Jeep · 1996–2006

Jeep Wrangler (TJ)

The Jeep Wrangler (TJ) is the second generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road and sport utility vehicle (SUV). Introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, the TJ reintroduced the circular headlights that the classic Jeep models had been known for. For the 2004 model year, the long-wheelbase Unlimited model was introduced.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Jeep Wrangler (YJ) · Successor: Jeep Wrangler (JK)

All Jeep Wrangler data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

History

In 1990, development of a successor to the YJ began in Chrysler's "Jeep-Truck Engineering Pre-Program" department under Bob Sheaves and TJ program director Craig Winn. Mules based on the YJ were built from 1990 to 1993, when formal approval was given for the TJ development program at a $260 million budget. From 1991 to 1992, designers worked at the new Chrysler Technical Center, building on various design proposals. In late 1992, Michael Santoro's TJ proposal was chosen by Tom Gale, Lee Iacocca, and executive management. In May 1993, now with engineering and supplier input, Santoro's final Wrangler production design was frozen at 32 months ahead of initial assembly. Verification prototypes using production bodies were built from early 1994 and tested through late 1995. As YJ production ceased in December 1995, the last pre-production TJ examples were assembled, with the start of the series of production in January 1996. Unveiled on January 2, 1996, at the 1996 Detroit Auto Show as an early 1997 model year introduction (1996 model year skipped), the TJ was an evolutionary update. It later arrived in Jeep showrooms in April 1996, after 6 years of overall investment and 36-month production development phase. Instead of leaf springs, this updated Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension, front and rear, for better ride and handling, and a return to the classic CJ's round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0 L AMC 242 Straight-6 used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. A 2.5 L AMC 150 Inline-4 engine was available on entry-level models until 2002. The 2.4 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine previously used on the Chrysler PT Cruiser replaced it for 2003. In 1998 (MY1999), the fuel tank became standard at 19 U.S. gallons (72 L; 16 imp gal) capacity. There were some changes between 2

Trim levels

North American TJ/Wranglers were available in the following standard trims. SE: 1997–2006 models came standard with the 2.5 L from 1996 to 2002 production, and the 2.4 L from 2003 to 2006 production. The 4.0 L optional for 2005–2006. Standard features included an AM/FM stereo with two speakers (later, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player or single-disc CD player and four speakers), vinyl seats, and a rear removable bench seat. This model was also available as a right-hand-drive (RHD) rural mail carrier model, which included right-hand-drive (RHD) and a flip-out front window for easy mail delivery. The rural mail package included a Dana 44 rear axle and a hardtop with the 4.0 and the automatic transmission. X: 2002–2006 models came standard with 4.0 L, but no Dana 44 rear axle option. Standard features included a full-length center console courtesy lights, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and four speakers (later, a CD player replaced the cassette player), but air conditioning was optional. Sport: 1997–2006 models came standard with 4.0 L and the Dana 35 rear axle. The Dana 44 rear axle, 3.73 axle ratio, and 30" wheel and tire group are optional. The Dana 44 could also be upgraded with a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential case. Standard features were an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and four speakers, and cloth seats. Sahara: 1997–2004 models came standard with 4.0 L, wider body, colored fender flares, body colored rocker sills, optional 30-inch wheel and tire group, and full steel doors. The Sahara also features exclusive decals, seats, and trim. The Dana 44 rear axle and 3.73 axle ratio were optional. Standard features included an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and four speakers (later, a CD player replaced the cassette player, and seven premium speakers w

2003 model year update

For the 2003 model year, the Jeep Wrangler TJ received a mid-cycle restyling. On the exterior, there were new wheel designs to choose from, as well as new exterior decals. Under the hood, a new 2.4L "Power-Tech" Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gas engine from the Jeep Liberty KJ, producing 147 horsepower and 165 lb. ft. of torque, replaced the 2.5L Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gas engine that was shared with the Jeep Cherokee (XJ). A new off-road focused Rubicon model was introduced. The Ultradrive 42RLE automatic transmission became the sole automatic transmission regardless of engine choice. On the interior, a new steering wheel derived from the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) was added, and interior switch gear was also revised. All audio systems were redesigned, and the standard audio system was now an A/M-F/M stereo radio with a cassette player (a single-disc CD player was also available, and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer replaced the previous remotely-mounted unit). A standard four-speaker audio system and an optional seven-speaker premium audio system with a front center console-mounted subwoofer and amplifier were both available. Sirius Satellite Radio became available for the first time on the Wrangler. The seats were redesigned with new fabrics and improved comfort. The key was also redesigned with a new round head.

2006 model year

2006 was the final model year for the Jeep Wrangler TJ and Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited before being replaced by the all-new, third-generation Jeep Wrangler (JK) and Jeep Wrangler (JK) Unlimited. For 2006, two new special edition models were offered for the regular-wheelbase Wrangler TJ: a 65TH Anniversary Edition and the Golden Eagle Edition, both paying tribute to Jeep's heritage (the Golden Eagle was an option package for the Jeep CJ-7, and the 65TH Anniversary Edition celebrated 65 years of production for the Jeep brand). The 4.0L "Power-Tech" Inline Six-Cylinder (I6) engine became standard equipment on all Wrangler TJ models, as the 2.4L "Power-Tech" Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gas engine was dropped, and all Wrangler TJ models now featured the Chrysler NSG370 transmission (manual transmission) as standard equipment, as the five-speed manual transmission was dropped in 2005. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler (JK) and first-ever Jeep Wrangler (JK) Unlimited were introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan in January 2006.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Jeep Wrangler (TJ)

Manufacturer

Jeep

aka

Jeep TJ (Canada), Jeep TJL (Egypt)

Production

January 1996 – July 2006

Model years

1997–2006

Assembly

United States: Toledo, Ohio (Toledo Complex), Egypt: Cairo (AAV)

Engine

2.4 L PowerTech I4 2.5 L AMC I4 4.0 L AMC I6

Body style

2-door convertible, 2-door SUV

Width

1996–2003, 2004–2006 LWB: 68.3 in, 2004–2006 SWB: 66.7 in

Length

1996–1999: 151.2 in, 1999–2003: 155.4 in, 2004–2006 SWB: 154.9 in, 2004–2006 LWB "Unlimited":, Without spare: 167 in, Incl. spare: 171 in

Height

1996–1999: 70.2 in, 1999–2001: 71.1 in, 2002–2003 & 2004–2006 LWB: 70.9 in, 2004–2006 SWB: 71.2 in

Transmission

3-speed TorqueFlite 30RH automatic, 3-speed TorqueFlite 32RH automatic, 4-speed Ultradrive 42RLE automatic , 5-speed Aisin AX-5 manual, 5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual , 5-speed New Venture Gear NV3550 manual , 5-speed New Venture Gear NV1500 manual , 6-speed Chrysler NSG370 manual, Transfer cases:, 1997-2006 New Process NP231, 2003-2006 New Process NP241OR

Wheelbase

93.4 in standard, 103.4 in LWB

Kerb weight

3092 -

Predecessor

Jeep Wrangler (YJ)

Successor

Jeep Wrangler (JK)

Related

AIL Storm II, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Designer

Michael Santoro (1992), Trevor Creed (MY 2003 refresh, LJ Unlimited: 2001)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47036818CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Wrangler_(TJ)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376723685 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeep_Wrangler1997.JPGPublic domain · Photo: Maarten Van Camp · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Jeep