The Wrangler generation that reintroduced round headlights for the 1997 model year was the TJ. It was introduced in 1996 as the second-generation Jeep Wrangler, with 1997 as its first model year.
The earlier Wrangler YJ, sold from 1987 through 1995, had rectangular headlights—a styling departure from the round lamps associated with classic CJ Jeeps. The TJ restored the circular headlights, making it visually closer to Jeep’s traditional design while remaining a substantially updated vehicle.
The TJ also brought major mechanical changes. Unlike the YJ’s leaf-spring suspension, the TJ used coil springs at both the front and rear, improving ride comfort, handling, and axle articulation. It retained the Wrangler’s separate frame, solid axles, removable doors, folding windshield, and open-top character.
The TJ designation is often confused with YJ, JK, and JL. YJ identifies the rectangular-headlight Wrangler, TJ covers the 1997–2006 generation, JK covers the 2007–2018 generation, and JL is the generation introduced for 2018.