When was the first Jeep built?
The legend of the "Jeep" 4 x 4 vehicle began 63 years ago when automotive manufacturers across America were challenged to design a compact, lightweight, highly capable vehicle for use by the armed forces. The successful Willys MB sprang from that development challenge. (Ford Motor Company also built many of the first Jeep vehicles, as well.) Since, the CJ-2A and other models worked their way into the hearts of civilians while new military Jeep vehicles followed in the heroic path. Notably, the M-38, M-38Al and M-170 answered the call to action in all types of terrain, providing decades of dedicated service. Jeep now returns to its roots with its latest new military vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler TJL a mix of modern automotive technology with some of the same attributes the troops valued in the original Willys MB. An up-to-date take on the original "go-anywhere, do-anything" utility vehicle, the new TJL was designed to meet the most challenging tasks that military vehicles are required to do, and perform in the most adverse conditions. Its first tour of duty is Egypt. What is the street production version of the TJL and why was it built?
Jeep has made long-wheelbased Scrambler models before and the time was deemed right to build another, when some internals at DaimlerChrysler's 4WD division saw the smart-looking and capable new military Jeep in July of 2002. The result was some of the fastest development time in this Michigan-based company's history. In production now, the new Wrangler Unlimited adds a new attribute to the tag line-"Go Anywhere, Do Anything", with its "Bring Everything" capability that comes from its stretched wheelbase. The new model provides much greater room to carry people and goods and tow gear, as well.
How does it handle?
A small group of automotive journalists were treated to the first drive of the new 2004.5 model in the Texas Hill Country. Our tour of duty included comparing it to the current Wrangler (the TJ) on paved roads throughout this scenic region of rolling hills and ranches. We also drove it over a course of moderate to serious 4WD trails on the YO Ranch, in TX. What did we learn? The longer model is smoother on the road, just as it should be. It's not darty and jouncy, as its shorter cousin is and it is also quieter, due to improvements to both its two roof options. As you'd expect, there's appreciable more interior room, which makes it easier to get in and out of, as well as to pack and store goods in. Both front seats now tumble forward (previously it was the passenger seat only) to provide easier access to the rear. And, not surprisingly, it weighs more (200 lbs.) and it can haul more (3,500 lbs.). What are its 4WD capabilities?
As for its off-road capability, this new extension to the Jeep lineup has all the traditional Jeep DNA, when it comes to gearing and drive capability, and is designated as "Trail Rated", meaning its been tested on the famed Rubicon Trail, in northern California, that Jeep uses to evaluate all of its models. The longer model is smoother on the road, just as it should be. Its low range gearing is 2.72.1 low range gear ratio) and it has the same angle of approach (21.4 degrees), and the same ground clearance as TJ models (9.3 at the front axle and 8.3 at the rear), but has a slightly decreased angle of departure (28 degrees as compared to 34) and a slightly decreased breakover angle (22 degrees as compared to 26 degrees) because of the longer wheelbase. When will it go on sale and where will it be built?
On sale this spring, Jeep is now building the new model at its Toledo, Ohio production facility on the same assembly line as the TJ model. Jeep representatives decline to talk about projected volume, but say that they can produce a strong mix of long wheelbase-models, at this assembly plant, as customer demand dictates. Rumors are that a more rugged Rubicon version will follow.
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