Here's Why The TJ Jeep Wrangler Is Still So Popular [Quick Review]

Bought my 2001 2.5L manual Wrangler TJ 12 years ago. No Mods. Best vehicle ever. Nobody makes base models like this anymore. So dependable and so easy to work on. Average 20-21 mpg. It's mine forever.

It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand

TJ was from 1997-2006. There was a 1 year gap between YJ and TJ.

YJ did NOT have a 6 slot grill. All Wranglers and CJs have always been 7 slots

Because it's the last iteration of the Wrangler before they went full Chrysler/Daimler/Fiat/Stellantis

The TJ is the best generation of Jeep with its classic rugged, utilitarian looks and stance, and the off-road prowess of its MB grandfather, only the TJ is far better. There's nothing like the military 2 door, short wheelbase from '41 - '06. Add in the coil suspension, you have the best and most fun Jeep ever built in the TJ. I thought about a 3" lift w/ 33's but fortunately very early on getting into off roading Jeeps, many told me, their TJ became very sluggish going from just 32's to 33's in addition to a domino effect of needing additional expensive parts. And I'm glad I listened! Because I drove a TJ with this set up and it didn't have that excellent low-end torque and was very slow off the line. And most of them returned to 32's while some fell for the aftermarket bait, very expensive bait. I get many who want to know what the perfect build is. Which is not easy to answer because everyone does different things with their Jeep. But I would like to share mine since my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn drives and handles absolutely amazing on and off-road. Keep in mind, I am NOT a rock crawler, I'm an adventurer who takes the family beach wheelin, beach camping, surf fishing, and we hit fun, moderate trails in the fall and winter getting to our favorite fishing holes and camp sites. Which is why the build is for what's near and for what we do, nothing was put on this TJ unnecessarily for show. I see too many "spotless Jeeps" with 33's - 38's. As long as you have good off-road instincts and common sense, a modest, high-quality build will allow you and your family to have a lot of fun! All in, I'm at $29k with my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. And I can honestly say build wise, I'm done!! I might Raptor line it since the TJ has a few rough paint spots and won't ever have to worry about off road pinstriping again. The best part is, this TJ not only keeps up, but outperforms a lot of these $45k - $95k JK's & JL' s. Due in part to people's inexperience and just "over building". The '05 TJ has a modest build, yet is extremely capable, durable and best of all, affordable. And you don't need a 2nd vehicle or rental to take that long out of state trip anymore because this build affords you excellent on road manners too besides being an off-road animal. I encourage any Jeeper to search for a rust-free TJ 4.0 I6, preferably stock, 3.73's w/ LSD and a Dana 44. And to use my build as a "guide". Although I highly recommend this build for anyone who is an adventurer, not a rock crawler. Best of all, it will eliminate you from chasing your tail, and the aftermarket will have one less "just empty every pocket" victim out there! It was a lot of trial and error, but it has been well worth it. 2" Old Man Emu coils 32" KO2's or 32" BFG MT's Quadratec Baja alloy rims - perfect backspacing - no rub! Currectlync steering Freedom Off Road front adj track bar Napa Heavy Duty gearbox - very stout! M.O.R.E gearbox brace JKS quick disconnects PPR Industries 32 Teeth Speedomoter Gear - if you have 3.73 gears and 32" tires Freedom Off Road front lower Adjustable control arms The rest are Fixed Detroit Axles Transfer case drop kit Fox 2.0 Shox Fox steering stabilizer Professional 4x4 shop to do the alignment *If you have an "05 or '06 TJ, I highly encourage getting a Wranglerfix.com PCM. These 2 years are notorious for having erratic shift point and "so-called trans issues". Keep in mind, the 42RLE auto trans is actually very good, it's the lousy Chrysler pcm's that have given them a bad rap. Since installing this Wranglerfix pcm, it's like having a new TJ out of the showroom, excellent, smooth shift points and very nice acceleration now with no goofy, unwarranted codes. Thank God, because replacing a trans is something no one wants to do. Coupled with the best engine ever put in any Jeep, the 4.0L I6, and you have one of the best TJ's out there. Since doing this, I have had the best experience with any vehicle I've ever had. Staying with 32's allows us Jeepers to maintain that great low-end torque, saves us a lot of money on unnecessary aftermarket parts and still be able to wheel most anywhere. It's the best of all worlds! One of my favorite mods was added a Banks cat back exhaust giving it a throaty growl, but not obnoxiously loud. Absolutely perfect for the 4.0 I6. I might add front and rear ARB lockers and 32" BFG Mud Terrains if the family moves to a place with trails, but for now this is perfect for OBX beach wheelin', etc. Most importantly, be honest with yourself, build your TJ for what you will be using it for. And know YOU CAN do great trails and much more with just a 2" lift and 32" ko2's or MT's! DO NOT let the aftermarket pushers fool or shame you into thinking you "need" 33" - 40" tires and a 5" lift to wheel. That's 🦬💩! They know full well, once they get you at 33's, it's a freaking cash cow for them! Because you just embarked on their multi thousand dollar build conveyor belt. And it's 100% unnecessary for moderate wheelin'! Your axles, drive train, drive shafts, engine, gearing and a host of a lot of other stuff now "needs" to be upgraded. The aftermarket pushers feast on naive people. Don't be that guy! Like cereal companies saying breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the aftermarket will continue to take advantage of the misinformed. Thanks for reading this, my intention is to help as many Jeepers as possible, and to assist with avoiding making the mistakes I did. O|||||||O 🇺🇲Only in a 2 Dr🇺🇸 '4

