On one side are your die-hard CJ lovers who appreciate the uncompromising off-road abilities of the little work-horse...and would prefer that a good thing be left well enough alone.
Another side would argue that the old CJs were just too limited, especially regarding their on-pavement noise and bone-jarring ride, not to mention the often political safety concerns which have affected all automakers.
Then there are those who just like change for the sake of change...or...don't really care one way or the other.
A bit of history on the Wrangler reveals that this model did indeed replace the CJ line. However, the Jeep Wrangler maintained most of the aesthetic features of the "Universal" Jeep design which had been around pretty much since the beginning (going back as far as its military origins in the 1940's).
The Jeep Wrangler began life (or, at least became available) in 1987 created by the American Motors Corporation (AMC).Chrysler Corporation bought out AMC about the same time taking over Jeep, including the new Wrangler.
The new Jeep was designated the Wrangler YJ and was produced from 1987 through 1996.
The Wrangler YJs most controversial change from the previous Jeep models was the rectangular headlights, which deviated from the traditional round headlights of all previous Jeep "Universals".
The YJ did keep the leaf spring set-up on all 4 corners just like its older CJ relatives...only better.
For a while Jeep purists were not so impressed with the new Wrangler especially since some of the compromises in design and function appeared to affect the all out off-road ability when compared with past Jeeps (especially the beloved CJ).
However, for many the compromise appeared to be just the ticket. Now the Jeep was a bit more civilized, but had most of the characteristics of the best off-road abilities. You could drive on the streets (i.e. commute) with some direct improvement in ride and safety (although the noise issue didn't improve much)...and...have the ruggedness and go-anywhere capability.
Click here to read more about the Jeep Wrangler YJ...the First Wranglers!
Many of the die-hard CJ Jeep lovers found that the Wrangler YJ could be easily modified to do the deeds of the old CJ...and then some. Most of these folks have been converted, but not all. And, that's just fine! That's what makes lovin' Jeeps what it is.
The most notable change on the TJ was the use of coil springs on all 4 corners, which replaced the leaf spring set-up that had been on Universal Jeeps since the beginning.
The TJ model continued to be produced through 2006. Then in 2007 the newest Wrangler JK model was introduced sporting even more sophisticated technology and upgrades to the once simple "Universal" Jeep design. Just as on the TJ, the coil sprung suspension continued on the JK models.
However, the aging CJs are becoming more and more scarce...and even the early Wrangler YJs are getting a little difficult to find...leaving the TJ and JK to carry the Jeep torch forward...for the time being anyway.
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
The Jeep YJ 2.5L Engine That Just Keeps Going and Going.
I have a 1994 Jeep YJ 2.5 ltr., 4 cylinder, 5-speed standard transmission with over 350,000 kms on the original motor.
Everything is stock and everything ...
Wrangler Family
We have 4 Wranglers in our family. The red one in the photo above is mine (the 'old man'). The Sahara is my son's Jeep, and the other 2 Wranglers are ...
'ol Blue the Jeep
Always wanted a Jeep since I was a child, but never could afford one with getting married and the kids growing.
Then one day the wife decided she wanted ...
My 2006 2 dr Unlimited Wrangler
I've had it about a month and am really enjoying it.
It had just over 18,000 miles on it and was clean as a whistle. A little too much chrome? Maybe....
Green Jeep YJ That Could
This is my 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ with:
-4.0L HO six,
-AX-15 transmission,
-231 t-case,
-SOA with reached springs,
-flat fendered,
-33x12.50x15 ...
My farm Jeep Project
Was looking for an older Jeep to use on my farm.
Bought this one (1988 Wrangler YJ) not running with work needed. I got it running with a new timing ...
SWINDLE '97 Wrangler
Frame off resto mod of '97 TJ with 2001 DODGE RAM 2500 Drive-train.
Larry's Comment: Tony...I don't quite get your use of "SWINDLE". Is this an ...
The "Junkgler" Modified YJ
Hi guys! I will start by saying that I bought this Jeep in 1996. It was almost new and from then until now it has been my never ending project, my hobby,...
1998 TJ
My daily driver, 1998 TJ Sport. 5spd.
Larry's Comment: Nice one John. Are you happy with your TJ? Does it have a 6 cylinder or a 4 cylinder motor?...
2002 Wrangler TJ Road Trip
My introduction to Jeep driving (in general, not off road), came in the form of a 530-mile road trip from Longmont, CO to Logan, UT.
Compared to my ...
A million miles from home...'91 YJ
My 91 Jeep YJ was built in the USA, bought in Canada, shipped to Africa and now likes to play in the realm of the Land Rover.
Being a non conformist ...
