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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  Libertys - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jfo - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I own two Libertys, both 2003. They have been great. Only thing Id change is the original Goodyear tires--the tread is too aggressive if you arent primarily going to drive off-road. This makes it louder than necessary and a little slick in rain.

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  Never Again - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mellen40 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I asked to try a manual 6 cyl. I went for a ride around the block. It was sweet. The purchase went wrong from the start.Getting on the interstae, it could not get up to speed to blend into traffic. My heart was in my throat. Chris Myers exchanged the oops 4 cyl. they sold to me as a 6 cyl. I havent been satisfied since. Ive had difficulty with the back hatch doorlock since I bought it. They "fixed it" but still wont unlock at times. The purchase agreement was to have a roof rack installed that I could leave on or remove as I wanted. They put on a skimpy aftermarket roof rack screwed to the roof. It looks sad!

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  Jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Shelle - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my liberty its fun to drive and have had no problems. I would buy another one!

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  just wave - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bridie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  love it, i used to wave to every liberty before i got my own, this is my dream car!

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  jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By maggie743 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i think the jeep handles very well.

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  JEEP WINS - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By StarINSIGHTS - August 30 - 2:00 am

  After spending 5 hrs to get the price down to the sticker We were happy to depart the dealer. The dealer tried to addon features that were already installed and we were buying the sticker price not the dealership. We got home safe and wokeup to 1 foot of snow and went 4 wheeling all day. VERY good compact 4 wheeler JEEP!After test driving a Nissan Xtra, WE were knew Jeep was the Winning 4x4. Just watch the add ons that are not part of the sticker price and opt, also no deal on 72 month 0%, it is a marketing tool.

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  jeep renagade 2004 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By sassy3258 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  the jeep is a very good ride wonderful in snow with 4wd on. window switches really should be on window . and compartment spaces are very small .. but overall performance is terrific the turning ability is vehicle is amazing,i love my jeep the only thing i would like better is awd .. but i think anyone getting a jeep is getting a very dependable vehicle..

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Deb T - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My Liberty is still pretty new, but so far I like it very much. I havent had any problems as of yet.

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  Its overall a TEN!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Shelia - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Handles great. Great in the snow. Better on gas.

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  Im disappointed in you, Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By FixMyJeep! - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Did I just get a bad apple of the whole bunch? Nothing but problems since I bought this Jeep! Warped rotors, oil leak, broken spring that got caught up in the brakes and made noise for months that the dealer could not figure out! Loud popping noises when making hard right turns in either forward or reverse, dealer finally attributed this to the ball joint recall currently in effect.