9:30 plan to make a walk around of my tj! This is a great cover of tj content

I bought 2004 jeep wrangler sport brand new in 2004, I built it to tackle any off road situation, sadly it was stolen, got a 97 jeep wrangler Sahara about a year ago, I love jeep wranglers, may not ride the best, but they are extremely fun, easy to work on, and the after market support is ever ending, I jace loved jeeps since I was 4 years old, my cousin had an 80's cj 7, it had a lift kit, big tires, ...... it's a jeep thing you wouldn't understand, to me jeeps are like Harley Davidson, it a lifestyle

The wife has a 98 TJ with the 2.5 four cylinder and with stock tires it has plenty of power, I have a 01 with the 4.0 and it is just fine and drives well, been parked for a couple of years now as it needs some frame and body work, and I am going to build a 4.7 stroker and install a 4500np tranny and lift kit when I get time. Love the short little TJ, wish mine had cruise control though and will buy a hard top for it as well.

Had mine a couple years and it is showing its age but I love it and don't think I'll ever sell it. It is my daily driver at like 170k miles and every few thousand miles I get an issue, but it is also over 25 years old and 170k so what do you expect?! Every issue has been relatively easy to fix myself compared to any other vehicle I have worked on.

Not sure what you meant, by "aweful steering"...My 2006, (owned since new), with a 2" OME lift, and aprox 32" tires, still drives like new...It holds the road beautifully on the highway, (unless there's a strong cross-wind), and it turns on a dime...Yes, it is noisy!

Got an '05 Sport 3 years ago 'Just for snow emergencies'. It almost immediately became my daily driver. The times I've been on highways I've had no problem going the 65 or 70 mph speed limits. I just felt no desire to push it any faster, at all, lol. Currently waiting for work being done, tub swap, fenders, etc. Had it painted in Raptor Liner almost exactly the original color.

This thing is SWEET! Love it!

Love my TJ! 4cylinder. Gets GREAT gas mileage. Not sure exactly how good but I can drive it on the interstate for 5 hrs before needing to refill. Of course it wont go 70mph with the wind at your back going down hill. BUT its fun as hell to drive. Mine is completely stock. Even the tire size. I am keeping this one completely stock. Looking to get a few more just to jack up and go MOD crazy. People... check your 97's. You may just have a 1996! Mine was produced in 07/96 but its a 1997 on the title. OBD2 came out in 96 and Jeep for some reason "skipped" a year. However, they did produce "1996" models as 1997 models.

You sound like Jeff Goldblum.

My TJ steers very well. Might be the mods on the vehicle your driving.

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Really nice video... new subscriber here

i have a 2000 jeep TJ. when im in the freeway going about 60-64 mph and i hit a bump on the road or the road is uneven my jeep feels like im riding a wave . . what could be the problem. thanks

the yj does not have a 6 slot grill