How has the Jeep Wrangler improved over the past 20 years

#dirtroadcred #jeep #jeepwrangler #2024jeepwrangler #tjwrangler #jlwrangler
How has the Jeep Wrangler improved over the past 20 years
Join us in this exciting comparison video as we delve into the remarkable 20-year evolution of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, pitting the 2004 TJ Sport against the cutting-edge 2024 JL Sport model. From rugged off-road capabilities to advanced technology upgrades, we explore the incredible transformation of these legendary vehicles. Discover how the classic meets the modern and uncover the innovations that have shaped the Jeep Wrangler legacy. Let us know which Wrangler you prefer!
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:30 TJ History
3:06 JL History
4:19 Front Ends
7:28 Engines
8:29 Sides
11:28 Rears
14:01 Interiors
18:00 Final Thoughts

[@DIRTROADCRED]

TJ or JL?

[@ken51O]

LJ

[@rosswallace2969]

Love the way that tj looks

[@brianbusch2840]

I’ve got one of first built TJR I’ve owned for 21 years come February, LJRS #364 and a 2022 JLUR with the 2.0. I love all three but my 03 is my heart.. I even put a 2009 C6 LS3 in it w/430 hp. The trail rated badge did not start until the 2004 model year so the first year TJ Rubicons (2003) did not have the trail rated badge emblem on the side. I ordered one of the original 8,000 Rubicons built in 2002 and took delivery on it my senior year of college, February 4th 2003.

[@321jono]

That is honestly an impossible question 😅

[@jeffreyforbes2733]

I like my 09 JKU Wrangler. I got it new in February of 2009 it is what got me into Wranglers. Also, have 2019 Wrangler Sport 2dr.

[@LukeEdward]

I’m a BigBoi and I will say, my 2001, 60th anniversary Sahara had the best seats I’ve ever had. The full hard doors were nice unless you had to find replacement handles. The Sahara fender were awesome because they gave an extra 1” wider coverage than the unpainted ones. I liked them better than my JL. But it is nice to ride the highways in my 2.0L. 3.07 gears and the last 3-speed auto on 33x10.50 BFGs meant 13-17MPG, with the best ever 20MPG is the worst I’ve got on my JL now on 33’s. I’ve had a bunch of JEEPs and any Wrangler 2006 and older, if you’re doing anything over 70mph, you ain’t driving it anymore; the Jeep is driving you. One thing indelibly seared into my psyche after owning my 2001 for most of a decade, I STILL - 20 YEARS LATER - I STILL move my right knee if I, or my wife, grab for a drink in the center console. Best $23,000 I ever spent.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Love this comment!

[@whysitthat3515]

I really enjoy seeing videos like this. I’m 21, and I am the proud owner of a 2000 TJ sport. I’d love to get something newer (with cruise control, lol), but as the first Wrangler i’ve ever owned this thing will always have a special place in my heart. I don’t have too many mods yet other than my 3 in lift, but im looking forward to building it out more once im out of college!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

You can do it!

[@magnified101]

Im obsessed with your videos. I don’t even own a jeep but I really want one! You’re like a big brother giving me tips and sharing your knowledge.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I really appreciate that, thank you very much for watching!

[@kilohotel6750]

My first Jeep I bought brand new in 98. A Sahara with the 30” wheel package in black with tan soft top and a manual. I’ve had 2 other Wranglers, 2 doors and 4 other Jeep models since. Tomorrow I’ll be at 13 weeks confirmed on my 24 Willys 2 door manual order still hoping to get before the end of the year. I had so much fun in that 98 I should’ve kept it longer than I did but was young and dumb.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Hope it gets to you before 2024!

[@Spanked78]

As much as I love my JL, the TJ is still the best Wrangler Jeep ever made.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

We love it too

[@GentleGiantFan]

Agreed. I love my 2018 JKUR, but the two TJs I owned were awesome. If I didn't have kids, I'd probably kept one of the two or tried to get a LJ for the added space. Now that my kids are getting older, it would be nice if Jeep made a 2dr Gladiator with a small block V8.

[@mattskillman]

In our garage, we have a 2004 TJ, a 2019 JLU and a 2022 JLUR XR. For our Jeep Club meets, the family prefers taking the TJ. But our JL's get more daily use. I like how the styling of the JL pulls design cues from the TJ.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Great set up!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Your '04 TJ is by far the best!

