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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  Not too Shabby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa C - April 18 - 12:33 am

  I got this Liberty as a 2nd car. I am a teenager. Although the body isnt my ideal style I must say that as a young driver I do beat on the truck pretty bad. The Jeep holds up great. I brought it to Jeep and it had no recomendations. I have only had one problem with it and that is the blower motor, cost about $25 to fix. This truck holds up to my friends and I and is a fun little car. Its great in all weather and is very safe. The compact size makes it easy to drive and its built tough. Good work Jeep!

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  Fun Ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By NFM - April 17 - 5:00 pm

  I loved the look of the Liberty Renegade vs the Sport and Limited. Stick with the V6, I find it to have better pick-up. Best way to go on this vehicle is when its fully loaded. Only mistake I made was getting it in black since it looks like its always dirty (but hey its a Jeep right? Thats what gives it its character!) Very comfortable ride on pavement.

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  Great to Drive - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Walter Dandridge - April 17 - 3:02 pm

  I have always been impressed with the driving and handling of my Jeep. Several issues would be the driver front visibility when turning left due to outside mirror placement. Also, the back up camera screen frequently goes to a blue screen. Probably the most downside is the frequent maintenance ever 3 months. Otherwise a great SUV.

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  Just Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dallaswag - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a good looking car with power for an suv, it has a smooth car like ride and can maneuver in an out on any terrain. I have had many vehicals and must say that this feels at home on a night out on the town, and river running. So if you are tired of sitting behind your desk go for a spin, a boardway show or the snake river you will be right at home. We Love it. I have had all types of vehicals from Mercedes to vetts and the like, drive this one and I believe that you will agree it is a wonderful performer.

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  Great winter and long trip car - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepers - April 16 - 11:56 pm

  Loved my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Took comfortable long trips in it. Mileage really increased on the highway.

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  The Jeep I was waiting for - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ILCommander - April 16 - 2:20 pm

  As a previous owner of an XJ Cherokee, I am partial to the boxy styling. The Commander is what XJs should grow up to become. I have the HEMI. Bought it used with 38K. Has the comfort and ride of a luxury car, but has the power of a sports car. I needed more comfort, room and power and boy did I get it. While there are some squirrelly issues with it, I think it is nit picking. Any major issues have been addressed with TSBs or recalls. Know that any enormous SUV will have bad gas mileage. That aside, this is another keeper for me for some time. Do your homework if you want one, and just pony up for the HEMI. I would not buy new - buy used and take advantage of the depreciation.

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  1999 Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By rhicksmtb - April 16 - 4:13 am

  What a great ride. My wife and kids always look forward to family time in the jeep. I and my buddies always look forward to pushing its limits off road. I purchased the Mile Marker 8000 winch (has worked flawlessly many times) but do not need it very often. I usually have to pull out someone else out. This is by far the best 4X4 I have ever owned.

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  the car Ive always wanted - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Logan - April 15 - 11:00 pm

  Well, its finally mine. My 2006 Jeep Liberty. Its not the most comfortable car, nor the most powerful, but it defines me. Its definitely, a "mans car" or, at least mine feels like it. And I love it! Though, my friends are mad because they all have stupid economical imports. But in all seriousness, the Liberty is my top pick. Its the best small SUV out there. The looks, inside and out, are just great, and my girlfriend says it matches my eyes? Hah, "Jeep green" and a lot of my tall friends can fit in perfectly. Who cares about gas when you make everyone who carpools with you pay for it? :) Haha, I love my Jeep, and its worth every penny!

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  my jeeps review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lostone1313 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Libety from day 1, it performs excellent and I love the boudy style. I beliveve that I will be trading up in a couple of years, for a newer liberty. They are just too cool.

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  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tonster - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I think that your guys are harder on this truck than the others. It has the rear outlet, nice bucket seats, all the options (a standard CD player - beat that!) and the AC kicks. I should know - I live in Louisiana. It is about 100 degrees every day here during the Summer. Tinted Glass, alloy rims and cruise control were only $800 to add on. Try about $3000 with the Ford Escape. Best value for the money. With tax included (at 9% too) I paid under $21,000. It blows the doors off an Xterra, Element, Sorrento and Isuzu for value. Rugged design with a knack for knowing we all drive on the road not the dirt. Xterra could learn something here!