- Off-road capability
- Poor ride and dynamics
- Vague steering
- Low-tech 4.0-litre petrol engine
- Poor quality fit and finish
Review: Jeep TJ.I Wrangler (1996-02)
Overview
Released in November 1996, the Jeep TJ Series I (TJ.I) Wrangler was available as a two-door soft-top or three-door hardtop. Manufactured in Ohio, USA, the four-wheel drive TJ.I Wrangler was powered by a 4.0-litre inline six cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. From 2000, the manual transmission was replaced with heavy-duty unit which had a synchro reverse gear.
The 4.0-litre American Motors (AMC) inline six-cylinder engine had overhead valves, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.75:1.
The TJ Wrangeler was 3883 mm long, 1740 mm wide, 1748 mm tall and had a 2373 mm long wheelbase. The TJ Wrangler had Jeep’s ‘Quadra Coil’ (coil spring) suspension front and rear with track and stabiliser bars.
| Variant | Edition | Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Sport | 2dr soft-top, 3dr hardtop |
4.0-litre petrol I6 | 5sp man., 3sp auto |
130 kW at 4600 rpm | 290 Nm at 2800 rpm |
| Renegade | 3dr hardtop |
4WD system
The TJ Wrangler was fitted with Jeep’s Command-Trac 4WD system which consisted of a chain-driven transfer case. In normal conditions, the TJ Wrangler was rear-wheel drive, but fixed four-wheel drive could be engaged ‘on-the-fly’ – along with low range gears – for low-traction surfaces.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags.
Features: Wrangler Sport and Renegade
Standard features for the Wrangler Sport included a two speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, ‘Pueblo’ water-resistant cloth trim bucket seats, folding rear seats and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Hardtop models were also fitted with a rear cargo light.
The Wrangler Renegade was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, ‘Trailcloth’ seats, intermittent windscreen wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, side steps and mudflaps.
February 2000: Wrangler update
From February 2000, the Sport editions were equipped with a four speaker sound system, interior lights, an under bonnet light and mudflaps as standard. The Renegade editions were also fitted with new ‘Icon’ alloy wheels.
Review: Jeep TJ.II Wrangler (2003-07)
Overview
Released in January 2003, the TJ Series II (TJ.II) Wrangler introduced mechanical upgrades and a revised interior. The three-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a four-speed unit with switchable overdrive and electronically-controlled shifting.
Inside, there was a new four-spoke steering wheel, front seats with taller seatbacks and additional travel, more easily removed fold-and-tumble rear seats and an additional dash-mounted power outlet. Externally, the TJ.II Wrangler could be identified by its plastic-moulded door mirrors (previously black metal).
October 2004: Wrangler update
In October 2004, the TJ.II Wrangler underwent a minor update with the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission with hard-finished gears for improved shift quality and refinement. Furthermore, peak torque for the 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine increased to 305 Nm at 2700 rpm.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Body | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L | Sport | 2003-04 | 3dr hardtop | 5sp man., 4sp auto | 130 kW at 4600 rpm | 296 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 2003-04 | 2dr soft-top | |||||
| 2004-07 | 2dr soft-top | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
130 kW at 4600 rpm | 305 Nm at 2700 rpm | ||
| Renegade | 2003 | 3dr hardtop | 5sp man., 4sp auto | 130 kW at 4600 rpm | 296 Nm at 3500 rpm | |
| 2004-07 | 2dr soft-top | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
130 kW at 4600 rpm | 305 Nm at 2700 rpm | ||
| Golden Eagle | 2005 | 2dr soft-top | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
130 kW at 4600 rpm | 305 Nm at 2700 rpm | |
| 65th Anniversary | 2006 | 2dr soft-top | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
130 kW at 4600 rpm | 305 Nm at 2700 rpm |
Features: Wrangler Sport and Renegade
For the TJ.II Wrangler, standard features for the Sport editions were extended to include a CD player, air conditioning and an immobiliser. Beyond this, the Renegade gained a seven speaker sound system (including subwoofer) and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
2004 Wrangler Extreme Sport
In February 2004, a limited-run Extreme Sport edition was released. Compared to the standard Sport edition, the Extreme Sport was differentiated by its 15-inch ‘Ecco’ alloy wheels, seven speaker sound system with CD player (including subwoofer), two-tone dark slate/khaki cloth seats and ‘Extreme Sport’ badges.
2005 Wrangler Renegade Extreme Sport
In May 2005, a limited-run Renegade Extreme Sport edition was released. Compared to the standard Renegade, the Renegade Extreme Sport was differentiated by its ‘Ecco’ alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-top roof (including soft- and hard-top options), overhead compass and temperature gauge.
2005 Wrangler Golden Eagle
In December 2005, a limited-run Golden Eagle edition was released. Compared to the Sport edition, the Golden Eagle was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system (including subwoofer), cruise control, two-tone seats, dual-top roof (including soft- and hard-top options), leather-wrapped steering wheel, stainless-steel centre console trim and side steps.
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