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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  2012 Wrangler 2Dr Sport, 6 SPD - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepin315 - May 12 - 8:05 pm

  So far I only have 1,000 miles on the Wrangler so I cannot comment too much on the reliability of the vehicle. I got it in the Orange Crush color. The jeep is a blast to drive with the new Penestar 3.6L engine that it has. With 285hp there is plenty of power to get up and go and having that power just makes the offroading more fun. This is my first Wrangler and my second Jeep product. The top was not to hard to figure out. It is easier if you know someone who has one though and just let them show you how to take apart the soft top. The Jeep handles well and even in the rain without four wheel drive on it seems to handle well. I am 64" and 235 lbs and I fit very comfortably in my Jeep.

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  Someone convince Jeep to Bring it Back! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By drmmrboy74 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This was my first and only Jeep. Although it was a lease, I did go off road a few times and was greatly impressed of its abilities. Besides being reliable to and from work (a blast in the Mich. Winters), I also used it to lug around a fairly large drum set. The "Fern Green" never became a boring color either. Over- all, this was the best vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  BROKE - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. NO - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Dec 01 with 73K. Limited all bells and whistles. Car looks great as if rolled off dealership, cause very well taken cared off. Fun to drive and go for a ride, however the maintenance cost will also take u for a ride. I now have 117K and get nervous, cause I have already experienced some of the problems other users have posted. I had to rebuilt transmission, broken motor mounts, and now a cracked exhaust manifold. Spent over $3000!!! on this car, like throwing money in to a black hole. If you have money to burn, buy this car for fun. Definitely not a reliable car. Get a Toyota.

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  Great Vehicle-Wish Dealer Was - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burago47 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall-the car has been excellent. Reliable, responsive, great looking. However, when a warranty item needs service, dealer will try to wiggle out of it. I was told "There is no such thing as a bumper-to-bumper warranty!" And the extended warranty is another joke. Sunroof leaked when car was 100 miles over the 36,000 mile limit. Dealer charges $250.00. I was told by dealer to contact Chrysler...they couldnt help me.

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  its ok - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By it`s o`k - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  Nice looking, easy to drive. Have squeaking noise from brakes every time I stop very annoying. Brought it to garage and brakes are good. But it will not stop squeaking. Gas not the greatest. Head light not bright enough at night. Feel like it wants to slid all the time on wet roads. Makes me very nerves. Use to drive a Blazer and felt a lot more safer.

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  Terrible Brakes-Recall??? - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bronson - May 8 - 7:20 pm

  I have returned this vehicle once due to the brakes grabbing due to poor rotors. It once again needs returned with 24,000 miles. My friend with a 99 LTD has returned his once and again needs it with less than 20,000 miles. Electric windows have been a problem as well. I had one fixed at 12,000 and need another at 25,000

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  Lovin it! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By nothin but a Jeep! - May 7 - 12:56 pm

  No problems whatsoever with this vehicle in 8 months. Love it and would buy another. I am over 6 feet and find plenty of room. Best looking car on the road.

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  1996 Jeep Country - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By brushn228 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in spring of 96 this vehicle has held up very well no repair issues other than tires,brakes,LOF,tuneups and such. At 200K my daughter still drives it daily.

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  Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By coinboxer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome off road capability. Exciting to operate, gorgeous appearance. Rides and handles tight. Very pleased overall.

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  always wanted one - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dee - May 3 - 5:50 pm

  We have had few problems with our Jeep. We got it in May 2005. There is a recall on a part for the transmission so that was fixed but our check engine light kept coming on, and we barely drove our Jeep anywhere; it was a problem with the shifter. It was repaired after a few days, when they finally figured out what was wrong. Im a stay at home mom so we barely drive it. I love driving it though I used to drive a Civic. What a difference. The only complaint is the trunk. I barely have room for a stroller let alone anything else.