When the Jeep Wrangler YJ was revealed at the 1986 Chicago Show, it was announced as the successor of the long-running and highly popular Jeep CJ. Similar to the CJ, the Wrangler YJ was a short wheelbase, rough-and-rugged 4x4 favored by off-road and overland enthusiasts for its capability, reliability, and robust powertrain specifications.

Additionally, the Wrangler YJ offered a stiffer suspension and wider leaf springs, making for better stability and durability. But while the Wrangler YJ kept true to, and improved upon, the CJ's legendary off-road prowess, the major distinction between the two was the YJ's square headlights, a critical component of the CJ's aesthetic.

The Jeep Wrangler YJ remained in production until the 1995 model year. For 1997, Jeep introduced the second generation Wrangler, the Wrangler TJ, which featured a return to rounded headlights, the iconic 4.0L I6 engine, coil suspension, and later, the introduction of the off-road focused Rubicon trim.