[@alextaylor2025]

I personally am about to start a TJ build, just trying to find one of the better ones without any of the rusted-out bottom. Thankfully I live in Texas and not upper New England area so we should find one very quickly. I would love to see a TJ build and see what yall would do with it.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Keep looking they are out there!

[@nathanlewis3462]

03 to 06 was an interior refresh just like we just had with the 24.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Yup!

[@RCPhotosVideos]

YJ ! I would love to see one more modernized with todays tech updates.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Same !

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Quadratec did an amazing "modern" YJ!

[@TheBerkeleyBeauty]

Just when I’m wondering, what could you guys possibly cover next that you haven’t already, you come out with another very interesting and informative video. Thanks for the 20 year comparison. Y’all are KILLIN’ it over there.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thank you 👍

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

TJs we’re my first Jeeps too, but I don’t recall the lights being controversial. People were glad they went back to round, but I do recall the doubts with the TJ model. Mostly just the usual, “the new model sucks” stuff, but there were concerns about going to coils (durability argument). Only one of mine had half doors… it was the SE model. I think full doors were standard for sports and above. I’m now curious, but it sure seems easier to find full doors than half doors for my new to me 04 TJ. The JL manual needs to be fixed… mine is still going strong, but with as much wheeling I do, it worries me a little. Good stuff, making this same video is on my list since I bought a TJ and own a JL… but I’m still trying to get reacquainted with the TJ day to day. It sure is fun to wheel tho.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Good comment, I meant the YJ headlights were very controversial!

[@alfa8822]

I just ordered my fully loaded 2024 Rubicon X this week through your dealer affiliate program on your website. I got a great price!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Awesome to hear!

[@Dmh06178]

Great idea showing the difference after 20 years- thanks for another interesting video.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching!

[@jlautomotive6349]

You hope people aren’t bored?? Your channel is incredible and this an amazing video… love the looking back over how much has changed over 20 years. Keep up the incredible work and can’t wait to see this build… 👍

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thank you so much!!

[@saabjunkieSPG]

I’m on my 6th TJ (currently 2004 Rubicon with manual). In the 90’s through the early ‘00s they were my daily driver, now my TJ is my weekend warrior. I do have a 2019 built JLU manual, which a fantastic do-everything DD and off road weekend warrior. Lastly, I have a JT Mojave manual, a great vehicle but so slow. No mods for the JT. I would really like an all electric wrangler, but I’m hoping the motor spins a traditional xfer case and live axles F/R. I’d give up my manual JT for that.

[@melvinjensen978]

Do more TJ stuff PLEASE!! From the owner of TJ. I love my TJ

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Definitely!

[@MrCamel2humps]

I want to see you guys build a Jurassic Park Jeep 🦖

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Good idea!

[@DuyenNguyen-ui6mo]

I for sure miss the older metal they used to build the older vehicles with.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

For sure!

[@williamkozar]

Great video as always🤘my first Jeep was a 2001 TJ yellow sport I made a mistake buying a 4 banger I should had never bought it I had it for 10 years about 150,000 miles on it & the engine blew up it had crack in the engine. I am big Jeep fan, I am on my 4th Wrangler 3 JK & my first TJ & if Jeep goes all EV in the future I will never buy Jeep again. They are pushing EV’s down on throats it is a scam.”Jeep” give customers what they want give different choice’s to choose from…

[@jasonroberts5234]

Tj with a 4.0, 5 speed is the goat❤

[@onebridge7231]

I had that exact same sport package ‘97 and color with half doors. Loved that thing when I was 24. Bought it new. Got rid of it to go to College. Hated giving it up. I’d love to see a Black Sport 1997 TJ build on the channel.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Love it, thanks for watching!

[@gilbertferguson1685]

While the older Jeeps are still cool, nothing wrong with advancing the brand with modern technology. Nice review thanks.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

For sure! Thanks for watching

[@HIMcules2112]

I love my 22 JL Rubicon but always wanted a 05 TJ Rubicon

[@DIRTROADCRED]

😎

[@nathanlewis3462]

04 LJ for the win! Still love mine to this day! Why i still cant pull the trigger on a $50k new jeep. And back than thwy were more of special editions rather than"trims" you had the x, sport, saharah, and rubicon.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Love to hear you still have it!

