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:

• 

  Rough it with confort Jeep Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By M Eastwood - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This jeep wrangler is an upgrade from your sons california college vehicle that he bought to drive the girls around in. It has improved ride, easier top, and all the safety features of a "regular" sedan. It still goes through flooded roads, across fields with the ease of the bigger "monsters" we hear so much about. Fuel economy is decent. I love the fact that the back seat folds forward to make the mini truck I wanted when I removed the seat from my old wrangler. Now I have the best of both worlds as I approach my 60 birthday. Signed the Blonde Supercharged Outdoors Woman

• 

  Youll never get me out of a Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BabsIDC - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is not a vehicle for folks who want the immenities of a Lincoln Town Car but have more room. The Liberty is a Jeep through and through and doesnt pretend to be anything else. The Liberty gives you anything you could ask for in the "utility" department (handling, room, features, dependabilty). I have had no complaints regarding anything dealing with the functionality of the Liberty. Plus, it is one of the most dependable vehicles I have ever owned. Avg 17 mpg, but that is the exact rating, cant complain. Summary: dependable, functional, fun, comfortable, inexpensive.

• 

  the freedom of my jeep liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Jerome - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i love my jeep! I had a honda for 10years! I wanted a suv that was affordable fun to drive, and not a wimpy 4cylinder! I decided to go with the jeep because it was just the right size for me! NOT HUGE NOT TOO SMALL!

• 

  Liberty Rocks! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Target - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun, safe and comfortable SUV. The Liberty feels very solid yet handles nimbly. Sharp looking vehicle. Only complaint is gas mileage could be better for its size.

• 

  My new car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Corrys wife - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love driving it. I love the look of it.

• 

  Capable KJ - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 1CoolKJ - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have no regrets after purchasing my Liberty. I understand the vehicle is pretty heavy for its size, but come on... 17 mpg is horrible (90% of my driving is on the highway).

• 

  Liberty Renegade - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Shelnbri - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive.Roomy.Handles nice.Gas mileage only about 17mpg.

• 

  I love my Jeep. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By A² - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Im a 70 year old woman, 53" tall, and this Jeep is the only SUV which doesnt feel too big or hard to get into and out of. My silver Jeep Liberty Ltd and two gorgeous Chrysler LeBaron convertibles have given me more fun to drive than any other of the innumerable vehicles Ive driven throughout the years. And I absolutely love the attention my Jeep receives from young people. Next, I think Ill get a red hat to make driving my Jeep even more fun!

• 

  driver - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Ronald d - October 16 - 10:00 am

  using it to pull my boat and run around in.

• 

  2003 Liberty Rocks! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Lover - October 16 - 10:00 am

  One word can sum up my feelings on the 2003 Jeep Liberty. AWESOME. Never thought I would buy a SUV until I gave the Liberty a test drive. I was a Grandprix person. Atleast until I bought my Jeep. Handles great. Very driver friendly. I cant wait until the winter so that I can drive it in the snow.