Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  X Automatic - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By GaryB - January 25 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my Wrangler X for delivery in Japan where I live. Ive had it for about two weeks and am having a blast driving it. Dont really like the 12mpg Im getting around town with the price of gas what it is; expected more from EFI 6 (my AT may have minimal effect on that). Not used to steering wander but I found that on Range Rover so must be ok. Cant wait for my first off-road. Luxury car drivers wont like this at all! But they wont buy one either. Cant wait for top/doors off weather!

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  1999 Jeep Grand cheroke - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gwcoggin - January 24 - 1:40 pm

  I can not get the brakes fixed, needs a new set of rotors every 10,000 miles. The transfer case goes 20,000 miles between leaks in the transfer case. It is very capable off road and it is a wonderful vehicle to tow behind my Motorhome.

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  Proud Owner Of A Rock Solid 2002 JCG - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ferrisbueller609 - January 24 - 10:53 am

  I am the original owner of a 2002 JGC Laredo I6/RWD with very little extras and I cant praise this vehicle enough. Now has 105k miles and no major problems to report. Did have the passenger window motor fail and the A/C had to be replaced last summer. I have used Mobil 1 synthetic on all oil changes since 1000 miles and the engine is still strong. Over 8 years, I have AVERAGED 18.5 MPG and get 23 easily on the highway at 70 MPH. From reading the reviews, it seems that my results are not typical, but I do take great care in driving and maintaining my mighty JGC. The exterior styling is classic, the interior is functional and comfortable and even without 4WD it handles the snow like a champ!

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LordJim - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Stylish, hip, performing, fun.

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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Golga - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Liberty Limited is a great vehicle. Gets me any where I need to go on the snowy roads of Western Pennsylvania. I don;t have to worry about it. I trade a 1993 Cherokee Sport in on the Libery, and had no complaints about it. But the Liberty is a more cushy Jeep. I LOVE it.

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  I LOVE MY LIBERTY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tracy Palka - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It is fun to drive and handles really well.

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  Kind of small - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By msmacky - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Loved the look of this suv. Handles great, good power. A/C very cold and 6- CD player is great. 4 WD works good. No complaints until using back cargo area. Folding seats dont go flat so things tumble toward back. Have to put front seats all the way up to fold down back seats. Not alot of leg room in driver seat. Window controls a pain in middle- always reaching toward door. Loud street noise when windows are down. Drinks up the gas fast!

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  2004 Jeep Laredo Reviewd by owner - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Samuel DeMore - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to own and drive.

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  Excellent - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BUCK - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Best riding suv around Quiet lots of torque Has off road capabilities yet like a car on highwauy

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  great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Al - January 23 - 3:43 am

  Real solid SUV ride you can feel the quality of Jeep reputation. Interior is comfortable and classy. Got me out of a lot of snow clogged spaces.