[@twistedtrucker3076]

If they want to sell more 2 doors, why not a extended wheelbase 2 door? Similar to the TJ unlimited/LJ.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I wish

[@togo432nextgen]

Please do a YJ video! I would love to see the TJ build too!! I have a 91 YJ I’m restoring currently. 4.0 Auto

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Love my YJ’s

[@RossBobbie]

Got my order in for a 4 dr manual, fingers crossed it gets scheduled someday😂

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Fingers crossed!

[@marceld6061]

I'd take a TJ over the JL any day. The JL, to me, looks more like a European military vehicle. I currently own a JLU for transporting the family but I would love to have one of my old TJs or YJs

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Well said!

[@eversleyowl]

Do the TJ build!

[@leemen]

I may be the only guy but I could never go back to pre jl. The jl is the only wrangler that drives down the highway like a modern vehicle. A properly set up jl on 40s drives like a car you can reliably drive across the country.

[@bud1lite]

If your battery does not leave you stranded,or paint doesn’t chip off from all the corrosion lol

[@leemen]

@@bud1lite that’s definitely a concern on both. Jeeps have long had a rust and corrosion problem.

[@sellickusa]

I'm with you on that assessment

[@toolifer]

I've had 3 Jeeps and have never had a rust problem. Maybe I'm lucky.

[@leemen]

@@toolifer what part of the country do you live in?

[@SammyDaBiz]

TJ Build all the way

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Definitely!

[@jeniferandrews5017]

Love the TJ’s❤

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Same!

[@stefanentzeroth9027]

I learned to drive in my sisters Tj. the EASIEST vehicle to do any sort of manouvers.

[@raymieyounkin7498]

I imagine that I’m in the minority here, but I would love for future JLs to be fully EV with 350 miles of highway range while keeping a similar exterior esthetic.

[@SomeDude-dq1uu]

Excellent video I appreciate the time and effort you put into it. No matter how much I want to be, I'm just not a fan of jeep. My family has had three jeeps and each one was plagued with numerous problems. I truly want to enjoy what the Wrangler has to offer but I'm not wasting any more money on over hyped garbage.

[@txmojave4546]

The TJ is the 1 I would like to have back. Keep the JL as an entry level more affordable jeep to also get the younger crowd into the sport.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Right on!

[@Nigriff]

Most of the New Jeep owners buy them for looks and will never take them off road

[@stephenny4207]

My vote is for the YJ😊

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I agree!

[@jshulch]

The JK interior was redesigned in 2011. I bought one new...and still have it.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Yes late 2011

[@jshulch]

You live in Canada?? Mine was bought in January of 2011 with the "new" interior. Every new JK on the lot at that time was the same..redesigned interior.@@DIRTROADCRED

[@Roberto68n]

Why Jeep moved the license plate from under the tail light to the rear bumper? On previous Wranglers, when swapping the rear bumper, there was no problem with the license plate. Now with the JL, you swap the rear bumper and you have to figure out were to put the license plate and lighting for it. Not a fan of that.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I’m not sure that would be one complaint I have as well, much harder to relocate

[@adamk2778]

I like when you said so much plastic to keep the cost down yet jeeps are so over priced now a days it's ridiculous. I have a 2006 TJ Rubicon and I'd love to add a new 4 door wrangler for my daily/family jeep but there's no way I'd pay those prices

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Lol

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Why on earth a 4 dr limo? Just get a Grand Cherokee, they were meant to have 4 doors, be luxury and have the techno 747 instrument cluster panel.

[@rosswallace2969]

Can you do a vid on tire size relation to axles and intended use and driving style? I’m honestly feeling that I would happy with just a little level and 33s. But I know the purist would 💩 on me.

[@ScottBlankets]

The real purists are happy to see you enjoy your jeep. Don't let the haters get you down. (But no angry eyes and street tires. That sucks. 😊 )

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Great idea!

[@kelb89]

Would you recommend a '23 Rubicon over a '24 Willys, with the Willy's being $2k cheaper? Dairly driver with light offroad and overlanding.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Personally it depends on how hard you plan on using it, I think the 24 Willy’s is a great buy!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Jeep Born: 1941 Died: 2006

[@LukeEdward]

Dude, if you wanted a vehicle for content, I would have given you my JL for 6-8 months to do whatever you wanted with it. Heck you can still have it but it’s basically Ryan’s JL in Sting-Grey.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Lol I love it Luke

[@bud1lite]

Except now you have the corrosion issue on every JL eventually,little battery that drains your big one.After the five yrs is over then it’s up to you to buy new doors,tailgate,hood,windshield frame.Their not high quality now,just nice features.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Definitely a lot more complicated!

