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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  Great Find - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By algobull - March 21 - 8:29 am

  I got this wrangler with 68K Mi about 2 years ago. I know have over 90K and it feels like it could go on forever. It was only supposed to be a weekend car, but after I lost my job, its my everyday driver, and I love it. I live in Florida and people always look at me with envy when driving it down the road. I got an automatic because I blew 3 clutches in in 4 years on my previous jeep... I found out later its due to a minor and fixable repair in the master cylinder... I do miss the 5 speed though, better power and much better MPGs. Even young girls love it (not as much as my old mustang, but hey)... and Im glad its slow because fast cars are def not a good idea for me (i.e. 3 clutches)

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  Best SUV for the Money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeplover - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have just bought my 5th Jeep and believe I will always own one. I love these cars, since I have always felt safe in them. I am a frequent renter of vehicles and of all, Jeep makes me feel like it has the highest rate of reliability and is the safest. I think that there is not likely a more comfortable nor safer SUV on the road.

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  Jeep Liberty CRD rocks - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jfelty - March 19 - 12:53 am

  Now have 8,800 miles on CRD and I am averaging 26.8 mpg on trips at 65-70 mph. I do get almost 500 miles to a tank of fuel. Test drove the 3.7L gas engine and didnt care for the feel. The CRD is fun to drive and has loads of torque for highway cruising. Buy the CRD; the diesel is fun and gets the MPG that they advertise. Diesels require break in of several thousands of miles to get best MPG.

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LauraB - March 18 - 11:46 pm

  Just traded this Jeep in with 247,000 miles on it. It was a great vehicle to own and went it everywhere, off-road and on the interstate. Great in snow. I had the 4.0 L motor which I liked except the gas mileage wasnt anything to brag about. I liked this one so much I got a newer Grand Cherokee to replace it. I think Im hooked on Jeeps.

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  Great Vehichle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By GreatJeepLiberty - March 18 - 11:06 am

  I too am shocked at all the bad reviews. I have had my Jeep Liberty since February 2006 and it has been totally great. The only 1 problem I have had is the back drivers side window fell and I had a friend lock it in place and needless to see other than it is locked in place that is the only thing I have had go wrong with this car. I have driven this vehicle over 65,000 miles and all I have done is change the oil and 1 set of tires. The brakes are original and this car is awesome. I look forward to driving this car for the next 65,000 miles...

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  Great used vehicle - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Frank Mylar - March 18 - 6:18 am

  After fixing minor issues such as windshield washer, etc. this Jeep was a very comfortable ride, like a luxury SUV, but felt much smaller on the outside.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wade2370 - March 16 - 2:43 pm

  I just bought my Jeep a few days ago. The ride in the Jeep is amazing and I absolutely love it. What took me 1/2 a tank of gas in my truck now takes 1/4 of tank in my Jeep and they have the same 4.7L V8! this car is great and has a lot of features for the money.

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  300,000 And Still Chugging Alone! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By tabonifacio_95 - March 14 - 12:28 pm

  Own a Black 1995 Jeep Cherokee, Two Door, 2WD with the 5 Speed Manual Transmission. Absolutely fantastic of a truck! Been a California vehicle since day one. Love every minute driving in it, love putting every mile on it. Fun to drive, no major repairs, do yoursef a favor if you buy one...Dont be a jerk and not do any expensive repairs, Because these things DO LAST. If you take care of your Jeep, Your Jeep will take care of you. Its a fact in Jeeps world. *ITS A JEEP THING*

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  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By sonkota - March 13 - 6:50 am

  I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler and now I have one. Love it! So fun to drive. Its a little rough on the bumps but still FUN!

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  Jeep Wrangler Review - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eric - March 10 - 2:46 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a year, so far it has worked without a problem (knock on wood). Consumer Reports was disappointed with it. They were expecting a Lexus Sports Activity Vehicle with every computer enhanced stability control system. This is a vehicle designed to take a beating in the harshest environments and bring you home. Its not designed to drive you to yoga class in total comfort and burled walnut trim. The Wrangler will get you through 2 feet of snow & 2 feet of water without advanced yuppie technology. It was designed to ford water, and have 8.6" of ground clearance for off-road adventures. You cant do that in a Lexus. If you want a tough vehicle, go for the Wrangler not a Lux SUV.