My ZZ383 YJ Wrangler - Hot!!!
420HP Jeep Wrangler
This is the hottest Jeep in New Mexico. This one will shut-down Firebirds, Mustangs, Camaros and even Corvettes!
In fact this ...
2005 Wrangler Unlimited...My Personal Dream Jeep!
This is my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 4.0 liter 6 cyl. and 6 speed manual. The mods are as follows:
-4" Skyjacker suspension lift
-33x12....
Coil Springs on Wranglers since '97
I've never met a Jeep I didn't like, and respect the great history of the line.
Having participated in off-roading for 10 years, though, I've clearly ...
My Highly Modified 1994 Wrangler YJ
I started of with a stock 1994 Jeep Wrangler, stripped it down, sold everything and started adding from there.
Here's a list of everything that's been ...
1989 Wrangler Islander
The YJ Islander was purchased new in the fall of 1988 and has been part of the family ever since.
The amazing fact is that it has just under 13K miles ...
My Third "J"
My first "J" was a 1977 SJ Wagoneer. My second was a 1999 XJ Cherokee Sport. I finally bought the one style I always wanted and it happens to be a 2000 ...
How to potty train your grandson with a Jeep.
I've owned several Jeeps over the years and have had fun adventures with all of them.
Right now I've got a red (is there any other color for a Jeep?...
Isn't she a beauty? My '94 Wrangler YJ
This is my '94 Jeep Wrangler YJ/SE. I bought it new in '95. It is a 6 Cylinder with a 5 speed stick. It has 125,000 miles now, and I've been adding to ...
A Matched Pair of Jeeps
I have a 2003 Wrangler and a 1988 Comanche. I got the Wrangler a year and a half ago. It took me a while to find a hardtop which is a good thing since ...
1994 Wrangler YJ
Started modifying from scratch.
Everything is new!
Larry's Comment: Another nice view Prem. She's a beauty. Great job!
My '09 JK
My first Wrangler was a 95 I bought while living in Maine. I just purchased a 2009 JK and love it. I haven't done too much to it other than adding Black ...
"Ol Blurpule" My '98 Wrangler
I have a '98 standard Jeep Wrangler,she is a 4-cylinder, she is a bluish purple color so I call her "blurpule".
Has a little bit of a wheel upgrade ...
How I Revived My Wrangler's Faded Bumpers
I OWN A 2007 JEEP SAHARA UNLIMITED 4DOOR AND RECENTLY FOUND A VERY GOOD SOLUTION ON HOW TO TREAT THOSE DISCOLORED-FADED BLACK JEEP BUMPERS AND RUNNING ...
MY 1ST JEEP EVER
I BOUGHT MY JEEP AROUND 2 YEAR AGO FROM A FRIEND WHO HAVE IT IN HIS YARD ALL NEGLECTED. ONE DAY HE CALL ME WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEM AND OFFER ME THE JEEP....
Jeeps Suck
All of you dumb a***s that pay too much money for something that I wouldn't waste two dollars on.
I wouldn't mind having one just to keep out in my ...
I love My YJ!!!
My Jeep, there's only one, the best.
It's a Full customize '88 Jeep YJ Wrangler (winch, fog lights, snorkel, 2 tanks, roll bar, modified suspension,...
A Wrangler that traveled 3 continents and 3 oceans
I bought my Wrangler "Coffee&Cream" (Desert Sand Pearl coating special for 2000) in Boston, then lived with it in Japan, and now drive it in my homeland ...
1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander
I own a 1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander edition. It has 4 inches of lift and 33x12.50 bfg mt km2 tires. It also has a different 4 speed transmission, 1975 ...
Unique Jeep YJ
I own a 1994 Jeep YJ SE. This is a unique jeep on it's own, because its the only black Jeep with a factory installed push bar on the front in the whole ...
Money Pit Wrangler TJ
I have a 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ(4.0 inline 6 cylinder). The Hardtop leaks terribly, and water runs from the back of the vehicle to the front floor mats....
My 2000 TJ
I wanted to own a Jeep for a long time.
I remember my dad's Wagoneer with the squeak going down the road, the whining of the Chevy straight 6, and being ...
Little Additions Make for Subtle Beauty on '06 TJ (in my opinion)
Just added small additions to "Jada".
Added a step bar and fog lights. What's not pictured are hood locks; locking gas cover door; and seat covers....
1991 Wrangler Sahara
This is my '91 Jeep Wrangler Sahara YJ. It's a little rusty but who cares?
It's still a Jeep! It has new tires and rims with the addition of the light ...
1989 YJ Islander
This is my 1989 Wrangler YJ Islander.
