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 CJ's 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 it's 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 Wrangler YJ's most controversial change from the previous Jeep models was the rectangular headlights, which deviated from the traditional round headlights of all previous Jeep "Universals".
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. Most have been converted, but not all. And, that's just fine! That's what makes lovin' Jeeps what it is.
Ultimately, the customer (the market-place) is what determines wants and needs in the automotive world. Always let companies (no matter how large), and government know how you feel especially regarding ridiculous (translated.. expensive and unnecessary) laws, add-ons and fees (otherwise known as taxes).
It's your money so you have a say-so on what and how you choose to spend it.
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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?...
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 ...
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,...
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 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"...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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....