Jeep Evolution: 1945 Jeep CJ vs. 2012 Jeep Wrangler

We take a side-by-side at the 1945 Jeep CJ and the 2012 Jeep Wrangler to see how the iconic vehicle has evolved over the years.

Transcript

00:00 It's been just over 70 years since Jeep started producing what would eventually be

00:21 known as the Wrangler.

00:24 Yet as the model changed from military Jeep to the current JK, the vehicle has stayed

00:29 loyal to its go anywhere off-roading roots.

00:34 Back in 1945, the first civilian Jeep went on sale.

00:38 Its wheelbase was 80 inches and was 128 inches long overall.

00:45 These days, the JK has a 95.4 inch wheelbase and is more than 2 feet longer, 152.8 inches

00:53 long overall.

00:59 A 3-speed manual was the only choice in 1945.

01:04 Now Jeep buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.

01:12 The 2,200 pound CJ has evolved into a 3,900 pound JK.

01:19 The old CJ's engine was a 2.2 liter, 60 horsepower L-head inline 4.

01:26 These days, power comes from a 3.6 liter, 285 horsepower V6.

01:32 And whether you have a Jeep from the 1940s or one from 2012, you can still remove the

01:38 doors and fold down the windshield, making this the ultimate open air vehicle.

01:43 [Music]