Each Friday on the Jeep® Blog, we explore the Jeep Brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting a different historical vehicle. This week’s vehicle is the first generation Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (TJ).
First introduced in 2003, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ was named after the Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This Wrangler was designed for ruggedness and was the most capable off-roading Jeep vehicle at the time.
To help with its off-roading capabilities, the Wrangler Rubicon TJ featured Dana 44 front and rear axles with electronically controlled locking differentials. There was a switch that allowed for both the front and rear axles, or just the rear, to be locked to help with off-road performance.
As for the transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon TJ used a standard five-speed manual transmission through 2004. In 2005, the transmission was changed to a six-speed manual. If manual wasn’t your style, there was an optional four-speed automatic transmission for all the 2003-06 Wrangler Rubicon TJ models.
The Wrangler Rubicon TJ also came standard with 31-inch tires and a factory lift.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ received an upgrade in 2007. It is now the Jeep Wrangler JK that you see on the roads today. A 10th anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon is now on the market.
Did you have a Wrangler Rubicon TJ? What do you think was the best off-roading feature? Share your thoughts below.