[@321jono]

I don't hear a lot of folks talk about the top gear for the JL. It basically was useless. The gearing ratio was strange. You could pretty much skip 1st, and top gear was only useable at like, 75mph. The JL was kind of a 4 gear tranny lol. Did anyone else have that experience?

[@MarsViolet]

Kind of. The NSG370 manual six-speed in the JL was introduced with the 2005 TJ, which is what I have. First gear is very low, almost like a granny gear, but second is too high to start off in most of the time, and I find that sixth is basically an overdrive; I use it on the freeway if my speed is 65 or higher and I'm on level ground, down-shifting into fifth for hills. I'm sure changes have been made over the years, but it must still be pretty similar considering the model number has not changed.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I hit 8th around 72 mph or so!

[@mastermoarman]

I ordered a 2024 rubicon but didn't get the tec package as I only wanted the front camera from it. Is that able to added by it self later?

[@LukeEdward]

HA!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Hopefully Tazer will have something soon!

[@joezephyr]

The JL is more comfy both on road and off road. The TJ looks better, except the tyres are too big. It looked better with its' original tyres.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

👍

[@Mel-md6cb]

I wonder why some JLs come with tinted hardtops and some don’t. I don’t see it as option anywhere

[@leemen]

Sport non s are all non tint hard top windows.

[@LukeEdward]

There are some municipalities that forbid the tinted windows. Same reason why there are tinted and non-tinted soft tops, as you see with Ryan’s.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Depends on the trim!

[@joezephyr]

what is the widest point on a JL Wrangler? Its not the mirrors.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I’ll have to check!

[@joezephyr]

@@DIRTROADCRED Its the most forward point on the front fenders. If the front can fit through a tight gap the rest of the jeep will fit too 😊

[@crovian7]

They got bigger, cause cafe standards

[@maxdragon15]

Trick question, answer it hasn't! 😂

[@GYMGUYFE]

Build an LJ

[@DIRTROADCRED]

👍

[@w0wsuchdoge]

Tjs never came with power locks…..

[@marcinpuszczao9418]

I didn’t realize just how UGLY the new grill is until I saw it against the 2004. Seems like they’re getting stretched out and shorter 🤮🤮🤮

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Lol

[@JeepTJWheelin]

It's a whole lot of plastic fugly, just astounding what passes as a Jeep today. Nothing but a rolling techno plastic heep, and don't get me started on the 4 door limos. 🤢🤮 I love my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn 4.0L I6 on 32" KO2'S, 2" lift, Fox 2.0 Shox, Fox steering stabilizer and a few other solid mods. Going on 165k miles and runs amazing. Can wheel it one weekend and travel out of state to see family on a 14 hour round trip the next. Excellent on and off road manners. It's all about a modest build done right.

[@Mtnryda]

Today's Jeeps are only Jeeps in name. The moment you put cruise control in a Jeep, it was no longer a Jeep. The Jeep was unique because it fit a certain personality. They have made the new Jeeps so everyone can drive them. They killed the spirit of the vehicle. I'm sure PLEANTY will disagree, but if ya didn't have one in the 80s or 90s (maybe early 2000s) then you don't know what I'm talking about.

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Definitely agree! These are plastic heeps with a VERY soft, pansy demographic, a microcosm of a lesser, inept generation. Today a standard is the best security system. The worst are the 4 door limos with a hard top cocooning its passengers. I cringe every time I see them. Like spotting an obese woman in a speedo at the beach, I have to look away. From April - Oct, my doors and windows are in the garage, top down as it should be. The open air experience is lost today. Jeep Born: 1941 Died: 2006

[@user-we7es6rb1p]

Jeep like most auto manufacturers have gone backwards. Built with plastic, smog crap, complicated electrical systems, engines you can’t work on, etc. new cars suck and I’m sure the new wranglers do too. Never letting go of my TJ. Reliable motor/trans, mostly metal, cheap and very easy to work on, no complicated electronics. New stuff is garbage and just wait until it’s completely electric. Such crap!!!!