Looking Back at the Jeep® TJ Wrangler
Posted on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:00 am by Jeep in Heritage, Jeep Wrangler
There have been many great models over the long 71 years of Jeep® brand vehicle history. Of these, the Wrangler, with its iconic style, is the model that is most instantly recognizable around the world. While all Wrangler models have enjoyed success, the TJ stands out as one of the most popular and successful models. The TJ Wrangler began production in 1997 and lasted until 2006 and its nine-year reign saw many improvements to the model that made a significant impact on the Jeep brand.
The TJ was an almost completely new design from its predecessor, the also-popular YJ, which lasted from 1987 to 1996. Huge changes to the chassis, suspension, and axle greatly improved the Wrangler’s off-roading ability. The TJ rocked on successfully for several years until 2003, when the most capable Jeep Wrangler to date was developed: the Jeep TJ Wrangler Rubicon.
If anything, the TJ model is most noteworthy for the introduction of the Wrangler Rubicon in 2003. At the time, the Rubicon was the most capable off-roading vehicle available from the factory. That tradition continues today with the all-new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. To carry the title of most capable, the Rubicon comes standard with hard-core off-roading equipment and numerous options, such as heavy duty drive-shafts, electronic locking front and rear axles with Dana 44 front and rear differentials, electronic sway bar disconnects, and factory installed rocker rails. Standard 31-inch tires, a factory lift, and many other off-roading features round out a vehicle that is trail-ready immediately after driving off the showroom floor.
Other standard models during the TJ era were the SE, Sport, X, and Sahara. Plus, several specialty editions were introduced during that time, including the 2003 Rubicon Tomb Raider Edition, 2004 Willys Edition, 2004 Columbia Edition, 2006 Golden Eagle Edition, and the 2006 65th Anniversary Edition (of which only about 1600 were made). Another contribution to the TJ era is the Wrangler Unlimited (LJ). This model was 15 inches longer, giving the TJ plenty of extra cargo room. The 2006 LJ Wrangler Unlimited was the last two-door version of the longer TJ Wrangler to be made.
In 2007, the TJ was finally succeeded by the JK Wrangler with a completely new engine, frame, and body design. But during its reign, the TJ was highly successfully and wildly popular, and thanks to Jeep brand’s sturdy design, you will still see the TJ Wrangler on the road for years to come. There is no doubt that the TJ’s popularity, coupled with the introduction of the Rubicon and all the other great editions, makes this vehicle a valuable part of the Jeep brand’s rich history.
Tell us about your TJ Wrangler! Do you own a TJ specialty edition?
75 Responses to “Looking Back at the Jeep® TJ Wrangler”
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Recent Comments
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Chris M
07. Oct, 2011
Alan: Build yourself one of these:
http://www.aev-conversions.com/products/brute/
Walt Hoesing
07. Oct, 2011
I have a 2001, with 185000 miles, no oil leaks and one clutch. I have had very good luck with my TJ and thinking about a new 2012. Thanks Jeep for all you hard work. Now put a V-8 down in one.
Janelle
16. Nov, 2011
I absolutely LOVE my 2005 TJ Rubicon. The only frustration I’ve had is that the pin won’t pop out to remove the doors. They’re both totally stuck, and believe me, we’ve tried everything. Any hints? Or do I need to take it to a dealer? LONG LIVE OUR JEEPS!
Philip
03. Sep, 2012
There are no pins to pop off. To remove the doors, you have to remove the nuts and then lift the entire door off the hinges. The “pins” are connected to the upper hinges. Hope this solves your problem.
Paul
26. Nov, 2011
Love my tj, I have driven all kinds of 4wds all over outback Australia and nothing compares, broke two 80 series landcruisers, a troopcarrier, and a new model hilux but can’t stop the tj!
MB
16. Jan, 2012
I have had two 2004 TJs which I absolutely adore. One Rubicon, one X. Both are great go-anywhere vehicles. Still have the Rubicon, and use if for moderate rock crawling on a weekly basis, as well as expedition stuff.
Don’t count the JKs out, though – this last weekend I saw several JKs handle rock crawling I thought would be completely beyond them, and they only suffered a few scratches on the bumpers. Those new puffy bumpers hang out a bit too far in the rear.
troy
16. Feb, 2012
got a 98 tj se for my first car. i love it! we have a farm an when it rains even small tractors get stuck. dad has a 01 chevy dually and all 6 tires were spinning. with mudders. i passed him in 2 wheel drive without spinning a tire. an my jeep only has all terains. thats saying something. this jeep is the only vehicle i have seen that can get out of the farm when the skys open up. jeep was the original 4 wheel drive. i guess you cant beat the original.
Jim
24. Feb, 2012
I have a 2004 TJ X which I just love. Thing is incredible in the snow, mud, anything. wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Go Jeep!
john
13. Apr, 2012
I just got my first Jeep about a month ago. it’s a 97 TJ Sport. It was pushing 205k miles when I got it, and it runs great! Now I’m drooling over parts catalogs, I think I caught the “make it taller” fever. ha! I love this thing!
Luke
24. May, 2012
I have a 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN EDITION see that its so rare you guys did not even know about it!!!
Summer_sun821
25. May, 2012
I too have a 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN EDITION Yellow soft top. I have not yet known anyone who knew about it yes a rare jeep indeed.It has the Dana 40 rear end instead of the 30 a real plus!
Luke
25. May, 2012
I thought they came with a Dana 44
Chris
26. May, 2012
Lots of the non-standard models came with the Dana 44, including the Rubicon and the Rocky Mountain Edition, it’s probably a typo on his part because I don’t believe a Dana 40 exists, though the 30 does.
Summer_sun821
26. May, 2012
Yes its a Dana 44 yikes on typos, in any case the 44 is far better than the 30 had problems with the 30 in my yj and eventualy it went completly
Judoka
19. Jun, 2012
I owned a 97 Sahara edition which I absolutely loved! Eventually she became a monster whose sole purpose was to eat rocks. I sold her and missed having a Jeep for years. Like many before me I returned to Wrangler and now have a 2004 Columbia Edition. she is perfect the way she is, but we will make her better. First thing to go will be the D35!
Name (required)
22. Jun, 2012
Smart move getting rid of the D35 why they don’t put the D44 in all of them boggles me. Had a YJ with the D35 and it was a headache and then some when it went.
summer_sun821
03. Sep, 2012
I own a 04 mountian its been great ! Can’t make enough comments to due her justice.
Jim
24. Oct, 2012
I have an ’04 GC – WJ model. Great trucks
Shin Splint Causes
24. Oct, 2012
These are incredble trucks. That 4.0 liter motor is bullet proof
Chip
24. Nov, 2012
I have a yellow 2000 4.0 sport, it has 33×12.5 Duratrac wranglers with 4″ pro comp susp. And 1″ body with lots of mods. My jeep now has 209000 miles and the only problem I have ever had was a bad sensor. I live in the middle of a 5,000 acre wooded area in Louisiana with lots of mud and many dirt roads and trails and my tj is a very dependable daily driver still, thanks jeep for my dream vehicle !!
The Big Yellow One
24. Dec, 2012
I have a 2000 sport 4.0 liter engine 6 in. Sky’s extreme offroad custom lift, 35 in. crawler tires, arb lockers front and rear, edge performance kit with chip, cold air intake, throttle body spacer, and manifold. Plus many other mods and extras. I previously owned a yj and it does not even compare. This jeep has been unbeatable offroad. It is refered to by all the guys as the big yellow beast and it is just that. It turns heads and there is no feeling better than driving a jeep.