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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  Liberty not bad! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ridarc - April 9 - 10:30 pm

  I am impressed with the new liberty. When the first generation liberty came out, I wasnt that impressed. When I saw the new liberty before it came out, I couldnt wait to see it, and Hope to buy it. Well I bought and been pleased so far.

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  outstanding vehicle - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By wizak - April 9 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! Within the last 12 months I have driven in a blizzard (One of only two cars that was able to get around), driven through a desert, driven from sea level to 14,000 feet high and not one problem. the jeep heats up quickly in cold weather, the ac works wonders in hot temps and its roomy enough to carry a family around town if you wanted it too.

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  3 Jeeps and still going - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By megabyte - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Owner of two jeeps, a sport and Laredo. I have over 30,000 miles the 2002 Laredo and 165,000 on the 1996 sport. Happy to say that I have had no major problems with either jeep. Once the engine light stayed on for two days and then went out on its own on the Laredo. Since the light generally has to do with polution control sensers I have not had it check out. Some of these problems people complain about seem to be petty. Keep on Jeeping.

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  Blue Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By mikeyp53 - April 8 - 3:40 pm

  Its a great snow car! Its comfortable on and off road, handles well and easy to park and maneuver. It only get 18MPG though.

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  168K -One owner - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmac - April 8 - 4:03 am

  This is the 4WD, 4.0L straight six. Performed well and reliably since I bought new, and I have taken it off-road a few times. I believe in preventive maintenance. It has served me well with this truck. The only premature failure was the power steering pump at 86K ($500). Other issues - rear output speed sensor @103K, harmonic balance wheel @ 116K, steering damper & cat converter @121K. Exhaust manifold leak at 140K. Transmission was rebuilt at 152K and transfer case rebuilt at 168K, but these repairs are to be expected. I may keep this to 250K miles or more.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep Fan - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint is the gas mileage. I like everything about my Jeep. Next time I will pobably get more options. My husband loves it too! Ps. for mothers out there it is really nice not having to bend down to get your kids in the carseat, definate plus.

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  Huge Number of Features - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lakeway, TX - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep product, it was a replacement for a 2000 Toyota Landcruiser. They pack a large number of features in for a reasonable price and the dealers are happy to make deals. My dealer went to Houston to get the one I wanted. Big selling features for me were memory seats and adjustable pedals since two of us drive (LandCruiser didnt have these things for $20k more!) Acceleration and power are excellent and much better than my LandCruiser. Gas mileage is what youd expect (bad). Defects at delivery were minimal and fixed easily at the showroom. No problems of any kind since delivery. It just runs.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HTRon - April 7 - 4:16 pm

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. A couple of minor annoyances, I wish the cruise control dash indicator would come on when it is ENGAGED, not merely when its turned on. Also, the alpha display is too multifunctional; I would prefer to see the outside temperature all the time, for example. Great power, though, and I really like the sound of the exhaust. I would purchase the SRT-8 again in a second.

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  Truly Unlimited! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carol in TN - April 7 - 1:10 pm

  Just got back from an off-road Jeep Jamboree and my little yellow Jeep Unlimited went through and over things you just wouldnt believe! Its not for everyone, some just wont get it and others will drive nothing else! After all, "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand" I love driving mine as a daily commuter and as a weekend escape to the boonies. Cant do that in your Saturn ... also works great as a H2 and Land Rover recovery vehicle! If you go off road in anything else, make sure a Jeep Wrangler is always within sight to save you. If you buy one, just make sure to wave!

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  Thank God it was a Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam - April 6 - 1:16 pm

  Best truck EVER! Bought as a traded in lease with 40K miles on her and very few problems. Crossed the country towing a trailer, trucked across the outback of New Mexico no problems. This Jeep did it all with ease. handed her down to my son who beat the crap out of it and still ran great with over 225K miles on her she saved my sons life when a wrong way driver hit him in a 160 mph head on collision.The Jeep stood up to the test and not even the windshield broke, my son walked away with one broken arm. Im sorry to say the other driver was not so lucky, may he rest in peace. I bet his family wished they gave their son a jeep. Im looking for my next one now.