1997 Jeep Wrangler
Second generation · TJ 1997–2006
Returned to the heritage round headlamps and, most significantly, swapped leaf springs for a coil-spring suspension that dramatically improved ride and articulation. Introduced the Rubicon trim for 2003.
Photo: “1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ SE, Front Left, 09-20-2020.jpg” by SsmIntrigue / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
The 1997 model year
Overview
Introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, the second-generation Wrangler (TJ) reintroduced the heritage round headlamps and, most importantly, replaced the leaf-spring suspension with a coil-spring 'Quadra-Coil' setup that sharply improved ride quality and off-road wheel articulation. There was no 1996 US-market Wrangler.
Specifications
- Body styles
- 2-door SUV
Year over year
What changed
- Returned to round headlamps after the YJ's square units.
- Switched from leaf springs to coil-spring suspension, improving ride and articulation.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- The 4.0-liter inline-six TJs are valued for durability; check frame rust and rear-spring/control-arm condition.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The coil-spring change is the headline TJ upgrade.
- The Rubicon trim arrived later in the TJ run, for 2003.
Famous variants this year
Sources
Other Second generation years
Explore the TJ generation → All Second generation · TJ years →