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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  I have one, why dont you? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By BJR - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep, knowing the history of the first SUVs I needed to see what he 2003s had to offer and I was pleasently pleased to see that jeep returned to their roots and put out a true suv that can be a city stop and goer as well a something you will be comfortable with in the backwoods of Maine.

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  war wagon - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By sapper2002 - January 18 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased jeep when I joined the army. I really didnt care for it at first but figured I needed a 4x4 for the colorado winters, after I really abused it off road over and over again I fell in love with it now I will never get rid of it. I have put 180,000 hard miles on it with no major repairs. I actually feel bad for the way I treated it because it never let me down. Has good power and great 4x4 going places where my buddies lifted trucks cant or end up high centered. Still cant figure out why they ended it. Not very smart.

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  I Love It - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Yves - January 16 - 8:03 am

  Very good vehicle so far, very tough frame, good for years and very effective in wintertime. Only bad point are electronic gadget but its a little thing compare to the great quality of the construction

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  The Commander drives like a sports car! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Marjorie Page - January 15 - 10:50 am

  We purchased the Commander fully loaded with a 5.7L, HEMI. It comes loaded with navigation, DVD player and seating for 7, 3 sun roofs. This large SUV is totally responsive and stays on the road on turns with the quadra-trak system. We have owned other large SUVs and this one is the favorite of the American made SUVs.

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  Looks Great! BUT ALWAYS IN THE MECHANICS - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kulik3192 - January 14 - 3:46 pm

  Loved the car as soon as I saw. I even paid STICKER PRICE!!!! I thought it was worth every penny. Not even 1 week in the check engine comes on.... I have put in almost more than 4-5K in some normal maintenance but some that are just annoying... For one thing it never starts right, always cranks over and over! I am one that hates when ppl ride their brakes, so I know I dont but the brake pads go so fast. I had to replace the routers three times already. Now its starting to stall on me. I just put 1500 into about two weeks ago and now the radiator just went the other day while i was driving. I ONLY HAVE 75,000 Miles on it. over a 100k would make sense. Looking to just trade it in, with a loss.

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  malfunction already - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By joanie - January 13 - 2:23 pm

  first my jeep popped out of gear sitting still and yes it was in first gear that was last week, now the malfunction light wont go off says maybe fuel or gas caps, checked both of those?

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  2nd one 4 me - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim in alabama - January 13 - 2:53 am

  This is my second Jeep Grand Cherokee and I am very happy with it. Would not rate is as high as a Toyota Highlander but close. I have had no trouble with my Jeep. Had a 1988 model that ran forever, 188000 miles and the only, thing other than regular mx, was one fuel injector went bad, (I fixed) and the alternator went out at 175000 miles and I fixed it myself, too. I could use bigger cup holders and better fuel economy, 16-18 in town and 20-22 on the highway. This is where Toyota has Jeep beat hands down. Plus the Toyota has better power and acceleration. All in all for what I paid I got a really pretty vehicle that is fun to drive and is practical for me. Great radio controls!!!

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  ITS NO TOYOTA - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joseph Mullin - January 13 - 12:06 am

  More quality is needed in the vendor parts dept. Brakes, head, radiator, grill; these are parts that had to be replaced at 25000 miles/3 years, along with new ignition switch.

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  Bought new, no problems for 6 yrs - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Sheylal - January 12 - 11:53 pm

  Purchased new in 2003, replaced a snapped hood latch cable in 2008. Replaced original tires at 60,000 miles with Cooper and much quieter ride. Brakes changed twice. Battery died last month after 6 yrs. Right fog light burned out this week. Very reliable. Live in Northern lower Michigan lots of rain, snow and ice. Never any driving issues summer or winter. Trail ride weekly on two tracks and quad trails, drive to work Mon - Fri. Great ride, great handling. Front seats are not comfortable for long rides is my only complaint. I also own 2000 Jeep Wrangler which is fun but rougher riding. Liberty ride is carlike in 4 Wheel drive. Very Reliable.

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  Very Poor Defrost capability - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By SC - January 12 - 9:00 am

  Because I have 250,000 on my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport I bought another Jeep. I am disappointed about the defrost capabilities of this. The dashboard defrost only goes to the middle of the windshield leaving both the ends of the windshield hard to get and keep clear. When the semis pass you on snowing roads, keeping the windshield clear is essential. I drive 45,000+ each year and in the sub-zero temps in December, I was on the interstate with semis passing, because of the inferior defrost system, it was impossible to see. I actually had to pull over and scrape ice off the windshield. I am not an expert but I think the dashboard should be recalled. I had someone else drive it and he agreed.