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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  This is a great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By james sherman - October 27 - 9:30 am

  i have had my Jeep Liberty since March when I got it and it has done everything that I wanted it to do. Like tow 3 four wheelers up on a trailer with no problem up and down hills. And its four wheel drive, well its just awesome. It will go anywhere you want too; this is just a great vehicle from jeep

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  my first - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carlover92 - October 27 - 9:06 am

  This is my first Jeep to own. So far I love the vehicle. Other than the fact that the transmission needs fixing, and a few other things but the car is over 14 years old. I love how it moves with the road and if I go 60mph I can easily get 23mpg and over 500 miles per tank. Thats as good as the new ones. I do average 19mpg around town and that is still pretty good too.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jody - October 26 - 6:20 am

  I arrived at my local Jeep Dealer three days ago simply expecting to take a look, as I had done with both the Toyota (FJ) and Hummer (H3) dealers. To my surprise and delight there is now a 2007 Jeep Wrangler X Unlimited parked in my driveway. The four doors, longer wheel base and wider stance are all real attention grabbers. I have been approached several times by people wanting to take a look and ask questions. The drive is comfortable visibility is great. I wont be winning any races down at the track but that was not the point of buying a Jeep. I am looking forward for some cross-country traveling next month and I will try and submit a report on how that goes as well.

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  Lady Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bobbe - October 26 - 3:23 am

  She is a pleasure to drive. I have complete confidence in her. The GPS has made this "old lady" more comfortable about going to new places alone. My son thinks it is too small, but he owns a 2004 Grand Cherokee; the Liberty is perfect for me and my needs. If I had any complaint, it would be the inability to see easily when backing out of parking spaces. Front view is fine.

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  Its not a compromise - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By jsib - October 25 - 9:31 am

  Never a compromise, a pack leader. Show me another "comparable" vehicle that can tow 5000lbs, great 4x4 for my excursions and snow, looks like a royal and is a snap to clean up!?! I towed 3000lbs from Tulsa to Indianapolis at 19.1 mpg and 65mph. My friend has a V8 Tahoe and never gets better than 15 around town with some highway added in. Roomy, easy to use and a classic elegant design inside and out. Extremely happy with it and it kills me that the replacement is awful and ugly (2014 Cherokee). Jeep forums are filled with Jeep loyalist that actually love to help out. With the added benefit of a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty my boys will be driving this in ten years easy. If I am not.

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  Love the vehicle, but needs improvements - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tseal - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the first 7 years but in the last two years I have replaced the catalytic converter, water pump, a/c evap.coil and have had the transmission rebuilt. About $2700 in repairs. All that expense would be more acceptible if it had 150,000 miles on it, but it has only been driven about half of that mileage.

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  Buyer Beware - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ichabod98 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very "cool" vehicle as far as looks go. However, not "cool" when it comes to a functioning A/C. I first had a $400 compressor clutch repair then 6 months later a $750 evaporator coil repair. At 86,000 miles the transmission began to slip, there was a strange knocking noise from the rear end and the drivers side window motor began going out.

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  so far so good - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mozkicker5 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  just recently purchased the freedom edition. Boy, does this thing look great, and its so much fun to drive. Yes the window controls are in a poor location, but after a few days I hardly even noticed anymore. Seats are sporty looking and beautiful. Storage compartment is set way to far back and glove compartment is smallish, but these are such minor blemishes that i could care less. Pulls my jetski with no problems. Rear leg space is fine, as well as cargo space. The car has done nothing but impress me so far, and even is impressing my grumpy old man of a father, and that pretty much equals a five star rating then!

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  Best Performance SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By coltsfan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This Suv has been the best car I have purchased.Being an outdoors person I enjoy taking my Liberty out for sport but also use it for daily use.I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone who wants a car with power and a SUV that will get you where you want to go.I dislike the gas mileage but I enjoy driving my Liberty so its worth the price.

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  Grand Problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mike - October 24 - 1:13 am

  Purchased the GC with 35k on it. Had to put a new $500 water pump at 36K. Various small plastic parts were replaced in the door locks. At 96k miles the AC only blows out of the defrost. The cruise control doesnt work. The tweeter speakers crackle. On the other hand the 6 cyl. engine and transmission have been reliable with no problems. Power is good and I get 20 mpg on the highway. The V8 version gets 14. The 10 disc player crapped out at 50k and I replaced the radio with a new Sony unit. Installed ceramic pads on the disc brakes second year I had it.