I bought with it with the motor/trans/clutch/diffs etc rebuilt. It has a 2" body lift with Warn front and rear ...
My Jeeps
I started off in 1979 with a 1975 Jeep CJ. It was a great vehicle for off roading but for the highway and around town it was scary. Perhaps it was the ...
1994 Wrangler
I traded even up for my 1994 Jeep Wrangler around some time in Oct. 2010.
I had a 1997 Chevy Silverado. I was a little sketchy on Jeeps, but I gained ...
This Should Be a Part Recall
My 2008 Wrangler
I love my '08 Wrangler Sahara.
I don't love how a 3 yr. old vehicle has a $500 PROBLEM...the Integrated Control Module went out. It simply refused ...
Love to Hate My '91 YJ
I have owned 2 CJ-5s and 1 CJ-7. Both Jeeps were great and never gave up no matter what I put them through.
Then I had two kids and sold my toys and ...
My 2005 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 6-speed
This is my 2005 Jeep Wrangler SE.
It is a 4x4 and has the 6-speed manual transmission. It has 75,000 miles on it, and it is pretty much all factory ...
My Dream Jeep
I have always wanted a Jeep. My husband bought my Jeep this year for our anniversary in June (2011).
It was the only present I have gotten in 11 ...
1990 JEEP WRANGLER YJ
I ALWAYS WANTED A JEEP, SO WHEN I RETIRED SEVEN MONTHS AGO I STARTED LOOKING FOR ONE.
IT HAD TO BE AUTOMATIC WITH A HARD TOP. I FOUND IT BUT NO HARD ...
Supercharged Jeep Wrangler!
Yellow Jeep, Original Owner, 55,749 Original Miles, Avenger Supercharger w/ Intercooler (tuned for high altitude), Automatic, 4X4 with factory Air conditioning,...
Rebuilt motor Orange Juice YJ Wrangler
My Jeep Wrangler 1988 YJ. I built the 4.2L 6 cyl. engine for $1500. I'm also building a matching trailer.
Larry's Comment: Nice YJ, Mark. We ...
'95 YJ Really is True Love.
I am in love with my Jeep YJ. It is a 1995 (built deep into '96) Wrangler YJ with a 2.5 liter motor and an AX-5 transmission.
Yes, I will upgrade ...
2006 TJ Unlimited Too Good to Pass up!
By chance, we came across a 2006 Wrangler (TJ) Unlimited at a dealer in a near-by city.
Five years old and It had only 18,500 miles! (We put more than ...
MY PRIDE AND JOY '06 WRANGLER
I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I FEEL LIKE A KING WHEN I DRIVE MY 2006 JEEP WRANGLER.
I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT NO MATTER WHAT OBSTACLE MAY COME UP, I CAN GO ...
Our 2001 Wrangler - Hit Hard but Didn't Roll Over!
Driving at 50 mph on October 16th, just after walking across the new bridge at the Hoover Dam, we were struck on the left rear corner by an unobservant ...
My other dog or second best friend Wrangler YJ
I own a 1990 Wrangler YJ with a straight 6 (258cc, last year for this AMC legacy). Had big tires and a lift kit for couple years.
I did a bit of "sport"...
Offroading My '87 Wrangler Laredo
I am relatively new to offroading, but I love it.
Driving down narrow trails and dirt roads on a summer day is a blast. I've driven trucks, but they'...
2006 Unlimited 2 door Tonka Toy
After rebuilding a '77 CJ7 and then moving on to an '85 CJ7 I knew I was ready for something a little more modern.
I liked the newer longer Wranglers,...
From Young to Old ...A Jeep Story!
My first "car" was a 1985 CJ7 that I bought for $1,250. I loved it.
I swore I'd never get one of those new Jeeps because they weren't really Jeeps....
Go beyond the beaten path.....Go...."On Safari"!!!!!
I just bought a 1997 Jeep Wrangler SE, 4 cyl. 2.5L, 5 speed manual.
I bought it for $4200.00 off a man who refurbished it not to make money, but as ...
My First Jeep
I purchased this baby almost a year ago and being that it was my first car, I needed a Jeep Wrangler, and any model would do.
We went and looked at ...
Crossed over to the Dark Side!!!
A few years ago a good friend of mine took me camping. He decided to let me try four-wheeling with his truck, and from that moment on I KNEW that I wanted ...
I Love My '97 Wrangler TJ
My current Jeep is a '97 stock Wrangler, and I've owned it for about 6 or 7 years now.
The only thing that I have done to it is to put more aggressive ...
Jeep People
When I finally got my first Jeep 3 years ago, I realized I had always been "Jeep People", just without the Jeep.
Mine is a 2004 Unlimited (LJ). The ...
