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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  Jeep Liberty a real lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By premiepower - November 5 - 7:40 am

  My Liberty is 4 years old. We have had nothing but problems. No A/C since July, a condenser problem. Rear differential seal leak, transfer case leak, window regulator went bad, tail light filled up with water and shorted out the electrical system, 2 ball joint recall notices. And the gas mileage? On a good day, 18mpg. NEVER AGAIN. Im going for Kia or Hyundai next vehicle. My 12 year old Honda Civic with 125,000 is a more reliable vehicle.

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  Over 100,000 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrjeep - November 4 - 9:43 am

  I bought/ordered this Jeep from the factory in 2001. I have both tops and have installed a 4 inch lift kit and have 33 inch tires on it. It has been a great vehicle that takes me anywhere I want to go. I have had absolutely no trouble with the Jeep. Im still on the original battery too. The only parts I have put on is brakes. It has been driven on numerous long trips Ex. (North Carolina to El Paso, Texas)and been trouble free. Its not the most comfortable ride, but its reliable.

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  Luv my jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepJeep - November 3 - 7:46 pm

  Ive had my Jeep 4.5 years, and have loved it. Im looking at the 06 (I want a nav system among other things). Its a comfy ride -- not marshmallow soft, comfy enough, and its great when I drive out in the hills/mountains. I have great confidence in the power and handling. Love my Jeep !

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  The Wrangler - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Calvin K. McMurray - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Zippers break with regularity. Heater does not heat passengers side very well. View out the back window is very limited because it gets scratched fairly easly when rolled up.

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  What Problems? - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Master Ho - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 6cyl/auto. with 41k miles and have put on 18k more, so far. Most of my driving is in town, with a few road trips. Aside from the right door lock sticking(when using the remote), the noisy front swaybar bushings, and front alignment, I havent experienced any major problems. Maint. is fairly straightforward and parts prices are average. Front brake pads were replaced at 41k, but the rotors were fine.

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  new jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By asr1972 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  ive always wanted a wrangler, but never purchased one because i didnt feel it was appropriate for a long work commute every day. now that i have a company car, i went and bought one. love it!

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  inconceivable - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By theblobby - November 2 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is kick ass so far i have to keep it in part time all the time after driving a neon its down right scary.it sure astep up 4 me. so far the only pet peeve i have is that i keep slapping on the brights everytime i signal. so if your gettin flashed out there it could be by accident.it may be a jeeper creeper but this baby is also a leaper

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  So far so good - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By mike95376 - November 1 - 11:39 pm

  I have 3,300 miles on my 2012 Rubicon. I love it. I get 17 mpg no matter how I drive. No more, no less. I dont care since I did not buy it for fuel economy. The new Pentastar V6 has excellent power. I can almost pull wheelies. Having the oil filter on top of the engine is a plus for maintenance. Its cheaper to buy too (no metal can). I am carefully monitoring reliability but so far NO problems.

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  2010 Liberty - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty 2010 - November 1 - 10:03 pm

  I have a lot of fun driving the jeep. I like the looks of it, the gas mileage is fair. Not happy with having to reach out so far to tune the radio. I love that it has the Aux plug to play my mp3. The upholstery appears to difficult to clean. Recently I discovered a large tear in the carpet on the drivers side floor board. My feet dont touch the area that was ripped, The carpet appears cheap and thin. Not sure how the tear got there, I am not careless with the vehicle, and I have only had the jeep for four months. Tried contacting the dealership about it, and no one will return my emails. I purchased the vehicle from faricy boys in Colorado Springs Colorado

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  My 2 wheel drive jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By alex8277 - November 1 - 9:20 am

  So its two wheel drive. My friend has a Blazer I can get everywhere he can just as fast. With out the 4 wheel drive. So it doesnt get stuck I love her.