The Jeep Wrangler continues to be one of the most sought after vehicles on the market, and for good reason. With a Jeep Wrangler, you get far more than just a car that will take you from once place to another. Jeep Wranglers bring a sense of thrill and excitement back to driving. The Jeep Wrangler JK is one of the more prominent versions of the vehicle available. If you own a Jeep Wrangler JK, it’s important to know as much about it as possible, so you can keep the vehicle healthy. We provide a guide that gives you a better understanding of your Jeep Wrangler JK.
History
The Jeep Wrangler JK comes from a long line of the historic vehicle model. Chevrolet revealed the first Jeep Wrangler JK model at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The JK was designed as the next evolutionary step in the iconic Willys MB model line. A noticeable feature of the JK Unlimited that makes it unique from previous models is it has four-doors instead of the traditional two. The Jeep Wrangler also offers plenty of different options to customize it. While still retaining the soft top, owners could also get hard tops, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield with the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Models
Chevrolet produced the Jeep Wrangler JK from 2007 to 2018, but it remains one of the most popular Wrangler versions today. When you choose a Jeep Wrangler JK, you can choose from a few different styles. The following Jeep Wrangler JK options were available in 2018:
- Sport and Sport S
- Willys Wheeler and Willys Wheeler W
- Freedom Edition
- Sahara
- Altitude
- Rubicon and Rubicon Recon
Each Jeep Wrangler JK model features subtle differences and looks that may steer you one way or another. This gives the rider more flexibility to find what kind of vehicle they want to drive. The Sport is the most common Jeep Wrangler JK model, while the Rubicon serves as the higher-end version.
Exterior Design
Even though the Jeep Wrangler JK comes in slightly different versions, they all feature a timeless design. The Jeep Wrangler is best known for its box shape, round headlights, and grills. A Jeep Wrangler’s iconic look appeals to many people, and it’s a design that managed to stick around with only slight variations since its inception back in the 1940s. A highlight of the Jeep Wrangler JK’s exterior is how you can make the car feel more open with removable doors and roofs.
Interior Design
The interior of a Jeep Wrangler JK is just as appealing, as it features black cushioning that provides excellent comfort for the riders. Jeep Wrangler JKs have easily accessible control panels, and newer models contain a state-of-the-art touch screen and steering wheel buttons. A Jeep Wrangler JK also has plenty of storage, and these storage spaces provide protection when it becomes an open-air vehicle.
Engine
Jeep Wrangler JKs usually come equipped with a V6 engine. These types of engines get their name from their six cylinders located on the crankshaft. A V6 engine is large, offers a great fuel economy, and it will keep your Jeep running for a long time if you care for it. However, a downside to these engines is they have bad gas mileage and send more emissions into the air.
Price
The price of a Jeep Wrangler JK depends on a few different factors such as the model, year, how many doors it has, and what kind of condition it‘s in. For example, a 2018 Sport model is around $23,995, while a Rubicon Recon four-door gets priced at a whopping $44,345. While the Jeep Wrangler JK can get up there in price, they can last longer than other vehicles and they don’t suffer from as much depreciation. They can run well even when they have a high mileage.
Off-Roading Features
Jeep Wrangler JKs were built for off-roading with features meant to enhance the experience. A primary feature includes four-wheel drive, which will help your vehicle overcome the difficult obstacles it comes across on an off-road trail. These features help give your Jeep Wrangler traction on rough surfaces. You can also attach winches, which can get you out of difficult situations. If you want to use a vehicle for off-roading purposes, there’s no better option than the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Safety Features
Jeep Wranglers continue to improve their safety features so that they can handle anything on and off the road. Some 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK safety features include the following:
- Anti-lock brakes that keep your tire rotating when slamming on brakes. This is an excellent feature to have for driving in the winter.
- Front and side impact air bags that can protect the rider in the event of an accident.
- Pretensioners that will tighten a seatbelt if there’s a collision.
- Stability control that can help the driver maintain control if they surpass handling limits.
Jeep Wranglers are known for their durability, which mostly comes from their use in the military and for off-roading. Your Jeep wrangler can handle any type of weather or road conditions that come your way. This is a major reason why people tend to invest in a Jeep.
Customization
An attractive quality of Jeeps is how much you can add to them and make them your own. There are various additions you can make, such as Jeep JK grill inserts, front and rear bumpers, fender flares, and more. These additions can make your Jeep your own, but they still maintain that classic Wrangler look. Besides additions, you can customize Jeep Wrangler in other ways, as well. While Jeep Wranglers are known for coming in black, there are plenty of other colors you cover your Jeep with on the inside and the outside.
A lot of people don’t know what their vehicle is capable of when they get it. Take full advantage of everything a Jeep Wrangler has to offer. A Jeep Wrangler JK has some amazing off-roading features, a timeless design, a long-lasting engine, and so much history that has kept the vehicle around for over 70 years.