1995 Green YJ
On March 21, 1995 I ordered my Jeep Wrangler YJ from a local Jeep Dealer.
With little money, I was limited to what I could get on it. It is Emerald ...
BLACK AND BLUE My first Jeep (its a 1999) TJ
I just got my first Jeep and I'm loving it! Going to the beach and ice cream every day. Not too many Intense Blue Pearl coats out there.
Thanks for ...
My yellow 2006 Jeep TJ
Ever since I was a kid I loved Jeeps. I purchased my first Jeep in 1997 and it was a "chili pepper" red Wrangler SE. I sold the Jeep to go to school in ...
I have a 1997 Jeep TJ (built in 1996)
I have Poison Spider tub, front and rear fenders and a rock crawler front and rear bumper. I have a Rubicon 5.5 lift and many other options.
I was ...
Jeep People are Friendly
I'm currently driving the 6th Jeep of my life. (5 Wranglers and 1 Liberty)
My current TJ is a 65th Anniversary edition and is completely stock. I ...
My Buddy
As a child I experienced my first introduction to Jeeps.
My uncle had a Willys Jeep that he used to get back and forth to his mountain top farm in ...
My THIRD JEEP!!!
I gotta say that I am a HUGE JEEP fan.
So far I've owned a Laredo, a Liberty, and now a TJ. I LOVE IT! It has all the amenities of any other truck ...
1999 Jeep is My Best Friend
My 1999 Jeep 4 cyl. automatic and I have been together since I bought it new in 1999.
It's like any relationship if you love something you overlook ...
the legend wrangler
Hi..i just bought my Wrangler (2002)...from dealer..in 2007. It is an awesome car. Since I bought it I never go off road. I didn't get the chance....
My Toy
I have wanted a Jeep all my life. I found one 2 months ago. A '92 YJ with only 96,000 miles. It had 2 rust holes in front of both doors. A little rust ...
20 Year Old Wrangler
I have owned my 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ since I drove it off the lot - first new vehicle I bought once I graduated from school. Currently has 95K miles ...
2003 Wrangler TJ Sahara
I love it! Though full doors don't look as cool as half doors. But half doors are a pain to roll down your window.
Larry's Comment: Why not send ...
My '92 YJ Renegade Project
Just bought it.
It's a 1992 YJ Renegade in white.
Project for winter to rebuild all - frame - suspension - and maybe the engine - not sure yet.
Larry'...
Next best thing to a bike
Bought my '94 YJ in 1996, when she had 26K on her. Now, thirteen years later, two motorcycles & a '57 Chevy truck, she is still my most reliable daily ...
1987 Wrangler YJ
I have a 1987 Wrangler YJ that is completely restored. I have a Corvette red paint job. The frame is all undercoated, and the whole underneath and inside ...
Love Jeeps..Especially my 1987 YJ Wrangler
I absolutely love Jeeps. As far back as I can remember, my uncle worked for AMC and imprinted on me at a young age, the Jeep brand. Since then I've always ...
SFL Jeep YJ/TJ owner
I have had CJs, YJs and TJs. I currently have a 92 YJ 6cyl auto, and a 98 4cyl auto TJ.
I wheel my YJ regularly in the swamps and sand, etc. in SFL....
Hawaiian Wrangler YJ
My name is Anue and I am from Hawaii. My Jeep Wrangler is a 1987 Wrangler YJ. It has a standard transmission and a removable soft top and the engine and ...
Upper Michigan Jeep Wrangler
I recently purchased a 2007 Jeep Wrangler for about $13,000. It had very few miles on it but had a few dents, etc. It has just the standard features ...
I like my 1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ
I am Saurabh from North America and I have 1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ and I love this Jeep. I have had hardly any problems with it so far. I just had to replace ...
Should have done this years ago
For years I have admired Jeeps, while driving whatever cheap econobox I could find. The modular structure (hardtop/softtop/no top) or doors (full/half/...
2007 Jeep Wrangler On The Job
Last year,my task was to carry out a Land Survey and Leveling for a proposed road of twenty kilometers along the countries, United Arabic Emirates and ...
My Red 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ
I have a red 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ with a standard transmission. I have a 6 inch lift kit, a brush guard and the all important "Life is Good" wheel cover ...
Love my '91 Wrangler Islander
I have a 91 Jeep Wrangler Islander. It is a 4 Wheel Drive with a 4.0 Liter engine and standard transmission. As of now it has almost 200,000 miles on it,...
Will Never Sell My Wrangler!
I have owned my 1995 Jeep Wrangler with the Rio Grande package since '96 (the year that they produced no Jeep Wrangler Models). I have the five speed stick....