Jeep Wrangler TJ: Destined to Become a Classic

Certainly, the YJ Jeep introduced the world to the renowned nameplate, but a return to square headlights has ever been firmly off the table. It's widely agreed that the foundational elements of a Jeep's design, including its iconic seven-slot grille and circular headlights, are paramount. This sentiment solidifies the belief among many that the "TJ" model represents the "True Jeep." Despite Huey Lewis's notion that it's hip to be square, rectangular headlights are one fad from the past that many Jeep enthusiasts are happy to leave behind.

Earning the moniker of the "Millennial Jeep," the TJ series brought significant updates like replacing leaf springs with coils and softening its previously sharp edges. Yet, it retained the legendary AMC engines, with the robust 4.0-liter inline six enduring throughout the TJ's production. The original 2.5-liter "AMC 150" gave way to a 2.4-liter engine, often dubbed "the Neon engine" by loyalists, sparking some controversy among purists.

Jeep's identity is deeply intertwined with that of America, making it a challenge to separate the two. No vehicle symbolizes this connection better than the Wrangler. Transitioning from a niche offering to an emblem of mainstream appeal, the Wrangler, epitomized by the TJ, carved out a defining niche in a market now flush with competitive options. This model owes its lineage to the Willys CJ but stands out as the first truly modern incarnation of the Jeep Wrangler.

Why the Jeep Wrangler TJ Secures Its Spot as a Future Classic

Produced during a period marked by Chrysler’s variable quality control standards, the TJ continues to captivate Jeep devotees thanks to its durable construction and the unwavering performance of its inline-six engine. Its successor, the JK, made a lukewarm entrance, leading some to speculate whether its naming was an intentional nod to internet culture. The TJ, while being an update over its predecessor, has retained many key elements that endeared the original to its fans.

Finding the Perfect TJ Wrangler for You

The adventure of Jeep ownership is a highly personal journey. Your intended use for the vehicle should greatly influence your buying decision. Whether you're eyeing a rock crawler or a convertible for summer drives with added utility for rainy days, one piece of advice stands out: opt for the Inline-6 engine if possible, for its superior balance of power and efficiency. Early models may come with their share of issues, hence steering clear of the debut year, 1997, and looking towards models from 2000 or 2001 onwards is wise as many initial problems had been resolved by then. For those in search of a turnkey rock crawler, setting your sights on the 2003 model when the Rubicon was first introduced provides an excellent starting point.

The TJ era also marked the first time Wrangler, and indeed any soft-top Jeep since the CJ, was offered in several wheelbases. The LJ or "Long Jeep" termed the Unlimited in commercials, provided an outlier with its two-door configuration contrary to the long-wheelbase successors, the JK and JL (known as the JKU and JLU for "Unlimited"), which are strictly four-door models. This lengthier model provided significantly more legroom in the rear, akin to the CJ-6 which it evokes in spirit.

For those in Australia ready to embark on the Jeep adventure, booking a test drive can offer a firsthand experience of what these iconic vehicles have to offer. Whether you're drawn to the unparalleled legacy of the TJ or another model suits your lifestyle better, remember, booking a test drive is the first step to uncovering the perfect Jeep for your adventures. Turn to our platform for an effortless experience in booking a test drive, narrowing down options, and finding the ideal deal near you.