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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  Going Strong - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Long Time Owner - June 11 - 9:10 am

  I bought my V8 Laredo from the dealership with 17K miles and have almost 200K now. Drove it in Los Angeles for 2 + years then mostly in the mid-west, with frequent cross country trips. This car has held up superbly over time. The body and interior are still in excellent shape. There have been a few standard repairs over the years. The only real problem is the rear axle and bearings; they have had chronic problems since around 100K miles - they need to be rebuilt replaced about every 2+ years which can hurt the wallet. This car has been otherwise excellent in all driving conditions and weather. Very good car for long trips! Im shooting for 250K miles for sure.

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  Good Vehicle all Around - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By hammerham - June 10 - 8:24 pm

  Ill get the bad out of the way. The low profile tires that this model carries were kind of weak I suggest buying the next size up. I got some Hankook Optimo 727s at 215/65 44 pound tires 17. They climb a lot better but you do lose 2 mpg it seems. I live in Pittsburgh I need the climbing ability in snow. The good stuff: 23-25 (I actually got 27 going to New York) miles ave. on the highway 20-22 in the city. Thats awesome for a 4x4. She is better on gas than the Liberty and I feel equal or better in mud and snow than Liberty. Im 6-3 with room still between my head and the top. My 6-6 friend has about an inch or two to spare. Mine does come with adjustable seats though.

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  Best purchase I have made - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By WBSobe - June 10 - 9:40 am

  I bought my Wrangler used last year with 72,000 miles on it. I have been loving my Wrangler since I bought it. Living in MA its a great year round vehicle, top off in the summer and 4 wheel drive in the winter. I havent had any mechanical problems like other have stated. I had to replace the rear brakes but thanks to it being a domestic vehicle it cost A LOT less then replacing brakes on my old Toyota. Its been a life changer in the past year I have been hiking and camping more than ever. It gives you a great respect for the outdoors. A Wrangler is not for everyone you have to be a specific type of person to buy one and to enjoy one.

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  Good and Bad - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JBCJBC - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Best offroad vehicle. Great in snow. Best looking SUV out there. Reliability is well below average. Have replaced 1 computer, 3 sets of rotors, emergency brake, 1 window regulator. If you are going to buy one of these make sure you get the extended warrranty.

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  Had to review this fun inexpensive little truck - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By beepjeep1 - June 9 - 10:37 pm

  This is my 5th jeep went from a cj to a yj to 2 TJs but since I got 2 kids had to get a friendlier vehicle and low and behold the liberty. I always thought of these as chick vehicles but they are at the LOWEST end of the used SUVs and I bought a 2005 with 64Kms mint mint mint for 6500$ with 2 sets of tires from an old lady. Now 2 years later ill review it. This jelly bean can motor, good acceleration, decent offroad handling, moderate pulling power, and absoloutly DISGUSTING GAS MILEAGE! But meh who cares. My unit has been reliable and maintenance free for the past 2 years, easy to park and you can load it up pretty good with gear and 2 kids.

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  Good Car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By so far so good - June 9 - 1:33 pm

  76000 miles on a 4 cylinder and its still doing well. Almost paid off, and no problems, except for a leaky windshield that the dealer tried to fix 4 times, but the leak is minor, and I gave up.

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  awesome car - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tenseven - June 9 - 5:10 am

  Bought it in 1995, 30K miles, 2 years old. Now has 185,500 miles. Cannot find anything on the market, new or otherwise, with the seat comfort and the visibility out the side and rear windows. Minimal repairs along the way. Gas mileage still 15-16 in town, 20-21 on the road.

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  Its a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By wolf75 - June 8 - 9:36 pm

  Ive been a die hard Chevy pick-up guy and I still am, but I wanted a vehicle that was plush, comfortable, all the bells and whistles,but I wanted it as an Off road capable, as I spend alot of time afield, hunting, and I go into some very rough situations. This Jeep has out performed anything Ive ever had and went everywhere the wranglers go except over huge rock, that I wont do as I want to keep this for awhile. But steep hills no matter the terrain, deep mud or snow this vehicle goes thru like it wasnt there, even places my P/U could never get thru. And I get there in comfort and quiet. By the way mine is the limited but I have the HEMI and all the bells and whistles. When we it is great

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  owned for 7 yrs - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobster - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive always liked the look of the Gr Chero LTD. Very good turning radius. Just the right size for passengers and minor off road.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee 98 - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nightrider - June 8 - 10:00 am

  very disappointed in the repair I had to do to the Jeep. Front differencial, rear differencial, hard gear shifting especially going into reverse. Idles rough