The Jeep Wrangler was first introduced in 1986.
The first-generation Wrangler, known internally as the YJ, was developed by American Motors Corporation as the successor to the Jeep CJ line. Jeep formally unveiled it in February 1986 at the Chicago Auto Show, and production began that March. Although it was introduced in 1986, Jeep marketed it as a 1987 model, which is why some references describe its debut as “1987.”
The YJ retained classic Jeep traits such as a separate body and frame, solid axles, part-time four-wheel drive, removable doors, and an open-top design. It also brought wider tracks, improved handling, more comfort, and rectangular headlights—an unusual styling change later reversed on the TJ generation.
A common mix-up is confusing the Wrangler’s introduction year with its model year. The vehicle appeared and entered production in 1986, while the first official model-year designation was 1987. The YJ remained in production through 1995, before the coil-sprung TJ arrived for 1997.