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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  They Cant Believe Its a Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By trumpet_washer - December 13 - 8:03 pm

  I have to tell most people that this is a diesel engine. The performance and fuel economy are much better than the 3.7L V6. Sure, there are some quirks to owning a diesel, but it isnt as much of a hassle as most think. Besides, this is a quite torquey little SUV with a 5000# towing capacity. And the 5 speed automatic with OD lockout is a great pairing for the Italian-made 2.8L turbo diesel. Shifting into and out of 4WD is easy. Even if the only off-road your CRD sees is a mall parking lot, you wont be disappointed with the truck in the least.

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  In love with my Jeep... - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By dinoj - December 13 - 12:03 pm

  For years, Ive wanted a convertible, but wasnt sure I wanted to spend the money for a rear-wheel drive Mustang. Then this summer I saw a friend in a Jeep Wrangler with the top down, and owned one myself within the week. It is the most fun vehicle my husband and I have ever owned. Another friend says Im in mid-life crisis, but if this is the case, then BRING IT ON!!!

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  A Great Car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jones555 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  If you want a plush, smooth riding SUV, dont get a Cherokee. This is my 2nd Cherokee. They have been reliable, feel solid, (feels larger then it actually is) - well, compared to the newer and very big truck-like SUVs. Gas mileage: 17-19 in the suburbs,18-21 hwy. at about 65 too 70 mph. Feels smooth,and comfortable driving on good roads - you will feel bumps on poor roads - but considering Ive ruined tires and shocks with previous cars on pot-holes, etc... I dont have to worry about that anymore. Ac/heat work great, with floor ducts to the back seat. ...and its the classic Jeep look and feel that I want

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  My Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Rhodes - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had a Great experiance with this truck and currently have a total of 170,000 mile with few problems.

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  Awesome Grand Cherokee Limited - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kbugs - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 97 Laredo to the 2003 Limited. Absolutely no comparison between the vehicles, ride, performance, etc. The v8 has great power and excellent handling. The quadra drive kicks in automatically even in the rain. Love the vehicle!!!

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  I love it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna18 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a Liberty for 6 mos now and love it! Its fun and easy to get about anywhere you want to go. The only two things that I consider a drawback is gas mileage and no handle on the back flip up window. Of course it doesnt drive like a luxury car but remember its a JEEP!

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  3 Liberty Family - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By floyde - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We have 3 Libertys in our family. All have been very dependable and have only been back to the dealer for scheduled services. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a real SUV.

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  Jeep Liberty Rating - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Don Pike - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A REALLY fun vehicle. Perfect size and pretty quick!

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  The best...period - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slickrockv - December 13 - 10:00 am

  As a trail driving lover, the sedelopment of the Rubicon is quite possibly the best thing to ever happen to a jeep. it is rough and can take on anything that we have put it up to. i highly recoment this car to anyone slightly interestedin 4 wheeling.

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  nice SUV - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Arif Alhassan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  the hood should open from inside and the fuel cap should have a safe key.