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 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
By richgiles - May 20 - 12:13 amThe Liberty is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It has a great new look that that turns a lot of heads at intersections. The interior is simple, but nice. There is a lot of plastic but it is not nearly as bad as the cheap plastic of the patriot and compass. The suspension is very firm but does not throw you around. It makes the whole driving experience fun that you can only find in a jeep. The turning radius is amazing. Gas mileage is okay, Im averaging about 18.6 right now, and hope for it to get better after the engine is broken in.
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SUV that ACTUALLY performs off road - 2003 Jeep Liberty
By Patric Payette - May 19 - 7:13 pmOne of the best SUVs Ive ever driven. It handles on road well and off road even better. With no after market parts Ive taken my Liberty far into the bushes and it handles mud pits with ease. When on pavement it drives nice, has good power and does everything an SUV should do on the road. Other SUV makers should take note. This is a true offroad vehicle unlike most SUVs in its class. If your a soccer mom Im sure it would fill your needs as well. Nothing is more fun than driving downtown with my Jeep Liberty covered from top to bottom in mud after mudding and seeing all the looks you get from "city drivers". I have absolutely pounded on this Jeep and havent had any breakdowns.
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1st Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
By Dave - May 19 - 4:00 amI wish i would have bought one 10 years ago! It`s fun to drive. Short and compact. I usually trade my vehicles in every two to three years. I have a feeling I may keep this Jeep for many years.
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1993 Renegade - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
By boowak - May 19 - 2:00 amMy 1993 Jeep Wrangler Renegade changed my life. After driving sports cars and trucks for 15 years, I purchased my first Jeep. Ill never go back! Not the most comfortable ride on the highway, but when others are stuck on the side of the road I know I can get through. All the best!
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Just plain great vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
By freebird - May 19 - 2:00 amThe only thing that comes to my is Great vehicle! Try it youll love them Enough said, no need to say more
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Best of the SUVs - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Steven F - May 19 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd Jeep owned in 12 years and without a doubt the best. We have 6500 miles on it and have taken the vehicle over the WV, VA and NC mountains on 3 trips without one problem. Around town our SUV responds to stop and go traffic nicely. Our Grand Cherokee Overland held the road in all types of weather. The engine and transmission were flawless. The seats were very comfortable for long distance driving. The cockpit is well laid out too.
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This Jeep Saved My Life - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By articwinds - May 19 - 2:00 amI purchased a 1999 Jeep Grd Laredo in 11/02. In 12/02,5 weeks after owning it, a 4-dr Ford F-350 ran a red light and hit my little Jeep. The air bags did exactly as they are suppose to do. They inflated instantly and deflated just as fast. I have no visible injuries from the air bag, the seat belt or the truck. I just have muscle and back pain.This Jeep saved my life, but unfortunatley I could not save its life. I bought it for $16,100.00 and it had a total damage of $16,539.+. I will always miss that 1999 but I have replaced it with a 2000 (same color of course). I highly recommend this truck.
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Bought used and still happy... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By billwfriend - May 19 - 2:00 amPicked up used about a year ago...previously owned by a little old lady who put on 60K in 2&1/2 yrs. Paid 2K under Edmunds TMV. Happy with the quiet, subtle ride 13K later. Avg 17.5- 19.0 MPG per tank, mostly hwy miles. Engine 4.0 powerfull enough (no towing). Comfortable leather seats and fantastic 200 watt Infinity CD/Cassette. Only quality issue has been broken passenger door hinge, wouldnt open - $200.00. Only minor pulsating on braking. Found local repair shop to perform factory suggested maintenance for cheap.
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BUYER BEWARE - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Buyer Beware - May 19 - 2:00 amDO NOT BUY a Jeep. 3 recalls, in the 1st year. Head gasket is leaking oil, The dealers service advisor calls it, "sweating", and states that it is normal. Took me to see another Jeep, and said that this is normal, and acceptable. Seems to me that DC has a quality control problem. Will not be keeping after lease expires. Too bad, it is a beautiful vehicle, with crappy quality
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great car - 2005 Jeep Liberty
By RICK - May 18 - 5:56 pmRuns good and gets good mileage.
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