known for its off-road capabilities and stylish design. But who makes Jeep Wrangler? That is a question that many people ask.
Jeep Wrangler is made by Chrysler, a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles subsidiary (FCA). FCA was formed in 2014 after the merger of Fiat and Chrysler. Jeep Wrangler has been around since 1987 and is one of the most popular cars on the market.
In this blog post, I will look at Jeep Wrangler’s history and see who manufactures this popular vehicle.
The History of the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has a long and storied history. It was first introduced in 1987 and quickly became one of the most popular cars on the market. The Wrangler was originally designed as a military vehicle but soon found its way into the civilian world.
Jeep’s military history is illustrious. The military first only used Jeeps from WWII. The term “Jeep” was later used as a colloquialism for either the General-Purpose vehicle or Eugene the Jeep, a mythical creature from the Popeye comic strip.
The government required a three-passenger vehicle that weighed 1,200 pounds, had an 80-inch wheelbase, and could be picked up by a big sergeant out of the mud. Army mules and motorbikes would be replaced by it. To place the car sideways in a shipping container with room for the four tires, it had to have 45 horsepower and be able to fold the windshield flat.
The military Jeep was created after Willys won the contract and made some practical modifications to the specifications (which were developed by government officials rather than car engineers). Ford came in to help produce Jeeps for the war when Willys could not keep up with demand from the military.
The civilian Jeep was born in 1945 when Willys released the CJ (Civilian Jeep) model. The CJ was very similar to the military Jeep, but it had some features designed for civilian use. The CJ was an instant hit with the public, quickly becoming one of the market’s most popular cars.
Over the years, the Wrangler has undergone several redesigns. The most recent redesign was in 2017 when the Wrangler received a new engine and a host of other upgrades.
How Has the Jeep Wrangler Evolved Over the Years?
The Jeep Wrangler has come a long way since its inception in 1987. It has undergone several redesigns and upgrades, and it remains one of the most popular cars on the market. The following are some of the different models of the Jeep Wrangler:
- YJ (1987-1995)
The YJ was the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler. It featured square headlights and a coil spring suspension. - TJ (1997-2006)
The TJ was the second generation of the Jeep Wrangler. It featured round headlights and a leaf spring suspension. - JK (2007-2018)
The JK was the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler. It featured a longer wheelbase and wider track than the TJ. - JL (2018-present)
The JL is the fourth generation of the Jeep Wrangler. It features a new engine and a host of other upgrades.
Who Owned the Jeep Before Chrysler?
Before Chrysler owned the Jeep, it was owned by various companies. The following is a brief history of Jeep ownership:
Willys-Overland (1941-1953)
Willys-Overland was the first company to produce the Jeep for the military. They continued to produce Jeeps for the civilian market after the war.
Kaiser Motors (1953-1970)
Kaiser Motors acquired Willys-Overland in 1953. They produced the Jeep until 1970, when they filed for bankruptcy.
American Motors Corporation (1970-1987)
American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser Motors in 1970. They produced the Jeep until 1987, when Chrysler acquired them.
DaimlerChrysler (1987-2014)
DaimlerChrysler was formed in 1987 when Chrysler acquired AMC. They became part of the Fiat group in 2009 to emerge from bankruptcy.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (2014-present)
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was formed in 2014 when Fiat acquired a majority stake in Chrysler. Jeep is currently a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Jeep Wrangler has been around since 1987 and is one of the most popular cars on the market. FCA is the current owner of Jeep.
The so-called “Jeep curse” results from the fact that every business that owns Jeep has failed (apart from the most recent). Instead of being a sign of bad luck, Jeep’s continued existence is evidence of the brand’s value and popularity since several owners were willing to pay for the bailout of a failing rival only to own Jeep. The Willys-Overland, Kaiser, or AMC brands are no longer in use, and Chrysler has sold off several of its other brands while owning Jeep.
Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular vehicle that has undergone several redesigns over the years. It is currently produced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and it remains one of the most popular cars on the market. Thanks for reading. I hope this article was informative.
Sources
https://www.motortrend.com/features/jeep-wrangler-history-closer-look-americas-favorite-off-roader/
