[1] Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield and can be driven without doors.

Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops.

However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers,[2] by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line.

[4] Outwardly resembling the Jeep CJ-7, the first Wrangler - formally announced in February 1986 at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show - was said to be based on a new set of design parameters.

[5] The new car had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, and improved handling, along with additional passenger comfort features.

The newer Wrangler was constructed with a grille that angled out from the top and then continued in a straight line from the midway point, toward the bottom.

Foreign military versions of the Wrangler have carried the J8 designation which was initially dubbed TJL when first produced at Arab American Vehicle's Egyptian plant.

[11] Although introduced in 1986 (under the control of Renault), and by 1987 (the first model year) under the new ownership of Chrysler, the first-generation Wrangler had been developed by American Motors Corporation (AMC).

It continued many features of the CJ-7 such as part-time 4WD, live rigid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and having an open body on a separate frame.

Developed under the ownership of DaimlerChrysler, the JK was Jeep's first Wrangler that was a completely clean-sheet design of the body, frame, and suspension.

The JL features additional powertrains over the Pentastar V6, a redesigned 8-speed automatic transmission, an easier fold-flat windshield, new zipperless soft tops, blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and a more modern interior.

It includes a new electric powertrain calibration, which Jeep refers to as “electronic nitrous oxide” to maintain peak power for as long as 10 seconds.

[19] The Jeep Wrangler received the 2009 Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) in the sport utility vehicle category.

[22][23][24] The 2011,[25] 2012,[26] and 2013[27] Jeep Wranglers have received Canadian Black Book's Best Retained Value Award for the compact SUV category.

In 2007, The Jeep Wrangler had set the Guinness World Record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle after ferrying Matthias Jeschke and his Extreme Events adventure team up Chile's Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth (record reached the same year by a Suzuki Samurai[28]).

The 2008 edition of Forbes Autos lists the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler at number four among the top ten vehicles with the highest resale value.