The 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ was the second generation Jeep Wrangler off-road utility vehicle. Initially, Jeeps were designed for military use, but after the Second World War, the Jeep was redesigned for civilians. This dramatic change happened following on from Chrysler's purchase of AMC Jeep.
Before the TJ, Chrysler Wrangler had already produced CJ (Civilian Jeep) and YJ (Yuppie Jeep). There were many versions of the CJ, like the CJ-5 and CJ-7, after which YJ was introduced. The TJ was the successor to them and is considered to be the first real Chrysler Wrangler. This Jeep became an American icon soon after its release.
The Wrangler Jeep was an especially unique and, without a doubt, one of the most controversial Jeeps of all time. The engineering team of the Jeep followed a “don’t fix what ain’t broken” approach for the upgrade. All changes would cost about $260 million in total. Generally, automakers spend around $1.5 billion to $3 billion to design and manufacture a new vehicle.
The Wrangler maintains its retro styling to this day. The main purpose seems to be that Jeep acknowledges how many modern buyers appreciate the old classic look of the Wrangler, so long as it delivers comfort.
So, without further ado, let's take a look back at the '97 Jeep Wrangler TJ and its pros and cons.
How Was The Performance And Engine Of The 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ?
The vehicle used a four-cylinder motor which was nothing but disappointing. It was slow and made plenty of noise. The 4-cylinder 2.5-liter engine provided 120 HP and 140 lb-ft of torque. The company also offered another 4-liter engine that produced 181 HP and 222 lb-ft of torque.
These engines were able to collaborate with a five-speed manual or an optional automatic three-speed transmission. The shifts of the five-speed were smooth and easy to use, but the three-drive automatic was much better and didn’t make as much sound as the manual one.
It took the five-speed an impressive 7.6 seconds to propel the vehicle from 0 to 60 MPH and 16.3 seconds to cover a quarter of a mile at 83 MPH. This was considered a strong performance for a vehicle that was produced on a relatively tight budget.
The Wrangler weighed around 3,210 lbs, but it still felt light on its feet. The Wrangler brakes weren’t its strong suit. Chrysler installed uninspired front disc rear drum breaks in this Jeep, and this led to a long braking distance of 136 feet when driving at 60 MPH.
A Standout Design
For the design of this Jeep, the company diverted from the square headlights towards the already popular circular one. The 1997 Wrangler JP is responsible for the traditional Jeep look that we all know today. In the front, it had a Stamp Steel 7 bar grille. The mirror style was changed, and they were made easy on the eye, which wasn't the case in the brand's previous edition.
The gas filler was at the rear end. And the windshield was kept slanted and an inch shorter than the standard sets by Wrangler. The windshield was able to fold flat. Hood latches were attached to the outboard in the front. The overall look of this Jeep was rough, which was perfect for a vehicle that was mostly used for adventuring.
1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ Interior
The interior provided the feel of a regular car, with dual airbags and a real blood box. To save money, a plastic modular design was chosen so the right-hand drive model would be cheaper to build and export. For some people climbing to the driver’s seat might have felt like a huge task, as it was mounted a little bit higher.
But while seated, it was very easy to adjust them according to the comfort of the driver and the passenger. The gauge cluster was also placed at eye level. A stereo and climate control were placed in the center of the front seats, making them easy to control for the driver.
The production team made the interior spacious. By folding the rear seat, more language could be accommodated. Though air-conditioning was available, the true purpose of the car was to bring you closer to nature. A soft roof was offered so that it could be unzipped quickly.
How Much Would A 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ Cost You?
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler by Chrysler was a dream car for many. The current price of the vehicle depends upon the model you want. The cost of the TJ ranges from around $14,000 to $17,000.
These are the estimated prices of each model:
- SE Sport Utility 2D - $13,995
- Sport Utility 2D - $19,735
- Sahara Sport Utility 2D - $17,665
Even though the Jeep is not efficient, people still have a soft spot for this vehicle because of the nostalgic feeling it evokes. All in all, it was an agreeable ride with a mix of pros and cons.