1987 Jeep Wrangler
First generation · YJ 1987–1995
The original Wrangler, replacing the CJ-7. Distinguished by its unique square (rectangular) headlamps — the only Wrangler with them — plus a wider track and more on-road comfort, while keeping leaf-spring suspension.
Photo: “1987 Jeep YJ in Colorado Red, Front Left, 06-10-2023.jpg” by Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
The 1987 model year
Overview
The Wrangler nameplate launched for 1987 (YJ), replacing the long-running CJ-7. It kept the CJ's body-on-frame, solid-axle, leaf-spring 4x4 layout but added a wider track, lower center of gravity, and more comfort, safety, and on-road manners. Its defining visual quirk: square (rectangular) headlamps — the only Wrangler generation ever to wear them.
Specifications
- Body styles
- 2-door SUV
Year over year
What changed
- Launch year of the Wrangler, replacing the CJ-7.
- Adopted square (rectangular) headlamps — unique to the YJ.
- Wider track and improved on-road comfort versus the CJ, on leaf springs.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- 1980s body-on-frame 4x4; rust (especially frames and floors) and the condition of the 4x4 hardware are the chief checks on survivors.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The first Wrangler; the square-headlight YJ is the easiest generation to identify at a glance.
Famous variants this year
Sources
Other First generation years
Explore the YJ generation → All First generation · YJ years →