1996 Jeep Wrangler TJ Photos, engines & full specs

Jeep introduced the second generation of the Wrangler in 1996, and unlike its predecessor, it was controlled by the American car company Chrysler.

When the previous generation broke covers in 1986, Jeep and AMC were still owned by the French automaker Renault. The model was successful, with more than 600,000 units sold in a decade, but it was not considered a true successor of the Willy’s or the CJ5/7 due to its squared headlights. However, after Renault dropped the towel on the American market and sold AMC and Jeep to Chrysler in 1987, the new owner considered improving the Jeep brand. Furthermore, it listened carefully to what owners wanted, and then it delivered the second generation of the Wrangler, the TJ, in 1996 for the 1997 model year.

Chrysler introduced the Wrangler TJ at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit in 1996, and customers were happy with the new round headlights, which replaced the squared ones from the YJ Wrangler. Between them, the automaker placed the classic seven-slat grille. Jeep installed squared turn signal lamps on the wide front fenders, while the bumper featured rubber caps on its ends.

From its profile, the windscreen grabbed attention. It was still flat and could fold forward onto the hood, but its base was moved two inches forward, and its overall height was one inch shorter than on the YJ, resulting in a slightly better drag coefficient. Another improvement was for the fuel cap, which was moved to the rear quarter panel on the driver’s side. The wheel fenders were adorned by rubber trims, which protected the bodywork against chips and stones thrown from the wheels. A set of side steps eased ingress and egress to the cabin. Out back, the automaker installed a side-hinged half-door that allowed access to the trunk and supported the spare wheel as well.

The cabin was a big step forward in terms of comfort and features. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster that grouped all the main dials and gauges on the same panel, unlike its predecessor, which had them spread on the dashboard towards the side passenger. In addition, the modular dashboard allowed for lower production costs for LHD and RHD vehicles. On the center stack, Jeep installed the stereo cassette player and the HVAC control unit, while on the center console, it placed the gear stick and the lever for the transfer box. The redesigned front bucket seats provided more comfort and could slide forward to ease access for those seated in the back.

Under the hood, the Wrangler TJ was available with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a four-liter inline-six paired with a five-speed manual or, as an option, a three-speed automatic. Later, a four-speed automatic replaced the three-speed version.