Despite its poor fuel economy and mediocre safety ratings, the Jeep Wrangler continues to be a huge seller for the folks at MOPAR. What makes the Jeep Wrangler so popular with men and women of all ages? What’s the attraction? The answer I hear most is that the Jeep Wrangler is just plain cool. This article takes a look at the Top 10 reasons why.
1. It’s Part of Our History:
History is cool? It sure is, especially when it’s about Jeeps. The Jeep Wrangler’s roots reach back to 1941 when the Willys MB model first appeared in the U.S. military. Over 300,000 MB models, or “Jeeps” as they were called by U.S. servicemen, were produced during the war with 144 Jeeps issued to every U.S. Army infantry regiment (similar numbers were also issued to each U.S. Marine Corps regiment). Large numbers of Jeeps, about 30 percent of total production, were also shipped to America’s Allies. During the war, the rugged and reliable Jeep proved it could go anywhere and was a big hit with the troops. After the war, Willys decided to leverage the Jeep’s brand and fame by producing a civilian version, the CJ-2A, from 1945 to 1949. This first “CJ” offered features not found on the military model, including a tailgate, higher windshield, larger headlights, and a side-mounted spare tire. It retailed for $1,090.
2. It’s a Terrific Off-Road Vehicle:
Since World War II, this American icon has been boldly going where few vehicles have gone before. Indeed, the wartime photographic record is replete with Jeeps slogging their way through thick mud, flooded roads, sandy beaches, and deep snow. Today, the Jeep Wrangler consistently appears in every Top 10 off-road vehicle list. As it should. The stout axles, short wheelbase, high clearance, flexible suspension, and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) drive-train of the base version make the Jeep Wrangler a formidable off-road vehicle. Upgrade to the even more capable Wrangler Rubicon, that features a higher lift, Dana-44 axles, larger tires, and locking differentials, and you’ve got yourself one hell of an off-road beast. Better yet, the Wrangler does all of this without breaking the bank like most 4WD imports.
3. It’s a Great Convertible:
The Jeep Wrangler is unique in that it’s the only real convertible in today’s sport utility market. Many argue that it even looks better “topless” than with a top on. Indeed, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler made Motor Trend’s Top 15 Convertibles of All-Time List, making the cut with the famed 1962 Shelby Cobra and 1967 Ferrari Spyder. There’s no doubt about it, driving topless is one of the great things about owning a Jeep Wrangler. Even billionaire movie mogul Steven Spielberg knows this. Topless Wranglers played prominent roles in some of the most memorable scenes in Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, one of the highest grossing films of all time. Fortunately, you don’t have to be running from a man-eating T-Rex to enjoy the fresh air and view from a topless Jeep Wrangler.
4. It’s an Attention Getter:
Like a classic Ford Mustang or Harley Davidson, the Jeep Wrangler is a big attention getter. Here in Arizona, it’s a rare day indeed when I don’t get a wave or a hard look from a Jeep admirer when driving my TJ in town. The Jeep Wrangler is a great way to meet people, too. Girls who drive Jeeps will no doubt get the head-turning attention and admiration from men. Likewise, I’m sure Jeep driving women feel the same way about seeing a guy behind the wheel of a Wrangler. There’s no doubt about it, owning a Wrangler says a lot about the man or woman driving it. It shows that they posses a superior intelligence, taste, and class to own the ultimate sports utility vehicle – the American Jeep.
5. It’s the Fraternity:
Akin to Harley Davidson owners, the Jeep Wrangler fraternity is huge. No, it isn’t quite as large as the Harley fraternity, but it’s close and damn near as fanatical. Indeed, Jeep clubs can be found in practically every state of the union and on every continent. Jeep clubs are even sprouting up in far away places like China and Indonesia! These clubs host gatherings, seminars, and trail rides where you can ride and rub shoulders with other like minded Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts. The fraternity in cyberspace is even larger with numerous websites and Internet forums where you can ask questions, get advice on repairing your Jeep, and organize rally’s like the one pictured here by Jeep Club Deutschland (Germany).
6. It’s Supported by a Large Aftermarket Industry:
You’d be hard pressed to find a larger, more profitable aftermarket industry than the one enjoyed by owners of the Jeep Wrangler. No matter which version of Jeep you own—CJ, YJ, TJ, or JK—there are a plethora of aftermarket parts and accessories that you can purchase for the interior and exterior of your Jeep. Not only that but you can even buy replacement parts for your Jeep that are far better than the OEM parts originally produced–remember the troublesome exhaust manifolds in the early TJ’s that were prone to cracking? Those are a distant memory now that you can buy a long-lasting, stainless steel manifold with expansion joints. Want to turn your Jeep Wrangler into a pickup truck? No problem, a conversion kit called the Brute is offered by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) that can transform your Wrangler (either TJ or JK) into a cargo hauling, off-road monster.
7. It’s Easy to Repair and Work On:
Unlike many European and Japanese SUV’s and trucks, the Jeep Wrangler is remarkably easy to repair. You don’t need a “masters in Jeep degree” to work on them. The engines are simple and the engine bays uncommonly roomy, making it easy to reach most areas of the engine. Fortunately, Wranglers feature quality, well-designed engines–like the renowned 4.0L Inline 6 and the new, highly regarded 3.6L V6. Not only that, but you’ll find loads of websites and YouTube videos providing quality, “how to” advice for working on and repairing your Wrangler. Most of this advice is from everyday folks like us, who learned on the job and are presented in laymen terms that we all can understand. Finally, owning a Jeep Wrangler is a great way for teenagers and young adults to learn the “in and outs” of vehicle maintenance.
8. It’s a Great All-Weather Vehicle:
Everyone knows that the Jeep Wrangler is an exceptional off-road vehicle, but how does the Wrangler perform when the road turns white? No worries. Even in deep snow and ice, the 4-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler will get you from point A to point B, safely and securely. The 4WD capabilities coupled with the Wrangler’s short wheel base and high clearance means you’ll get better cornering stability, greater straight-line stability, superior hill-climbing performance, and exceptional handling in snow and ice. Now a specialized snow tire or chains may be needed for more extreme, white-out conditions, but in most cases a good all-terrain tire is all that will be needed.
9. It Can Be Flat-Towed:
With all of the great things that a Jeep Wrangler can do, Jeep engineers managed to cram yet another terrific capability into its small frame–the ability to be flat-towed or towed “four down” (refer to the owner’s manual for details on how to do this). Believe me when I say that RV owners and off-road enthusiasts have taken notice. Motorhomes and Truck Campers can be seen in vast numbers across this great land, pulling their Jeep Wrangler “toads” to their favorite recreational spots like the Mojave Desert, Quartzsite, and Moab. The lightweight of the two-door Wrangler (about 3,500 pounds) means you can tow the Wrangler safely and legally with a simple Class III tow hitch.
10. It Just Plain Looks Cool:
In today’s “cookie cutter” automobile and SUV market, the iconic and rugged Jeep Wrangler really stands out and just plain looks cool. Enough Said.
