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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  AWESOME SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By JEEPSTER - December 17 - 12:06 pm

  These jeeps are great for everything and any road condition. Not too big and not to small. Just the right amount of storage and room. My Jeep drives great, and its fun. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I wish they still made them.

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  Very Happy! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hoosier - December 15 - 7:30 pm

  After over 4 years we are very happy with our first Jeep. My wife wouldnt trade it even up for a new Cadillac. Very reliable. Feels, looks & rides like the day we brought it home. Comfortable and ample room for good size adults in front seats. Only new tires, one recall, and 3 warranty repairs (that were fixed right the first time) through 50K. No, its not perfect. Its not a big SUV. No back seat leg room. Rear seat does not fold flat and it does ride a bit rough over bumps(but it is a 4WD Jeep). You arent going to haul a lot of stuff or big stuff in this, but we new all this and bought accordingly. Would highly recommend as long as you check everything out and know what you are getting.

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  This is a classic... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stick - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I use my Rubicon as both a daily driver AND a weekend off-roader. These guys have done their homework...this is destined to go down as one of the great Jeeps. The vehicle feels very solid, and is prepared to tackle any obstacle. It is a lot quieter than I expected, and the ride is smooth on the highway (for a Jeep). It is rugged and fun, and one of the few vehicles left that can be easily worked on...though I have yet to have any problems at 3000 miles. I have NEVER enjoyed a vehicle this much. If you want soft fuzzy comfort, go buy a Mercedes. This is not for the latte-drinking suburban soccer moms. All meat, no fluff.

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  Rocky Mt. is a great suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cgnafly - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I needed a new car to get up my steep driveway. My old Ford Thunderbird got stuck twice. My new Rocky Mt Jeep is excellent for the challange. My Mom thought so too so she bought one.

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  unbeatable - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rich - December 10 - 4:50 am

  I think the 5.7 is a blast to drive. Handles better than my 06 STS. Softer ride also. Gas bills, we all have them. Tell the old muscle car guys about gas. They will tell you the same. OH WELL.

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  great vehicle - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepman - December 10 - 2:00 am

  great handling. vacationed 4,000 plus miles this year - yellowstone, rockies - no problems. did about 3,000 in appalachains year before, no problems. have really enjoyed this vehicle.

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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.

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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.

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  2005 Grand Cherokee LTD - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By erik - December 9 - 10:33 pm

  Excellent experience thus far. Replacing Jeep Liberty Ltd. Equipped with Hemi and Quadra-Drive. Great combination.

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  a lot of bang for the buck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 918jeeper - December 9 - 7:10 pm

  As a previous Wrangler owner, I was a bit skeptical of the Libertys off road ability. When I took it off road for the first time (the same day I bought it) although it was just a dirt road with some washboard type terrain, the suspension handled it like a smooth paved road. When I did get a chance to try the low range (4-Lo) with the long suspension travel and its great articulation, it handled anything from deep ruts to decent sized rocks. The highway performance is really good for a SUV, the 3.7 liter V6 has plenty of power to get the job done.