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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  Impressed - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark Hanlon - October 5 - 10:26 pm

  Traded in Gl350 Blue Tec for this and glad I did. Much better all around. Gas mileage isnt bad, but my GL got 26 and is a much bigger car.

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  Trailhawk V-6 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By johnd - October 5 - 8:52 am

  Review of the V6 version, drop-down box does not include this version!! I could not be more pleased with this vehicle. It replaces a Wrangler and although it cant go everywhere the W does it is a great compromise. One of our problems with the Wrangler is at our age we just arent physically able to endure the beating one takes when driving it even on the easiest of trails. After several trips to the CA desert I find the Trailhawk to be capable and very comfortable off-road. With clearance being the only limitation so far. This vehicle gives up some off-road performance while providing huge improvements in comfort, mileage, performance, & technology.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Airborne - October 5 - 3:50 am

  This vehicle is perfect for my wife and I and are dog. The cargo space is more than enough. The drive is smooth and fun. And the gas mileage is great for a 4.0L. This Jeep has fit its purpose in our everyday life. We not only use it in the city but also for camping which is so much fun with this particular vehicle. We love it.

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  This is one to keep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shirisha - October 3 - 2:40 pm

  Picked up my Jeep few months back, and we love it; unmatched off road abilities plus all the luxury. There is only one and its JEEP.

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  Very Nice - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Betty H - October 2 - 2:43 pm

  Bought it last week and very happy. Took it from Florida to Virginia and had ample passing power on the highway and performed flawlessly in the Mountains. Seats are very supportive and comfortable. Its hard to believe this is a body-on frame SUV telling by the ride.

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  Great car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dzeppfan77 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have liked the look of the Liberty since they came out. I waited for a year until the 03s arrived, then I drove one. I traded for a Liberty Limited and have been pleased with it. It has a very smooth highway ride for a 4X4 Jeep. It does great off the highway as well. Jeep is the reason why the U.S. won WWII according to President Eisenhower. Jeep has been around since the 1940s so they must be doing something right. Bottom line is great car for great price. Will take you just about anywhere offroad and does great on the highway.

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  Man I love it! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Youn Kim - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Jeep Cherokee Limited to the 93 (same model) I had. The old one ran fine, but getting everything repaired at the dealer just got too expensive for such an old car. I had a little less than 150K on it so Im expecting to get similar mileage before I get another new car on this 04 GJC. My new car is simply joyful to drive and to own! It has power, comfort, and style. I just love driving this car, even though I dont go off road. So far no problem except for groaning when shifting from R to D. My old 93 did this too. Im not sure if its normal.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cynthia - September 30 - 6:46 am

  I have no problem with the way the vehicle handles. My only complaint is the gas mileage. My fuel costs (I commute approximately 80 miles per week day) average about $250 per month. Average mpg is around 16.7 mph.

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  Kems review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By K T H - September 29 - 11:10 am

  I bought my Jeep in January 2004. I have never owned a Jeep and was surprised at myself for falling in love with it on the first test drive. It is very comfortable and after being used to driving a car, I felt I could see everything. The Liberty has personality with its round features like the headlights, instrument panel, and door handles. It rides more like a car than the old Jeep Wrangler I used to ride in. It is also stylish inside and out. It has plenty of cargo space. The kids love to ride in it because they can see out over everything. The only problem I had with the Liberty was the back hatch came open when it rained, but the dealership fixed it. I love my JEEP!!!

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  Love that Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Janell Lawrence - September 27 - 3:20 pm

  I have had my Jeep for a year now and it is still the best Jeep I have ever owned. I love the Hemi and the smart beams, the navigation and the u- connect. It drives as smooth and easy as the first day I got it, It is great on long trips, no achy back and legs. It handles the road wonderful. I dont feel it leaning around curves; very stable. A year and I still love it!