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 Time to Buy a Grand Cherokee - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy A. Rhoad - January 31 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned numerous BMWs over the years. I recently sold a 2007 550i and was considering an X5. I learned that Jeep was giving steep discounts on their 2010 models. I am very impressed with the Limited Hemi. Very solid and incredible features for the money. Very similar in size to the X5 in terms of back seat space. The best part is that purchased it for $7500 less than MSRP due to the dealer and Jeep discounts. Great time to buy a Grand.

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  wow no too shabby - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By roselli - January 31 - 2:00 am

  i just bought this vehicle used withh 127,000 miles on it and it was in good hands before i got it.i love it all around and so far it has been good to me.i had to repalace a few items on it thatwere minor like tail light and front left fog light.

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  By far the most fun to drive car ever. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By colorado1974 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Every moment behind the wheel brings a smile to my face. Sure its bouncy, noisy, windy and frumpy looking but nothing can match its fun-to-drive factor.

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  2003 Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeffonrubicon - January 31 - 2:00 am

  1st Wrangler. As expected, the ride is truck like and corners and winding roads need to be taken slowly. However in snow and on poor roads, it is excellent. The fit and finish so far are very good. There are a few drill holes on the windshield and and roll bars that do not perfectly align, but work. The manual is sketchy in places. The dealer is very helpful here. The Cruise Control and Airbag Kill Switch are still on order. I replaced a 1988 Range Rover with it, and for what I have for the money I paid, I am thrilled.

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  Nice Change - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rudy60 - January 30 - 9:08 pm

  I bought my car about 1 month ago. I have owned Jeeps since 1985, with the last one being a 1996 that had over 217K miles on it when I sold it...to my mechanic by the way. If this car does as well, I will be a very happy, camper. So far this car is much more advanced, in looks, ride and performance. I could not be happier w/ the almost 2000 miles I have put on it thus far. I get lots of looks(especially from Acura MDX and BMW X5 drivers) and feel very proud to own a Jeep.

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  Replaced Volvo XC-90 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By A.Boomer - January 30 - 8:36 pm

  We sold a 2004 Volvo XC-90 when we purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited Hemi. The Jeep wins in styling, handling, and features. The Volvo got better gas mileage. Somehow, living in central Missouri, I just never got comfortable driving a Volvo. If it needed service, it had to go back to the dealer in Kansas City. At first that was fun. Then it got to be a hassle. The Jeep is fun to drive, rides better than the Volvo, and can be serviced locally.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beth - January 30 - 2:23 am

  Test Drove 4Runner, Pathfinder, and Explorer. This one outclassed all the others in all categories. Only things missing blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.

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  Just had this over a month - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By SLE - January 27 - 11:03 pm

  2008 Rallye Sport in black looks very sharp! Sticked for about 22,500, but jeep gave me 2,500 back, a generous trade and I under 5% financing, so... So far, very good. Good pep with a 5 speed manual and good gas mileage (24- 28 is pretty accurate). GREAT Boston Acoustics sound system (I have the 9 speaker system including flip down tailgate speakers). Interior look average, exterior look pretty sharp. Handles and drives very well. Good roomy interior (compared to my small sedan, so...) Drawbacks: cheap looking dash, but simple and logical; no MP3 jack on the 6 CD changer stereo; hatchback side windows dont crack open

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  LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Topherious - January 27 - 7:23 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I had previously owned a Ford Explorer Sport, and in Comparison I might have as well owned a Small car. This jeep has more towing capacity, better off road capabilities, and is superior in luxury. Heated seats, 5 disk CD changer, The list goes on and on.

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  Jeep Review - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Greggir - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The basic solid SUV