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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  Fun In The Sun........... - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By billy sanders - September 27 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I really enjoy our jeep we frequent Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer Tx. The four wheeling is awesome. On a nice sunny day we take the top off.

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  2005 loaded Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rbinatlanta - September 26 - 12:46 pm

  So far, its a great vehicle. My first Jeep and its a better pick in this class than my 2001 Mazda Tribute. Sold build, classy interior (nice grayish leather, great steering wheel controls, overall good quality materials). Front driver and passenger foot room could be larger - not much room to stretch for the passenger, but comfortable nonetheless. Couldnt believe I was driving a Jeep. Comfortable ride on both highway and secondary roads and plenty of power. Road noise was acceptable, too, not at all like the really loud, annoying Tribute. Good visibility.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John G. Saittis - September 25 - 5:50 pm

  I have been driving SUVs since the 70s. Under the hood of this beauty is an inline diesel beast with a turbo with no lag, hesitation or vibration. The torque it produces gives it the strength of a small V-8 and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. Add to that a range of around 500 miles per tank and Jeeps trail rating. I rate it as close to or at military specs for off road performance. Control and stability are first rate. I have added a light bar, brush guard, and winch. After all these years I am again in love with an SUV.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vampireofthenite - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt wait to go driving on the beach, in the sand, along the water. I have my dream car!

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  Great little buggy - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Codybravo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love mine! Its a bit bouncy and conversing with a passenger at higher speeds can be tough, but its ability to move from paved roads ot off road without missing a beat more than make up for it. I dont find the soft top the "nail breaker" Edmund claims. I can take the top down or put it up in less than 5 minutes. The Jeep is without a doubt just plain fun to drive, especially topless. Ive read some info concerning poor handling on highways. I havent had this problem, but the jeep wasnt intented as a family car. Best vehicle purchase I have ever made.

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  Not a bad SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AJC - September 22 - 9:16 am

  I have had no issues with my 2003 Liberty Sport. The vehicle handles well and drives well in the snow. A bit bouncy on the highway. The limited cargo capacity is the biggest issue for me.

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  There is no Beef - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ninjask8ter - September 22 - 4:10 am

  I Just bought the new 08 x Wrangler as well. Ive owned previous wranglers, but since they stopped making the Sport, my only option that was similar was the X Model. I must concur with the other person who rated this vehicle. I definitely notice the difference between the 4.0 and 3.8. The Jeep is perfect except for the power! Fuel economy will never be good for a Jeep, but theres a give and take. It is very slow starting out, and the six speed manual forces you to change gears more often, at slower speeds. I do hope they go back to the 4.0 liter, and Im sure I will upgrade to the newer model if they did this. I wouldnt be able to switch out the motor on my own, because of the warranty

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  Gas-Guzzler - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Evlengr - September 21 - 1:23 am

  As others have mentioned, when I purchased the vehicle it was getting over 18 miles to the gallon city. I am not a lead foot and after tank of gas #3 it is down to 12-13 miles to the gallon according to the vehicles own trip computer. At this point I am taking it back to the dealership for a diagnostic test. I love the car, but if they cant correct the problem I will pursue the "Lemon Law" option since I wont be able to afford to drive it.

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  Strong and Steady - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Todd - September 20 - 10:56 am

  I owned my Cherokee for 4 1/2 years. It was a great vehicle. The V6 is capable and the 4 wheel drive is awesome. The truck got me through any type of condition with no problems. Overall reliability was great. The only items that I replaced (outside of normal maintenance items like brakes and tires) were a steering linkage piece and a power window part. Other than that, the vehicle was free of problems. If they still made them I would buy another. Since they dont I bought the new Patriot which is the most similar thing Jeep now makes.

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  Like this car alot! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bjohn - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive liked this car enough to keep it for 10 years, despite several design flaws, because its comfortable, great looking, easy to handle, and the interior is well laid-out. I replaced the computer the second month I had it, and the A/C system twice in the last 4 years. The rear-view mirror has fallen off the windshield 3 times, and it gets a vapor lock at high elevations (over 10,000ft). I was really glad I bought the extended warranty. Im planning to buy a 2003.