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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  the most fun to drive - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By paul stark - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned at least 7 SUVs. The 2004 Liberty is the best yet. It is the tightest feeling, solid one Ive owned. It drives great, and handles well. The dealer was the greatest, he made buying it a pleasure.

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  Jans Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rmpollock - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2003 Tahoe for this 2004 Columbia Edition Grand Cherokee. My wife has been totally satisfied with the ride and power of the 4.7 liter HO motor. We get a pretty good gas mileage average of 20 mph on the highway and about 17.6 in town. We have not found anything about the vehicle that we do not like.

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  Great fun vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smurkus - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV. It is smaller than the van I got rid of...but what a fun vehicle. Runs like a watch, goes like crazy with the high outout V-8. Leahter interior is so soft and comfortable. GPS system works great. I do love to drive this vehicle and bought a Jeep roof carrier as well as a bike carrier from the dealer. Also just had installed the Blue Tooth Cell phone option which is incredible! Would like a little more interior room but overall what a great incredible awesome ride!

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  GREAT SUV !!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fernando Y ANA - July 15 - 2:00 am

  G TOO MANY QUESTIONS WE JUST LOVE THE OUR JEEP "GRAND CHEEROKE" WE HAVE 3 KIDS TWO OF THEM IN STROLERS GREAT TRUNK SPACE AND WE GET GREAT GAS ...

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  Good experience - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ness - July 14 - 10:06 pm

  My experience was very pleasant. Although it consumes a lot of gas. It is a great car that many people told me not to get because it was American, but the truth is that in my 3 years owning it, I havent needed to do any repair to it

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By reecee3 - July 14 - 3:23 pm

  I bought my Liberty in 05 with 6,000 miles on the odometer. I now have 190,000 miles and she is running strong. I have had to do some minor maintenance, but I have driven her all over the country and frankly done so at high speeds. My friends call the car the silver bullet because I have a lead foot. The car has never left me stranded and is very fun to drive. Dropping the back seats is a breeze and I can fit tons of luggage or furniture it it. I am now looking for a newer model and hoping I love it like I love this little Liberty. If I didnt have to travel, I would keep it to drive around town because I love it so much!

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  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mopar1991 - July 13 - 3:37 pm

  Love my Jeep. Bought it used August 2011 and have had nothing but good from it so far. Everything worked when i got it, only thing that doesnt now is my rear park assist system, for some reason when i put her in reverse, all the red lights show up and it beeps, but thats it no big deal, cheap fix. Looks great, mean on the road ;) Great four wheel drive system, but thats expected from Jeep. Some people complain about the hard surfaced interior in areas but i love it because its durable and not cheap. My only complaint is wheres the snow? I live in Minnesota and its been a weak winter, hardly any snow. Thats the main reason i got this beast.

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  My Whistling Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ghjr - July 13 - 2:30 pm

  My second Jeep, with the first being the limited edition 02. I have an unlimited X and love it until the windshield was replaced not once but 6 times, and the whistle is still there. I got tired of taking it back again and again, so I had to have stripping placed around the shield so I didnt drive it into a tree. The problem is solved, but not the proper way, just a band aid. Takes a PhD to design it and a high school graduate to repair it. Go figure, its not fixed.

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  Its a Jeep Thing... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paddys - July 13 - 1:20 pm

  All in all, a great vehicle which is very fun in the summer sun and great in winter snow. Minor complaints include leaky driver-side door (which Ive heard from almost every other Wrangler owner), extremely difficult entrance/exit of backseat (I took my backseat out b/c it was pretty much inaccessible),and rough ride. Those things aside, I would recommend it to others.

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  jeep grand cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spinelli - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has been my baby for the past 5 years and I LOVE it...it is comfortable and safe and secure. The exterior color is black and the interior is a charcoal grey. It has never been in an accident or broken dow. It has also been very reliable.