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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  Suprise - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Quasim - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the 2004 Jeep Liberty. It displayed and soild firm ride quality, and great handling habits. The build Quality was also better than I expected. The truck(yes it is a real truck) was what my girlfriend wanted and I pushed against it... however after I drove it I was happyly surprised. I budged much more money for an SUV but this is a great truck for the money, and feels like many of the more expensive less capable trucks

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  LIBERTY LIMITED - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By KATHY - September 27 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT!!! VERY RELIABLE - GOOD ALL AROUND CAR AND HOLDS ANYTHING IVE EVER WANTED TO PUT IN THE BACK!! GREAT ON SNOW AND ICE, VERY ZIPPY BUT FEEL SAFE

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  myjeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By monsour - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The Liberty provides a confident ride. When Shutting the doors you get a sense of excellent build quality. The V6 offers ample get up and go power on the highway when needed. The Select trac feature on the 4wd model of proficient in snow and sno/ice conditions and very capable off road. It was an excellent choice for me.

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  ITS NOT A BENZ - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SDTRADE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I OWN A 2003 E-CLASS MERCEDES BENZ. LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST AND HAVING A BENZ IS LIKE TAKING YOUR LIFE IN YOUR HANDS WITH THE ICE AND SNOW. I DECIEDED TO GARRAGE MY BENZ AND BUY A NEW 2004 JEEP SPECIAL EDITION FOR THE WINTER. WE HAVE HAD PLENTY OF STORMS IN THE NORTHEAST AND I HAVE NOT MISSED A BEAT USING MY NEW 2004 JEEP SPECIAL EDITION.

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  jeep grand cherokee - buy one anyday - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cort - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This Jeep is awesome for the money. 32,000 with every option you could need or want. Rides perfect. cool look. test drive one, buy one, you wont be disappointed. I love mine. the 4 wheel drive all time is PERFECT for a girl to drive in snow. it puts in the 4 wheel drive when you dont know you need it. too many options to mention. just go see for your self. i have drove many suvs and none are better in the same price range. of course if you want to spend 15000 more, go for a Tahoe

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  JGC Limited Fan - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Fan Again - September 26 - 7:23 pm

  I was looking at all non-American made vehicles as my next car. All these cars came with a premium for this luxury I was looking for in my next car. I decided to go with the JGC Limited because it met all my needs with out the premium price. After have driven this for three weeks, it was the best choice I could have made to stay with Chrysler! It has all the toys and buttons I was looking for in my next vehicle. The only real thing I would like to see improved is the gas mileage in city and highway. I am proud to still be driving American again, which completely surprised me! You will not go wrong if you consider this vehicle for price, style and toys included.

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  Luv my 06 Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By KareBear0972 - September 26 - 4:33 pm

  I Luv my commander! I have owned jeeps pretty much all my life but this car is Awesome. Fast pick up, nice off roading. Great in snow. Gas is not great (But Im one of those lead foot people ) but what do you expect in a SUV? :) Only in a Jeep.

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  Better Styling, Less Comfort - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Doug - September 26 - 4:53 am

  Great looking car, but nowhere near as comfortable as my previous model Grand Cherokee.

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  like the "old-school" styling - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeeperscreepers - September 25 - 10:00 am

  To me, this suv just looks like an suv is supposed to: tough. The new Liberty looks too much like the old Rav4s--to rounded, small, and wimpy looking. Ive enjoyed my Cherokee, and wish it would have snowed more often last winter. It plows through snow like a knife through butter. I think the V6 has pretty good acceleration, and it cruises at 75-85 mph quite smoothly. For only a V6, the gas mileage seems a bit low...only about 17-18 mpg on average. The inside could use more storage areas. Theres not really anyplace to put things besides the armrest cavity and the glovebox.

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 L6 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AlaskaCommuter - September 24 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used from a private owner. When I purchased the vehicle, I knew that I would need to replace a few parts but did not suspect just how many I would actually have to replace. I have since had to replace all shocks, all rotors, pads, calipers, the muffler, a steering damper, all tie rod ends, an EVAP canister, both hood supports, the rear windshield wipers motor and both headlights. I still need to replace the driver side ball joints, and something within the vacuum system. I put a K&N air filter in & high-flow muffler, with absolutely zero difference in gas mileage. Have constant minor and foreshadowing problems, that always stay true. Would not recommend buying ever.