Introduced for the 1987 model year, this Jeep nameplate replaced the long-running CJ series and marked the brand’s move from the rugged but more utilitarian CJ-era off-roader to a more modernized open-air 4x4. The first generation, known internally as the YJ, kept the familiar upright Jeep silhouette and removable top/doors concept that enthusiasts expected, but it adopted a wider stance, rectangular headlamps, and a more refined interior. That combination made it feel more civil on the road while preserving the trail-focused character that defined the brand.
Over time, the nameplate evolved through several distinct generations rather than disappearing and returning. The YJ was followed by the TJ, then the JK, and later the JL, each building on the same core formula of body-on-frame construction, short-wheelbase heritage, and strong off-road capability. As the model matured, it expanded beyond the original two-door configuration to include four-door variants, broadening its appeal without abandoning its traditional identity.
This nameplate has become one of the most recognizable in the SUV world and a key part of Jeep’s brand image. Its significance comes not only from its direct link to the CJ lineage and the World War II-era Jeep legacy, but also from its role in defining the modern recreational off-road segment. Today it remains a flagship of Jeep’s open-air, go-anywhere image and continues to carry the brand’s most iconic design cues into the present.