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 Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ZPC1980 - December 1 - 6:38 pm

  Ive owned a total of 3 jeeps and I love them all dearly. I bought my 05 Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7 4x4 about a year ago and Im still quite happy with my decision. The 4.7 has all the power I need and is surprisingly good on gas for a V8 (depending on your driving habits). I average about 14 city 21 highway. The Quadratrac 4x4 system is a beast in the snow, even better than my XJ or Ranger were. It has more than enough features. The brakes and suspension are both good -it rides pretty nice. Im also a big fan of the aesthetics of the vehicle, the color scheme and design is tastefully done. If I had to nitpick it would have to be about the door panels. I would prefer more padding and I had to replace one of the door handles. Also had an issue with some leaking from the sunroof due to an issue with the drainage system. I got that all squared away though, ultimately no big deal. Really nice vehicle overall.

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  V6+stick+low weight+4WD=great to drive - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By caesar91 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Owned since new, now has ~50K, runs better than ever. Great to drive with V6, stick, and lower weight than most SUVs. Strongly recommend stick-like to downshift into turns to manage SUV-roll risk while keeping up power. And it helps with mileage (18-20MPG). Only maintenance has been oil chgs & tires once. No rust/exterior problems, though it has been garaged mostly. Would get 4DR - trick to get in/out of backseat. Still not sure 4DR that would make it a family SUV-ride is pretty bumpy for munchkins in car seats. Echo all comments about 4WD & snow; with locking 4WD (not AWD with differentials) you get great power & traction.

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  Liberty is No Equal to the Cherokee! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Trathen - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Jeep should have never stopped making this wonderful 4x4. A true classic that can not be replaced by current models. Now will have to wait for the Jeep Rescue!

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  cloumbia jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By sary23 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  fun cheap good power and convertible

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  MY GREAT LIBERATION - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RBURNS1061 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF JEEP DEALERSHIP.

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  Just what you need - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By oznoladmd - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Really well built. If you need a small run around SUV this is it.

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  My New Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Marino - December 1 - 2:00 am

  needs to ride like the gc. should get better fuel milege after I put the bosch platinum + 4 plugs in . the k&n filter system was my best mod so far.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By SMURF - December 1 - 2:00 am

  WORDS CAN NOT DESCRIBE THE JEEP LIBERTY... IT IS TOTALLY AWESOME..YOU HAVENT DRIVE A VEHICLE UNTIL YOU HAVE DRIVEN A LIBERTY....

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  1 year and still going! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave In Snohomish - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a review on the 2003 Limited. I have been extremely pleased with the overall reliability of the Liberty. It has not had any mechanical problems to speak of yet. It handled great in the snow on forrest service roads this past winter. The highway ride is a little bouncy, but that should be expected in an off road vehicle. The mileage averages around 18 normal driving, and 21 at 70 miles an hour on the highway. A very fun ride with excellent exceleration. A very nice combination of ruggedness, and refinement!

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  Great Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HR Guy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased steel blue with moonroof, fog lamps and 10 disk changer. Driven 11,000 miles since Nov with no problems. Resurfaced the front rotors at 10,000, but other than that only oil changes. The inline six is a classic that never fails. Smooth, peppy and unique. I get compliments on it all the time.