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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  Truly Remarkable - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Banker - April 30 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased vehicle in 98, used, from private seller who didnt even know it had 4 wheel drive. Used for everything from daily work commute to locating trail heads of mountain bike trails. Capability is superb and so compromises ride quality. Mechanically very sound, only replacing AC electronic switch ($20). Not looking forward to being able to purchase another when the time comes.

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  Saved my life - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By roamerIwas - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is more of a tribute than a review. Just rolled my Jeep twice at 55-60 mph with nothing more than some glass cuts on my hands and whip lash. I am very impressed with the construction of the passenger area, all door posts were still vertical and the roof caved up away from me. I must say goodbye to a vehicle that I put over 70k miles on after the original owners put the first 100k on. It was mainly a highway driver that plowed thru the snow with ease. I would have liked to have had the V-8 but the 6 got me around just fine. I had about 20-21 mpg with a K&N air filter till my last fill up. I spent about 1k in maintenance other than fluid changes

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  Love Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Timfya - April 30 - 10:00 am

  My jeep will go anywhere.On or off road.Great head and leg room. Handles well at city and hwy speeds. So far the only thing I dont like is how she loves the gas pump.

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  Love it1 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By niv - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a down grade from my new Overland, or at least I thought I was at the time. This Renegade is more stylish, loves having extras put on and it and attract lots of looks.

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  Good SUV - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Danny - April 29 - 12:12 pm

  Good SUV for the price. 70th anniversary edition. Nice ride

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  Has been a great SUV--68,000 miles - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep owner - April 29 - 5:26 am

  Have owned this car since new--now has 68000 miles on it. This has been a great vehicle for snowy northern winters--the best traction of any vehicle I have ever owned on ice and snow. Gas mileage is about what youd expect with a V8 engine. Great pick up, effortless highway cruising, very maneuverable in town, pulls my utility trailer with garden tractor with no problem. Lots of features and accessories--sunroof, overhead console, etc. Have had no problems with this car except for a single warranty replacement of front brake rotors at 35000 miles. No other problems at all. Replaced the tires at 60,000 miles and they still had tread left! Wont hesitate to buy another Grand Cherokee.

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  Sky Slider is awesome - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JB - April 28 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased a Limited with a Sky Slider top, which I have to say is awesome. Nice to be one with nature. The 5 star frontal and side crash rating was a big plus. The ride is great, handles great in snow and ice...even better than my Grand Cherokee. Inside is roomy and comfortable, even for my 6 ft plus 16 year old son. I have the Limited fully loaded. For a Jeep, the new Liberty feels more like a luxurious crossover. It gets a lot of looks from people...sharp looking! I would purchase this vehicle all over again. The MyGig, Sirius radio and Sirius Traffic, heated seats and mirrors, remote start, navigation are wonderful options! Its a trail rated Jeep, what more can one expect?!

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  I Love My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RMQ - April 28 - 1:23 pm

  I had been wanting a Jeep Liberty since they first debuted. I can remember the first time I saw one on the road. I was like...."Wow." So it was really the exterior appearance that struck me. The front end is so gorgeous. Especially on the new ones with the chrome grille. (Mine is a 2005 Limited.) It runs well, accelerates well, and you feel safe travelling on the interstate at high speeds, unlike on some other smaller SUVs, where you feel like you are all over the road. I had a 2000 Chevy Tracker, and to go from that to this Liberty is a total improvement. It handles well. I havent had a chance to test out the 4 WD extenxively yet, or operate in the snow.

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  Good for short commutes..and that is all - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By sactownguy - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for short commutes around town. Ended up using as a workhorse. MPG is ~15 so that is brutal. Had numerous problems such as axle leaks, brake issues, transfer case replaced, and faulty electrical system for dashboard. Taken this puppy in to the shop at least 6-8 times and paid the piper. I only recommend this as a 2nd vehicle used for 4-wheeling or taking the top off and cruising around. All in all, not a very practical vehicle

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  Goodbye Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aikman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Just based on the brake problems alone, it is time to say goodbye to my Jeep. When htey were fixed the first time, most of it was covered under the warrantty at 30,000. At 60,000, the price went way up and htere was no gaurantee I wouldnt have to replace the brakes again in less then 30,000 miles AGAIN! The AC has leaked twice and the radiator is starting to leak as well. The main compter board went at 9,000 miles on vacation. It took a lot to have Jeep pay for the car rental and delivering the Jeep from Virgina to CT.