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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  Jeep Thoughts by Matt - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matt376 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the first SUV that I have purchased and was ecstatic to get it. It has a unique appeal and holds it own niche in the SUV market. Its a blast to drive and true that Chicks dig guys in Jeeps. The V-6 is powerful and responsive, though, would caution newcomers to the world of the Wrangler, that it takes a bit of getting used to the increased road noise. After adjusting, I feel like this is probably the best purchase Ive made of the 5 cars I have owned. Basically, if you have been thinking of taking the plunge and purchasing one of these marvelous vehicles, get off your keester and do it

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  Love This Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By T.T. - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Jeep to drive back and forth to work and on business trips since my F-150 isnt the best on gas. Best Decision I made! This jeep gets 26-27 city and 29-30 on the hwy! Lots of room and I love the trunk area. My Black Lab rides back there with plenty of room to move around. This jeep also has lots of nooks and crannies to store stuff which is great. I wouldnt trade my jeep for anything!

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  Great Little SUV - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By bostonman1212 - December 4 - 8:03 am

  1999 Cherokee Sport with 4.0L I6. My 2nd Cherokee (had a 1990 5 spd) and I love both of them (familys had 4 Cherokees and they have all been great trucks). Tough little SUV that does everything you want it to. Never complains when I hit those huge New England pot holes and you can drive it in any weather you want. Taken it out in white-out snow storms in a foot of powder and it does excellent. Never crossed my mind that Id get stuck in any condition. Not the most comfy/efficient car but its a tough little SUV that rides stiff and never complains. Great for someone looking for a tough reliable truck that will take you anywhere and wont complain about a little tough drivin

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  Minor cons But the Pros outweigh con - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jrochester - December 3 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased a 2006 and it is has turned me a true jeep fan the power is great and you cant complain about gas mileage when you have great power. Smooth ride overall.

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  my kids WILL drive this car - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By I_liveinthewoods - December 3 - 2:00 am

  i enjoy driving this vehicle because its loud and fast and handles like an italian sports car(some modifications have been made). this is not a hugh suv, but the front seats are more comfy than my freinds 02 bmw, his heat up though.Ive invested a little money into a sound system so i can almost drowed out the open exhaust! this is the second jeep ive owned(first was a 97 tj) and they can not be beat for off road capability. you can drive up things that you cannot walk up with this vehicle. owning a jeep is something everyone should try at least once, and then youll understand- its a jeep thing-

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  My Liberty Sport - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By geck066 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for over a year now...I love it..Its a blessing in the snow, but its a very heavy vehicle making stopping a bit scary, but I got used to it. I have the anti-lock brakes and the selec-track system in my Jeep. It was well worth the etra money. I like the feeling of being up high and I feel in control of the road. Its very sporty, and my kayaks look great on top.

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  My Libetry Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Topher4193 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Its out standing, fun to drive, not a plastic car (in other words it is not a Honda), and pretty gopod priced

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  Liberty Excels - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepTexakin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Only 7,000 miles so far but have enjoyed the feel of the Liberty, my first Jeep. Ride is comfortable and like the feel of the 4WD action. Have maintained good traction in both snow and rain and takes turns well. Enough power out of 6cyl for my purposes. Excellent look to it and part of Jeep family a plus as well.

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  The Renegade - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ex Mercees fan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased for my wife as a replacement for 2002 Mercedes ML 430. She gave up on that vehicle because Mercedes said the squealing brakes were "just a fact of life" and the rear seats needed a German engineer to get them to fold and return. She loves the Liberty and its handling. I find the performance with the 3.7L V6 more than adequate. Interior seating and position leaves a lot to be desired. The looks are very Jeep and "fun". Weve had four Wranglers and three Grand Cherokees. Liberty has the Wrangler fun and some of the Grand Cherokee style. A very good new vehicle.

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  I love my Jeep Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Melanie - December 2 - 11:50 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Its not as big as other SUVs. Perfect for a small family. I know in a couples of years I will be trading it in on another one.