Jeep Wrangler (TJ)

Start with what the Jeep Wrangler (TJ) is: a 2-door convertible / 2-door SUV with 2.4&nbsp, built from 1996 to 2006, when airbags, anti-lock brakes and Japanese build quality became the world standard. What it meant takes a little longer. The shape is credited to Michael Santoro (1992) / Trevor Creed (MY 2003 refresh, LJ Unlimited: 2001).

Where it came from

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.

Under the skin

The engine is 2.4&nbsp. On the scales it comes to 3092 -. Drive goes through a 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. The wheelbase is 93.4 in standard / 103.4 in LWB. These are manufacturer figures carried by Wikipedia and Wikidata, not road-test measurements.

In context

In the Jeep line-up the Jeep Wrangler (TJ) has a clear place: it replaced the Jeep Wrangler (YJ); it handed the line to the Jeep Wrangler (JK); the factory was Toledo, Ohio. The cars a buyer would have weighed it against include the Alfa Romeo 156, the Porsche Boxster, the Lotus Elise. Nearby in the Jeep catalogue sit the Jeep Wrangler (JK) and the Jeep Gladiator.

Owning one today

Buying one now means $10,600–$34,000 for a typical example, and running it — fuel and maintenance at its age — costs about $4,733–$11,295 a year. Insurance sits around $1,120–$2,120 a year. The figures are class-level estimates from the federal record, with the formula on the methodology page; the model-year pages carry complaints, recalls and repair costs year by year.