For non-Wrangler enthusiasts (or those who don’t see much fun in off-roading), these rugged, boxy-looking all-time faves may not mean much. But true off-roaders will turn their head when they see one and wish they were the one driving it. Jeep Wranglers are fun, and they are an outdoor adventure fave, and here is one main reason why.
Jeep Wrangler: It’s destined to be in the great outdoors.
That’s it. Yes, that is the main reason. Many carmakers release SUVs designed to overtake the wild world of off-roading. However, it’s safe to say, not a lot of them come close to the Jeep Wrangler’s outdoor king status. It’s been around since the 1980s, and it hails from a family of cars meant to eat dust, ice, mud, and rocks. And so, for thirty-plus years, many have tried to take the path Wrangler paved, and all of them have achieved diverse well-earned merits, but a Wrangler is built differently.
As long as a Jeep Wrangler is equipped with the right tires, any terrain is its territory. To the ends of the earth, you get a friend in a Jeep Wrangler, if that is your thing.
Some may complain that driving a Wrangler on paved highways can get rough. Well, it’s because it’s not meant for cruising on flat, boring land. When you get down to the technical, you’ll find that the real reason for it is the suspension used.
Newer models of Wrangler, specifically models from 2018 onwards, are made to fit more comfortable rides. However, older models can indeed get rough on everyday highway driving. You will notice this on long hauls.
Other than that, a robust transmission, a 4×4 drive train, and sturdy front and rear axles are all you need for an outdoor adventure for the books. Add to that the short front and rear overhangs, perfect ground clearance, short wheelbase, and off-roading become, as they say, a piece of cake. Plus, in any weather condition, you are good to go. Who cares if it’s snowing, the fun continues.
The Wrangler is indeed meant to take on the rugged path. It’s just its destiny. However, besides its powerful tools, there is more to this baddie than just that.
The name “Jeep Wrangler” and the community
Wrangler owners know. There is some kinship between people with a Wrangler as their best buddy. If you own one, you understand the familiar sense of honking a jolly hi at a fellow Wrangler driving by you or opposite you. After all, it’s a telltale sign that the other is a fellow man of the outdoors.
The rough and mighty image of the Jeep brand, in general, doesn’t only come from the kind of lifestyle attached to it, but also from its long history. The carmaker started traversing tough terrains in the 1940s. During the peak of the Second World War, the U.S. Army favored the use of these cars because of their lightweight make and because they were agile in a sense, a quality you must have if you are a soldier. The agility pretty much came in the form of its 4×4 driving powers.
The brand was then called “General Purpose†or “G.P.â€, an apt name for it, although its main purpose at that time was to accompany soldiers to the war-stricken European countryside. After the war, Jeep shifted its focus to the commercial market, capitalizing on the story of valor of soldiers who fought the war and trusted the brand as their buddy. If you have such a strong background of making unstoppable cars that saw the battle through to the end, that would be hard to top for competing brands.
From its roots traced back to the memories of the war to its current status, Jeep has long been forming communities under one name.
The unique experience
Other carmakers focus on the future of driving which is mainly about the on-road experience. Every trim they release is an upgrade from the past models and a step towards tech-assisted driving. And Jeep will always be criticized for seemingly having no care in updating its cars’ designs. It’s probably because the durability of every Jeep model is what Jeep enthusiasts really buy.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the few car models that allow you to experience open-air driving. You can remove the doors and the top and enjoy the great outdoors much better.
Wrangler’s slogan, “Go Anywhere, Do Anything†is one of the most accurate things you’ll experience, and if you are a Wrangler owner, you’ll know what it truly means.
Plus, the Wrangler experience doesn’t stop at weekenders. You’ll be in for a long ride of modifications and experiments with your Wrangler, another testament to its catchy slogan. Change lights, get exterior accessories, make the exterior look tougher, and name it, do it.
Since its 1st birthday in the 80s, Jeep has released many trims and models for the Wrangler in the years that followed. One of the most iconic is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon from 20 years ago. It was named after one of the terrains in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Then there were editions produced after actual action movies and desserts. You see, there’s so much going on behind every Jeep vehicle, particularly the Wrangler.
The brand has been moving towards commuter SUVs for a while now, but the Wrangler will always have this reputation of being one of, if not the best off-road monster out there. You don’t have to choose between commuter SUVs or even compare Wrangler with the latest SUVs equipped with off-road flair from other brands. What rallies behind the Wrangler name is obviously its rich heritage, the sentiment attached to the name, the community, and the actual superb experience.
