The first generation of the Jeep Wrangler was known as the YJ.
The YJ replaced the long-running Jeep CJ series and was developed by American Motors Corporation. It was launched in 1986 as a 1987 model and remained in production through the 1995 model year, with some vehicles sold into mid-1996. The YJ kept the Wrangler’s open, body-on-frame off-road formula but brought a wider track, revised suspension links, anti-roll bars, improved on-road handling, and a more comfortable interior.
The easiest visual clue is its rectangular headlights, a departure from the round lamps associated with earlier CJ Jeeps. The YJ retained leaf-spring suspension, unlike its successor, the TJ, which introduced coil springs and returned to round headlights. JK refers to the third generation, introduced for 2007, while JL identifies the fourth generation, introduced for 2018. Production totaled more than 632,000 YJs through the 1995 model year, making the YJ the foundation of the modern Wrangler line.