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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  Awsome Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Raptorboi - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Never had a Problem, Best Vehicle ever owned.

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  Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By shalista - July 14 - 1:00 am

  it is awsome offroad.

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  What a beast! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JYSRT8 - July 12 - 12:33 pm

  Got rid of my 2006 Infiniti M45 Sport, (definitely not a Minnesota winter car) for SRT Jeep. Lots of fun to drive, even in the winter. Awesome acceleration, turns heads!

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  05 Liberty - Love It! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jordy - July 12 - 2:06 am

  Just traded in my 6th Wrangler for a Liberty. Glad I made the switch.

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  Downsized from a GC to JLL, so thrilled! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lorinda McCann - July 11 - 3:03 pm

  Really comfortable and roomy for a smaller sized SUV. Feel sporty and trendy zipping around. Great overall buy for the price.

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  Best Jeep Ever - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By MikeP - July 9 - 10:33 pm

  The versatility of the Unlimited cant be beat. Better than expected MPG. The Freedom top is great for nice days (no leaks either). Can go anywhere and have fun doing it. Our 3rd Jeep - previously drove 2000 XJ and 2003 KJ. This one is the best yet. Looks great clean or covered in mud. Its a Jeep thing. f you dont understand, then oh well.

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  6-week review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty_05 - July 9 - 7:26 am

  I purchased a Jeep Liberty about six weeks ago for daily commuting, hauling stuff, and off-road vacations. It drives heavy for a vehicle of its size, which makes it feel really substantial and safe. It is small and nimble. On-road the engine has adequate power and the suspension has good sway control for a vehicle of its mass, so you can still confidently throw it into some corners and tear around as long as you donÂ’t over do it. The Liberty is a total blast to drive off-road. Its four-wheel- drive system is vastly superior to that of the car- based crossover SUVs like the Rav4, CRV, Pilot, Highlander, Escape, Tribute, etc. This vehicle is perfect for my lifestyle.

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  pleased with my purchase - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By happy jeep owner - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a grand cherokee as a replacement for a four-month old Nissan Pathfinder. I am very pleased with the Grand Cherokee, and the comfortable seats and theinterior dimensions are the main reasons I made the change.

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  Love It - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Driver #1 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power to drive the interstates of country roads. Handles like a sedan, with all the comforts of a luxury import.

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  Good Stuff - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - July 7 - 10:03 pm

  Ive owned 2 Jeeps prior (81CJ & 99TJ). I have been waiting for a model to come along that retained Jeep "toughness" with more refinements and convenience (got old and picky!). Wish they had put out a V8, but the motor is still a vast improvement especially with the 4.10 gear ratio. The LOUD and well-done stereo is as nice as any new sedan. The ride also got much quieter. Not sure how they did that! Overall I think Jeep did a wonderful job.