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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  Love my Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Love my Liberty - November 15 - 7:46 pm

  There is a kinship with Jeep owners... kinda like Harley riders wave and greet each other, so do Jeep owners. We are an awesome breed of drivers. There is a certain pride that one has when they pull up to a ball field, full of moms in their vans...and this mom steps out of her Jeep... love it. A friend of mine liked to razz me by saying "Id rather push a Land Rover than drive a Jeep", well we went out shopping in her LR and it broke down and we ended up pushing it... loved it! Needless to say, she now drives a Jeep. Nothing like driving an American made, dependable, cute, tough, child friendly, animal friendly, classy, Jeep. God willing Ill always be a Jeep owner! I love my Jeep!

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  Love it! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGCSRT8 - November 15 - 3:53 pm

  Prior to this, I owned a Jeep Wrangler. While I loved that Jeep (a V6), this baby drives itself! Of course, the V8 is rough on the gas tank, but I dont mind because I dont drive that much. Got me through a Buffalo Winter with the all-time 4x4. Comfortable for longer trips. Gas prices would have to double before I would even consider trading it in!

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  Mr. Reliable - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By W. Tarr - November 14 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 96 Cherokee 2 Door Sport 10 years ago with 35,000 miles on it. The only work that I have had to do to it was replace the muffler and tailpipe, set of front brake pads and a starter. It now has 145,000 miles on it and uses no oil and gets around 22-23 mpg. It is the most efficient 4wd I have ever owned. I wish they still made them! My body is still in great shape despite the winters here in PA. The paint isnt the best but it has yet to rust out. The engine is a work horse and will take me anywhere I need to go!

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  Way Too Cool - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jay OKeefe - November 14 - 5:16 am

  Always wanted a Wrangler. Wasnt practical for the my budget or family until now. Jeep has outdone themselves this time. I dont know if Ill ever buy another car. Great design, very comfortable, has power windows and locks, outstanding sound system and lots of room. I suggest the combo top (hard for winter months here in the northeast and soft for April-October). This car is so much fun already and let me tell you.... it turns heads everywhere! Too cool.

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  Fun Ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By alsdkfj - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a great ride that is sporty and fun. With lots of nice options.

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  LOVE MY JEEP - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pursuit8 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever owned there is nothing better in the same price range. it does everything i need it to do and there is so much space!!!

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  Fun Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By OI812 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be easy to handle on winding roads.It is quite and runs so smooth you hardly know the engine is running.It has good visablity all round.

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  Great Tow Vehicle!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DADDYO - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I use it to tow a small, enclosed, car tailer(about 5500 lbs loaded weight). Has plenty of power on all but the absolute steepest conditions. The overdrive lockout button is very handy when towing. Metallic flecks in the black paint show fantastic in the bright sunlight. The interior is very comfortable and easy to live with on extended trips. Lots of cargo room with rear seats folded down. Headlights/Foglights do a great job. Steering wheel mounted Audio controls have got me really spoiled. Get a lot of comments on the Chrome 17" Wheels.

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  This is awesome! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wildernessman - November 11 - 12:10 am

  Jeep really has it down. This vehicle has got to be one of the best ones out there. Ive already taken it off roading and it conquered the territory like a champ.

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  I love my Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MK - November 10 - 4:13 pm

  today i bought my Jeep Liberty , and I had to drive it home from the dealership in a blizzard.. The weather was horrible, but I felt safe. I was very impressed how it handled the road.