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 Liberty Unmatched - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dhloc73 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The jeep Liberty is by far my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. The Durability and design go unmatched by competitors vehicles...

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  I love my JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By sailorgirl - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After drving sports cars for years, I am enjoying the ride and comfort or my Jeep. The seats are comfortable and everyone love the chrome accents in the interior. Importantly, the power of the engine gives me a sense of safety and security and the height off the road allows for better visibility.

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  Dream Driving! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbie A. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My jeep is about the sharpest, "funnest" vehicle Ive ever owned! Its the perfect car. Mine came with an off-road package and I fell in love with it immediately. I had been looking for weeks at different SUVs, and this was a show stopper. I always get stares while Im driving! Its super during the winter, I never had a problem in our snowy (Ohio) roads last year. Ive had the car for 10 months and have had no mechanical problems or otherwise.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By baxter - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its like the commercial- you never had so much fun going 3 mph. All Jeep CJ, YJ, and TJ will go just about anywhere. The Rubicon, with lower gearing, taller tires, and locking (in low 4wd) heavy duty axles goes everywhere. Dont buy it if bumpy bothers you. Hook up with Jamborees and Camp Jeep and youll get every dollar of fun.

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  RENEGADE info - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ZMan239 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive... The only thing i dont like about it is the rear tailgate, the fact that it doesnt have a handle, and the window controls on the center counsel, it can be annoying to open and close the windows, but besides that the handling is awesome for an SUV, and the power is pretty good. OFF-ROAD the car performs really well, better than most other SUVs.

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  Jeeps are Great - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By investig8or - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Jeeps since 1974. I switched from Toyota Land Cruiser. Best thing I ever did. I put 147,000 on my last one. Still going Strong. I did not buy the Jeep to collect Groceries or sit on a freeway parking lot. We use the wifes Toyota Camrey for that. We do a lot of off road in the mountains and camping. This 04 does everything I could expect.I particularly like the Lumbar Support, and the memory features. I will never depart from the Jeep line.

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  Everything but adjustable brake pedals - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Richard63 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We have taken it on 2 long trips and its a fine car except it requires premium fuel and the economy is less than expected. It was picked up with a slight miss and it still does but worse when hot. The GPS has a lot of nice features and someday it will navigate using more roads so that direct routes can be used rather than just major roads. It is not as good as a hand held portable GPS for routing. It handles surprisingly well at high speeds and if you need some power its there when you need it. Its fast.

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  Love IT!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By got2lovejeeps - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Like that it can be rugged or classy. It is a great car to take into the fields and 4 wheeling. I have had no problems and am planning on staying with Jeep in the future.

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  Fully Satisfied - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bill walters - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am fully satisfied with all aspect of my Grand Cherokee, 2004. It is my third Jeep purchase. I am pleased with the 18 mpg average around town in the first months ownership. Am also looking forward to driving in the ice and snow to gage its performanceO

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drfit2000 - September 26 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep is different from others I have driven. Its fast, strong, luxurious and RELIABLE. There are great technical features like controllable rain-sensing wipers, helpful computer related features, and a fantastic drive system. That drive system not only makes this Jeep incredibly secure in bad weather but gives it sports-car cornering and handling. Its never been in for any unscheduled service but it does often visit the gas pump. I love this vehicle.