The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size (Wrangler Unlimited models) four-wheel drive off-road and sport utility vehicle (SUV), manufactured by Jeep, and is currently in its third generation. The Wrangler is not a direct descendant of the World War II Willys MB or Willys civilian Jeeps (Jeep CJ) of the mid-1940s through 1980s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and by American Motors (AMC), despite this common misconception,[1] and as illustrated by the factory dash plaques affixed to the last Jeeps (CJ-7) produced, that read "Last of a Great Breed - This collectors edition CJ ends an era that began with the legendary Jeep of World War II".

Outwardly resembling the Jeep CJ-7, the Wrangler, which was formally announced on May 13, 1986, was based on a new set of design parameters. "The product philosophy behind the two vehicles" Francios Castaing (AMC VP of Product Engineering) explained, "is completely different".[2] Just like the Willys MB and the Jeep CJ, Wranglers continue to use a separate body and frame (although of a new design), rigid live axles both front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. But its suspension, drivetrain, and interior were borrowed from the new Cherokee (XJ) model.[3] The Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a new model to fill the void left by the discontinuance of the famous Jeep model (CJ), was revised in 1996, and completely redesigned in 2007. In addition to the model name Wrangler, each model received a designation corresponding to its generation: YJ (1987–1995), TJ (1997–2006), TJU's (commonly known as LJ's- 2004–2006 Unlimited models, aka YJL as it was in Egypt's Owners Manual), JKU (2007–present Unlimited models) and JK (2007–present). 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.[4]

Jeep YJ models were manufactured between 1986 and 1992 at Brampton Assembly, and subsequently at the Toledo South Assembly plant.[5] A major difference in the 1987-1995 models were the rectangular headlights, which reverted to rounded ones in the TJ and then JK versions. In 2006, Wrangler production was moved to Toledo Complex.[6] Post-2006 Wranglers were set apart from their predecessors by the angle of the grille. In all previous models, the grille was flat and even with the front fenders. The newer Wrangler was constructed with a grille which angled out from the top, and then continued in a straight line from the midway point, toward the bottom. This decreased the hood length, while increasing the length of the fenders. In more recent models, this angle has been lowered more toward the bottom of the grille.