When you get behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler, you would not recognize that you are driving a vehicle that was originally designed for military use. This version of the mode of transportation designed to go anywhere was first introduced to the market in 1987.
A mini sport utility vehicle, the Wrangler is a very popular model for consumers who want to use it for off-road excursions, as well as those who enjoy driving in the city. In 1992, the model was updated to include an extended roll cage. The following year, it was improved with the addition of anti-lock brakes. If you were looking to pick up a Jeep after the 1994 model year, you would have had the option of buying one with an automatic transmission.
Safety-conscious consumers appreciated the fact that starting in 1996 (for the 1997 model year), the Jeep Wrangler was outfitted with dual airbags. The next major change for the Wrangler took place in 1999, when the 19-gallon fuel tank became standard.
The Wrangler's engine underwent further modifications in 2000 to give occupants a smoother ride. It became a more family-friendly choice that year when child safety seat tethers were added to the second row of seats. Depending on the model you chose, you were able to get a cassette or a CD player with your AM/FM Radio.
Changes to the vehicle continued, and in the 2001 model year, consumers reaped the benefits of having intermittent windshield wipers as a standard feature. A plastic Add-A-Trunk storage compartment replaced the previous metal version the same year. CD players became standard on several models (the Sport, X, and Rubicon) the following year.
2003 saw several changes in the Jeep Wrangler. While this vehicle had previously been powered by a 4-cyl engine, this was replaced by a new 2.4 liter dual-overhead-cam. Consumers could choose to outfit their ride with a four-speed automatic transmission. Plus, they appreciated the newly-designed front seats and the fact that the current temperature and compass heading could be displayed in the rearview mirror. The following year, a tilt steering wheel was introduced as a standard feature on all models. The Jeep Wrangler was updated again in 2005 with the introduction of a 6-speed manual transmission.
This model was completely redesigned for 2007 for both two- and four-door versions. It was larger than previous incarnations, with a longer wheel base and a wider track. An interesting modification that makes the Jeep Wrangler X attractive to couriers and postal workers is the fact that it can be ordered in a right-hand-drive version. This means they can leave the vehicle when they need to drop off parcels with less risk of being hit by oncoming traffic.
