Introduced on May 13, 1986, and produced through 1995 by Chrysler Corporation, the term
YJ denotes the first generation of Jeep Wrangler and is characterized by its rectangular headlights. Like the
short wheelbase utility vehicle it replaced, the CJ7, it had a 93.4" wheelbase, seven slat vertical grille, leaf
spring suspension, a windshield that could be folded down, an open body, and four wheel drive. The YJ
featured significant revisions to the suspension over its predecessor including sway bars and
track bars that increased the stability of the vehicle. It's center of gravity was lower than earlier
open body Jeeps, a response to the growing concern of roll over accidents involving SUV's.
A total of 570,242 YJ's were manufactured at the Brampton, Ontario plant before the model was replaced
by the TJ Wrangler in late 1996.
Among the outstanding innovations that
distinguish the YJ:
Trim levels that were available:
- Base
- S
- Sport
- Decor
- Islander
- Sahara
- Laredo
- Renegade