by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
The rugged solid axle off-road Jeep build sporting a ‘Wrangler’ nameplate has managed to outlast the Oprah Winfrey show. Saw the last Hailey’s Comet. Debuted alongside the original Top Gun movie, as well as Crocodile Dundee, Platoon, Aliens and The Color of Money. Rolled into showrooms while programs like Magnum P.I., Dynasty, Cheers and Hill Street Blues ruled the television airwaves. And it even makes its a birthday year with Emilia Clarke, Lada Gaga, Usain Bolt and Drake.
Yup, the Jeep Wrangler first saw light way back in 1986 when it replaced a struggling CJ7 and helped revitalize a faltering off-road brand.
All these years later, Jeep’s signature Wrangler just sold its five millionth unit — marking a 37-year history of innovation, excitement and off-road performance.
“With five million Wranglers sold, the Jeep brand continues to grow, fueled by the unwavering passion of the Jeep global community,” said Senior Vice President and North America Head of Jeep Brand Jim Morrison. “With legendary 4x4 capability, open-air-freedom and a timeless design, the Wrangler embodies the spirit and the soul of the Jeep brand.
“More than 80% of the five million Wranglers sold since 1986 are still on the road, having fun out there and showcasing the amazing staying power of the vehicle. Our new 2024 Wrangler raises the bar once again as the most capable Wrangler yet, with more technology, safety features and refinement.”
The five millionth Wrangler was a 2023 hybrid 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition, which was sold to a customer in Camden, New Jersey. The vehicle is painted in the new Earl exterior hue, described by Jeep as a "bold gray-toned look with small hints of seawater."
But the new vehicle isn’t the only thing that customer received from Jeep.
In celebration of the milestone, the lucky owner also took home $5,000 worth of Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar and a lifetime of Jeep Wave customer care benefits. Jeep Wave is a program that offers exclusive benefits to Jeep owners, such as free oil changes and tire rotations.
Jeep first unveiled its ‘YJ’ Wrangler edition following the 1986 Chicago Auto Show and the initial run through 1987-1995 model years ended up with around 630,000 vehicles sold. While its controversial square headlights (designed to set the Wrangler apart from earlier CJ versions which were getting a bit of a rollover reputation) did have its share of detractors, the overall more comfortable design, longer wheelbase, improved suspension and upgraded handling brought the vehicle to a whole new automotive audience.
The second-generation Wrangler, which debuted for the 1997 model year, proved even more popular and ended up with around a million units sold.
However, the third-generation JK edition proved to really launch the Wrangler into automotive legend status.
The JK design still offered that Wrangler two-door look, but also featured a four-door version that proved much, much more popular — especially with those who still wanted rugged, Wrangler performance with more interior room.
Following its reveal at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the JK Wrangler went on to sell over 2.1 million units before its final one rolled off the line in April 2018.
The current JL version has managed to take comfort and technology right into the same stadium as luxury automobiles, with digital readouts, backup cameras, infotainment systems and plenty of other technological advances.
This edition has also marked Jeep’s first Wrangler venture into electrification, with that 4xe hybrid model. And since its launch in 2021, the 4xe has become Jeep’s top-selling Wrangler. So it is no surprise the five-millionth Wrangler ended up a 4xe.
While five million Wranglers sold is certainly an accomplishment, what really sets the brand apart from others is its community. Owners across the globe bond over their shared love of exploration, freedom and the capability their vehicles provide. This sense of community is celebrated at events like Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah where enthusiasts gather to tackle challenging off-road courses and share experiences. Or the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival near Butler, Pennsylvania — the birthplace of Jeep.
Additionally, according to Jeep, more than 80 percent of Wranglers sold are still on the road today — a major testament to its resonance among a hearty off-road audience.
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