If you know anyone who owns a Jeep, you’ve probably heard about their love for their vehicle over and over again. Maybe you’re even that person, cracking jokes about other car manufacturers, or suggesting only a Jeep can truly get things done.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “Jeep geek” about your car or know someone who is, it’s interesting to look at the popularity and longevity of the Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Cherokee gets a lot of attention nowadays because of its sleek look and unique features as an SUV.
But, real enthusiasts know the Wrangler will always be the quintessential “face” of the Jeep brand. So, what is it about this vehicle that has stood the test of time for Jeep-lovers, so much so that its sales have almost doubled since 2007?
It’s Got a Rich Heritage
You don’t have to be a classic car lover to appreciate the “bloodline” of a vehicle, or where it came from. The Wrangler is actually an altered version of an MB vehicle in the U.S. Army during the 1940s. It’s where the name ‘Jeep’ originated, though there’s some debate over how the name came to be.
The vehicle was useful because it went practically anywhere, even on rugged terrain. They were also cheap to manufacture, so the military could use them readily.
When the war was over, government surplus vehicles were sold all over the United States. Many veterans gravitated toward the MB vehicle because they were familiar with it and knew how well it worked. The Willys-Overland company took advantage of that and decided to manufacture the Jeep CJ-2A, which was a more civilian-friendly version of the vehicles used in the war.
A Dedicated Design
You can go out and find a Jeep Wrangler for sale almost anywhere in the country. There’s a good reason for that. They’re simply iconic when it comes to their design. From the removable doors to the round headlights, or the 7-slotted grill, people are still naturally drawn to the look of the Jeep, and the interesting thing is that the design still nods back to its military heritage.
The design of a Jeep also alludes to its dependability. Not only are Wranglers great on the road, but they’re one of the best vehicles for “off-roading” onto tough terrain and trails that other cars wouldn’t dream of attempting.
Jeep knows it has a powerhouse when it comes to the Wrangler. Their slogan is “Go anywhere. Do anything.” While it’s a catchy advertising method, it’s actually a slogan that backs up exactly what the Wrangler is meant to do.
So, it’s no wonder why those with Jeeps seem a little bit obsessed with their vehicles. In a way, the Jeep Wrangler provides a deep sense of nostalgia. They are a piece of American culture that made a big difference in World War II and continue to make a difference today for those who want to travel off the beaten path. With little change to the overall design, but sales continuing to rise, it’s likely the Wrangler will continue to be one of the most popular vehicles for years to come.