The Jeep Wrangler is an automotive icon. Its rugged capability and open-air freedom represent the adventurous spirit that America was built on. But is this legendary off-roader still made in the USA?
A Brief History of Jeep Production
The origins of the Jeep trace back to World War II. The first Jeeps were produced by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio to meet the U.S. Army’s need for a lightweight, go-anywhere reconnaissance vehicle. After proving themselves invaluable during combat, surplus Jeeps were sold to the public, sparking widespread popularity.
Production expanded to meet demand. Facilities in Toledo as well as Detroit, Michigan and Richmond, Indiana assembled Jeeps through the 1940s and 50s. The Willys company was sold to Kaiser Motors in 1953, later becoming Kaiser-Jeep. American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s Jeep operations in 1970.
The first Wrangler, known as the YJ, debuted in 1986. These were produced at AMC’s Brampton Assembly in Ontario, Canada. Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, bringing Jeep under new ownership once again.
Related: History Behind the Jeep Wrangler
Made in Toledo Since 1992
In 1992, Chrysler made the decision to consolidate Wrangler production at its Toledo Complex. The Toledo factory was where Jeeps were first built for World War II, bringing things full circle. The new Toledo North Assembly Plant was constructed specifically for Wrangler production.
Ever since, every Wrangler sold in America has been assembled in Toledo. Currently, over 700,000 square feet of the 3.7 million square foot Toledo Complex is dedicated to Wrangler production. Over 6,000 hourly workers staff two shifts six days a week to meet demand.
An American Design
The exterior design of the Wrangler is crafted by Jeep’s design studio in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Designers and engineers work to improve the Wrangler while carefully maintaining signature styling cues. Keeping the seven-slot grille, round headlights, fold-down windshield and removable doors preserves the Wrangler’s heritage.
Domestic Content
According to FCA, the Wrangler’s domestic content is around 75%. The frame, body, engine, transmission and axles are all made in America. However, some components are sourced from overseas:
- Body electrical components: Mexico
- HVAC system: Japan
- Convertible top: Canada
- Tires: Canada or Korea
By value, less than 25% of parts are imported. The Wrangler has a higher percentage of U.S. content than many other vehicles produced domestically.
Related: Wrangler’s Diverse Model Lineup
Investing in American Manufacturing
In 2018, FCA announced a $273 million investment in the Toledo Complex to retool and expand for next-generation Wrangler production. The company highlighted its commitment to keeping Wrangler production in the U.S. even as pickups and SUVs shifted to Mexico.
The Toledo area has a deep talent pool of skilled tradespeople and engineers essential for specialized Wrangler assembly. And Wrangler buyers appreciate its ‘Made in America’ credibility. For FCA, domestic production is key to preserving the Wrangler’s authentic Jeep heritage.
Jeep Wrangler Global Production
While American-made Wranglers are sold in the U.S., FCA does produce Wranglers in other countries to serve those markets. Overseas production minimizes costs from import tariffs and freight.
- China: Local joint venture produces Wranglers for Chinese market
- India: Wrangler assembly planned to start in 2022
- Brazil: Produces right-hand drive Wranglers for Australia and India
However, no matter where they are built, every Wrangler shares the same iconic design and engineering DNA. And American-made Wranglers remain the heart of the brand.
Are Jeep Wranglers American-Made?
While the Wrangler sources some components from global suppliers, it proudly lives up to its reputation as an American icon. According to FCA, around 75% of parts content comes from domestic sources.
Critical systems like the frame, body, engine and drivetrain are all made in America. Final assembly takes place at the Toledo Complex, where skilled Ohio workers carefully build each Wrangler. With its history stretching back to World War II, robust engineering, and “Made in Toledo” credibility, the Jeep Wrangler delivers an authentic American driving experience.
Are all Jeep Wranglers made in the USA?
For the U.S. market, all new Wranglers sold at American Jeep dealers are assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio.
This has been the case since 1992, when Chrysler consolidated production to its original Jeep manufacturing home.
However, FCA and now Stellantis do produce Wranglers in other countries to serve those regional markets, minimizing costs from tariffs and transportation. Plants in China, India and Brazil build Wranglers tailored for those locales. But only the American-made Wranglers end up in the hands of U.S. drivers.
Who makes Jeep Wrangler engines?
The engines powering the latest Jeep Wranglers are built in the United States. Two of the available engine choices, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder, are manufactured by FCA at the company’s Trenton Engine Plant in Michigan.
The optional 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 that joined the lineup for the 2018 model year is supplied by VM Motori in Italy. But the American-built gas engines power the majority of Wranglers sold. So the iconic growl you hear when the engine roars to life comes courtesy of Detroit.
The Future of Jeep Manufacturing
In 2021, Fiat Chrysler merged with France’s Groupe PSA to form the new Stellantis company. The automaker says Jeep brand identity will not change under Stellantis ownership.
TheToledo Complex received $350 million in investments for the 2022 model year Wrangler. Stellantis’ five year plan calls for significant investment in U.S. Jeep manufacturing capacity.
While global business realities require localized production, the American roots of Jeep run deep. For the foreseeable future, the Wrangler and its spiritual home will remain in Toledo.
Conclusion
Over 75 years after the first Jeeps rolled off the line in Toledo, the Wrangler continues the legacy as an American icon, built in America. FCA and now Stellantis have maintained domestic Wrangler production through evolving economic factors. Significant investments in U.S. facilities demonstrate the company’s commitment. For American customers seeking an authentic off-road experience, the “Made in Toledo” Wrangler delivers.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Wrangler
https://www.businessinsider.com/jeep-wrangler-made-fiat-chrysler-automobiles-factory-2018-12
