The Jeep TJ was the second generation of Wranglers, taking over from the polarizing, square-eyed Jeep Wrangler YJ for the 1997 model year. In addition to returning the Wrangler to its Jeep CJ roots by reinstating rounded headlights, the Wrangler TJ offered the highly-sought AMC 4.0L I6 engine, Command-Trac part-time 4-wheel drive system, and more.

During its production flight from the 1997 to 2006 model years, the Wrangler TJ was offered in well over a dozen different trim levels and special packages, with the SE, Sport, and Sahara being staples through much of the TJ's run. Additionally, the TJ introduced the extreme off-road trim level, the Rubicon, in 2002. The Sport trim level, like this beaut, offered an affordable entry-price without skipping on the fundamentals. The standard engine was the 4.0L I6, and it added a Dana 35 rear axle as standard with a Dana 44 optional.

Despite some other makes and models offering more bells and whistles, if freedom is your non-negotiable, then the Jeep Wrangler TJ was (and still is) for you. In addition to a depth of trim and option configurations brought to market during the TJ's reign, the TJ resolved some consumer frustration over the predecessor, the YJ, by offering better on-road comfort with more refined powertrain options and smarter suspension. The TJ also set a high bar for its eventual successor, the Jeep Wrangler JK, by being the last to offer the beloved AMC 4.0L I6, expanding aftermarket options, and beating the trend of bigger and bolder SUVs.