Are you considering purchasing an offroad Jeep but need help determining which model is best for your needs? At Louisville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have the expertise to break it down so you end up with the Jeep that suits your needs.
From World War II Military Vehicle to Ultimate Off-Road SUV
Jeep has been gaining fans since the 1940s when their rugged off-road capable vehicles became the primary choice of the US military. The military version of the Jeep was superseded by the Jeep CJ, an option geared more toward civilian use. Following the CJ came the Jeep Wrangler series, which entered the market in 1986. A compact, off-road vehicle with rugged styling that nods to Jeep’s heritage, the Wrangler consistently tops lists of the world’s best off-road vehicles. However, just walking into a dealership and asking for a Jeep Wrangler isn’t the end of the story. The Wrangler is now in its fourth generation; each generation has several editions.
The Jeep CJ, the Wrangler YJ, and the Wrangler TJ are all worthy contenders regarding Jeep coverage. But which is best for you? That’s what we’re going to figure out.
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Jeep CJ
The Jeep CJ evolved from the original military Jeep and was available from 1945 to 1986. That’s over 40 years. Within those decades, Jeep offered several versions of the CJ, with the vehicle’s timeline including open-body versions, enclosed versions, and sport and farm editions. The most famous and versatile CJ model is usually considered the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (Ronald Reagan’s Jeep of choice!). This was the final CJ model, produced between ’81 and ’86 (the year the Wrangler entered the market).
If you are considering purchasing a Jeep CJ, you should know that this model is now considered a “classic” Jeep and, due to age, will have experienced more wear and tear than a modern vehicle. The classic CJs are from a different era of automobile history when an engine rebuild was anticipated every 50,000 miles or so. If the high maintenance of a classic vehicle doesn’t appeal, read on to learn about two very popular Jeep Wrangler generations.
Jeep YJ
Produced between ’87 and ’95, the Jeep Wrangler YJ is an updated version of the CJ, equipped with a stiffer frame, increased stability, and a protected seating area. The fastest way to tell it apart from the other Jeeps on the market is to look for square headlights, which are specific only to the YJ.
Critical updates to the YJ model included the development of fuel injection, which boosted the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. However, as the newer models of the Jeep Wrangler YJ are still almost 30 years old, these Jeeps are also considered classics. Older offroad vehicles should always be carefully inspected due to the wear and tear they may have suffered under previous owners.
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Jeep TJ
With the Jeep Wrangler TJ, we are finally getting into the more modern era of the Jeep. First introduced in 1996 and production until 2006, the TJ re-gained the round headlamps that the original Jeep models had.
The debut of the Rubicon trim occurred in 2004 on a sought-after TJ edition called the TJ-L. From the TJ onwards, all Jeep Wranglers come with coil-spring instead of leaf-spring suspension. Eventually, the TJ also gained an overdrive automatic transmission and a six-speed manual option. Suppose you’re considering purchasing an older model Wrangler. In that case, we recommend the Wrangler TJ as it is an updated version of previous models, providing drivers with updated power, safety, and efficiency, more in line with modern off-road options.
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Final Thoughts on Which Jeep to Get!
If you’re in the market for a Jeep, it’s essential to know which model is suitable for you. The CJ and YJ models are classics, but the TJ offers more modern amenities. The CJ is the way to go if you’re looking for a classic Jeep with all the bells and whistles. However, the TJ is the better option if you want a more modern Jeep that can still handle off-road adventures. No matter which Jeep you choose, Louisville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has you covered.
