Jeep Wrangler TJ (second generation, 1997–2006)
1997–2006
The TJ (1997–2006) reintroduced the heritage round headlamps and, far more significantly, replaced the Wrangler's leaf springs with a coil-spring 'Quadra-Coil' suspension that transformed ride quality and off-road articulation. There was no 1996 US-market Wrangler — the TJ arrived as a 1997 model. The TJ also introduced the Rubicon trim for 2003, and remains a favorite for its rugged 4.0-liter inline-six.
Photo: “1996-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ.jpg” by Carluver23 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
1997–2006
Overview
The TJ (1997–2006) reintroduced the heritage round headlamps and, far more significantly, replaced the Wrangler's leaf springs with a coil-spring 'Quadra-Coil' suspension that transformed ride quality and off-road articulation. There was no 1996 US-market Wrangler — the TJ arrived as a 1997 model. The TJ also introduced the Rubicon trim for 2003, and remains a favorite for its rugged 4.0-liter inline-six.
Milestones
Highlights
- Returned to round headlamps after the YJ's square units.
- Coil-spring suspension replaced leaf springs — the headline TJ upgrade.
- Introduced the Rubicon trim for 2003.
Model years in this generation