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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  02 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim - January 21 - 8:50 pm

  I have 112,000 mils on this manual tranny & have enjoyed all but two when the timing belt broke & the belt tensioner broke. I suggest replacing the original tires as the Wranglers are awful. Mileage averages 23 mpg, much better than the 6 cyl. I will buy another one, perhaps a diesel.

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  Best in class - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bassman - January 21 - 3:16 pm

  Nothing in its class comes close! The others cant tow 5k lbs and cant go offroad. Great all around vehicle

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  Only Jeep Owners Understand... - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By nikana20895 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Cherokee in 1996 and have enjoyed every minute of it, from driving it, cleaning it, and admiring it while it is parked. I have only performed maintenance and due to a harsh winter this year, I had to replace the radiator. All other parts are still original.

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  1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdh - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have very little in the way of repairs. Ive had a few of the plastic pieces fall off over the years. Absolutly nothing major.

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  Good performance and looks. Cheap used. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gblanch - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 8 cyl. Jeep at three years old, 29k miles, for just over half its original price (paid $18k), after deciding that $40k was too much for new. Original buyers depreciaion loss was my gain. I couldnt be more pleased, even if Id bought it new. My wife loves the looks and power around town with our children. It handles great in snow and ice, is comfortable on long drives, and has performed admirably in light off-road use (fishing, hunting, camping). We had to replace a transmission sensor to fix hard shifting ($150), as well as replace the stereo (covered under the extended warranty). Starting to get a little brake pulsing at 50k miles.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdh - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The only problems I have has are the brakes. I have had 3 brake jobs (warped rotors)

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  liberty mania - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyhillumc.org - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my two wheel drive liberty. It takes me to all the places I like to go as well as off roading. I am amazed how a two wheel drive vehicle can climb! Acceleration is good but noisy. Fuel economy is to be desired but the overall performance is nimble. Did I mention the comfort of the back seat and the ease of parking?

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  Jeep Love - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cute jeeper - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I personally love my jeep because i can go anywhere and do anything in it. Yes the ride isnt like a Mercades but its fun and cool. This is my second time owning a jeep and i have to say that no matter what this will be my choice of vehile for the rest of my life.

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  I feel Safe! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By moms jeep - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Jeep! There are a few flaws,but,there is with everything. Ill cope. Reliable in the New England weather!

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  Jeep Liberty is Great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jwq13 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is fun to drive and is a practical vehicle. It is small enough to fit in any parking space, yet it is roomy enough to carry many items. The gas mileage could be better, but it is what you would expect in a vehicle that has a high profile. It has excellent acceleration. James