X

The Jeep Wrangler replaces the CJ in 1987

In 1987, the Jeep Wrangler debuted. Compared to the Jeep CJ, the YJ Wrangler was a lighter and better driving replacement.

jonwong.jpg
jonwong.jpg
Jon Wong
1987-jeep-wrangler-wrangler-laredo
1 of 16 FCA

1987 Jeep Wrangler Laredo

In response to market demands for small four-wheel-drive vehicles with more daily comfort features, Jeep discontinued the CJ series and replaced it with the Wrangler.

1987-jeep-wrangler-1
2 of 16 FCA

1987 Jeep Wrangler

Like the CJ, the Wrangler retained a body-on-frame setup.

1987-jeep-wrangler-2
3 of 16 FCA

1987 Jeep Wrangler

To improve handling, the YJ Wrangler's suspension featured track bars and antiroll bars.

1988-jeep-wrangler-sahara
4 of 16 FCA

1988 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

At launch, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 121 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque served as the base engine. A 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder was also available with with 112 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque.

1989-jeep-wrangler-laredo
5 of 16 FCA

1989 Jeep Wrangler Laredo

In 1991, an upgraded 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder replaced the 4.2-liter as the available engine upgrade.

89concept
6 of 16 FCA

1989 Jeep Wrangle Rubicon concept

The 1989 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Concept based off of the YJ.

1990-jeep-wrangler-islander
7 of 16 FCA

1990 Jeep Wrangler Islander

The Islander option package included body-color wheel flares and side steps, sunset graphics on the hood and lower body and Islander logos on the front fenders and spare tire cover.

1990-jeep-wrangler-laredo
8 of 16 FCA

1990 Jeep Wrangler Laredo

Laredo models of the YJ Wrangler included a chrome grille, bumpers, trim, body color fender flares and alloy wheels. 

jeepheritage
9 of 16 FCA

1991 Jeep Renegade

The Renegade decor package included exclusive wheels, a full-size spare tire, fog lamps, power steering and off-road shocks.

1990-jeep-wrangler
10 of 16 FCA

1990 Jeep Wrangler

More than 630,000 YJ Jeep Wranglers were produced. The YJ generation was the only Wrangler to feature square headlights.

1991-jeep-wrangler
11 of 16 FCA

1991 Jeep Wrangler

1992-jeep-wrangler
12 of 16 FCA

1992 Jeep Wrangler

1993-jeep-wrangler
13 of 16 FCA

1993 Jeep Wrangler

1994-jeep-wrangler-1
14 of 16 FCA

1994 Jeep Wrangler

1994-jeep-wrangler-2
15 of 16 FCA

1994 Jeep Wrangler

1995-jeep-wrangler
16 of 16 FCA

1995 Jeep Wrangler

More Galleries

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos
Best sound bars under $300
polk-magnifi-mini-15.jpg

Best sound bars under $300

18 Photos
2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty
2018 Ford F-150 diesel

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty

22 Photos
Music-friendly cell phone accessories

Music-friendly cell phone accessories

11 Photos
Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark
dsc0515.jpg

Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark

34 Photos