The Jeep Wrangler might be one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet, they might be completely customizable, and they might offer a driving experience unlike anything you will experience, but that doesn’t mean that they are perfect.
When most people look at a Jeep Wrangler they see a brand that is timeless and classic with a history of endurance. However, what most people tend to overlook is the fact that that corporation has changed hands many times over the years. It is true that automakers haven’t really messed with what truly makes the Jeep unique, but they have certainly added their own little customizations. And, sometimes this wasn’t always for the best. Below, you are going to discover the best and worst years for the Jeep Wrangler.
1941 – 1945 Willys MB
You probably won’t find one of these Jeeps available in today’s time, but this Jeep has to be mentioned. This is the one that started it all and it was the perfect example of American ingenuity at its time. This Jeep was designed during World War II when times were tumultuous and resources were limited, but that did not impact the overall performance and integrity of the MB. This model was specifically designed with durability in mind. These models were extremely effective on the ground and came along with many standardized features that made them stand out in their time. It was such features like 6.00×16 tires, 60 horsepower, an extra gas bracket on the back, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, and twin tops that made the Jeep what it was.
1955 – 1983 Jeep CJ-5
If you are a Jeep owner today, you can thank this model for the classic design that you enjoy. This is the very model that set the Jeep bar and has been carrying it all throughout these years. The MB might have been a prolific military designed Jeep that will go down in history, but it was the CJ-5 model that help the brand transitions from the military limitations. This newer model not only added more power, but it added more comfort. It was these two very qualities that made the Jeep into an instant consumer classic.
1986 – 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Jeep without a doubt had quite a few good years, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have some bad ones. And, this is where the YJ comes into play. If you ask most people where they YJ went wrong they will probably tell you the square headlights. Sure, their lights looked a little out there, but it is hard to discount a Jeep just because of a headlight design flaw. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only problem with the JY. It seemed that there was something wrong or dysfunctional with the leaf springs as well. The leaf springs are a major component of the suspension system and how the Jeep handles.
When you consider that the Jeep is supposed to be one of the most durable off-road vehicles of its time, but its suspension system is lacking, you are truly looking at one disappointing vehicle. The failure of this model could have something to do with the manufacturers trying to transition away from the previous CJ model.
1963 – 1991 Jeep Wagoneer
It there is one Jeep model that withstood the test of time it has got to be the Jeep Wagoneer. The vehicle was in production for an impressive 28 years. And, throughout this time the vehicle maintained the same platform. This alone is pretty impressive and will make the model go down in the history books, but the most impressive thing about the design Wagoneer was its innovation. The Wagoneer was a Jeep that offered many firsts. The model was not only the first four-wheel drive model to offer an automatic transmission, but it was also the first model to introduce the Jeep Quadra-Trac all-wheel-drive system. Consumers immediately fell in love with this Jeep and it is completely easy to understand why.
Pre 2012 JK
The JK Jeep model is without a doubt one of the most sought after models. However, if you take the blinders off and look below the surface, you will easily see that there is more than meets the eye.
When the JK model was introduced on the market the Jeep brand had been around for a long time. Over these years consumers expected Jeep to create a vehicle that was the best representation of what the manufacturer had learned throughout their long history in the industry. Unfortunately, this did not happen. First, the manufacturer tried to switch things up by introducing the all-new 3.8L V-6 engine to offer more power. Jeeps fans were quite impressed when they looked at things on paper, but the truth of the matter was that there was nothing wrong with the previous 4.0L inline-six engine. Sure, it wasn’t perfect and didn’t hold the power of the V-6, but at least it didn’t overheat.
The new V-6 might have looked good on paper and been a great addition to the horsepower side of things, but it seems the engine had a reputation for not going the distance. And, this was well deserved. It seemed that after 100,000 miles many engines started leaking oil like a sieve. In fact, several models didn’t even make it past the 100,000 miles mark.
1997 – 2007 Jeep Wrangler TJ
There was once a time when Jeep Wrangler was only thought of as an off-road vehicle. All of that changed when the TJ entered the marketplace. This is because the model added on-road capabilities and established Wrangler as a vehicle that combined both fun and function. Many consumers feared that the perfecting of the on-road abilities would interfere with the off-road capabilities. Luckily, this wasn’t the case at all. This was in part thanks to the greater axle articulation, higher ground clearance, and enhanced off-road capabilities. It is these capabilities and more that have catapulted the TJ right into the history books.
Anyway, the Jeep Wrangler will definitely be a car that provides users with what they need. A powerful car with mesmerizing looks.
With the list of the worst Jeep Wrangler models to avoid as well as the best models to buy, you will definitely have some ideas to start a passion.