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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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gaffrey - August 18 - 4:33 am

  I purchased this Jeep, never owning an SUV before. It runs great, has been incredibly reliable, and I havent had any issues with it. Im surprised at how great of a car it has been. The only thing, as with all suvs, is the gas mileage. Its good for an SUV, but its not a Honda Civic. Overall it has been a great vehicle.

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  Great CARS Deal (-8000) - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Rick - August 17 - 2:10 pm

  My (Not) Clunker was a 1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo that I hated to part with. A Dealer found a 4X4 Patriot Sport D with CVT1 two weeks into the program and I was able to get $8000 of the price. A no brainer. They had 55 before, but were all gone. It is not trail rated and my first 1000 miles has seen 5% on dirt roads in the hills. Does the ESP eat up gas mileage? Since it is a Sport D I had to install skid plates, hitch package, roof rack for kayaks/bikes. Planing next year for lift kit, 17" wheels and AT tires, front bumper with winch. It is a Jeep and will be treated as one. It has been a Jeep so far, but more off road tests yet to come. I expect good performance from this Patriot.

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  fun and easy - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By 87llc - August 15 - 5:23 am

  We have a 2011 Unlimited 4 door and drive it to Va. all the time from Ct. The ride with the heated leather seats makes it a comfortable. We have the freedom top and when it is on the ride is not at all that loud. We took off the hard top and use only the soft top the last 2 years and now we get a little water under the drivers rug but not much and after all it is a Wrangler. Load capacity is great Air and Heat more than enough the back seat fits 3 with room to spare. People should not but a Wrangler if they want total comfort and luxury. The ride is harder the noise louder but it is the most FUN Car/Suv you can Drive! all for 40 k and in bad weather nothing stops it .

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  Good Deal For The Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Wilfredo - August 15 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car after many months considering the various options. I can truly say that for the money it has been a very good car. It serves its purpose very well for a couple. However, a family will find it tight to fit. My wife and I absolutely love this car. We have done 2 long trips with it and have been very pleased with the gas mileage, it has been exactly as described. It is my first Jeep and all I have to say is "Well Done Jeep".

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  95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd 4WD SUV - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Wallace - August 14 - 1:56 am

  This has been a fantastic vehicle for us. No major problems in the almost 8 years we owned it. Only one minor transmission leak along the way and we were told that, at 183,000 miles, it had many, many miles left. Cant rave enough about this rig.

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  Great SUV. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trilliam - August 13 - 1:28 am

  Purchased Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit a month ago. Already have 2k miles on it and it is indeed a joy to drive. Handles in snow and high winds beautifully. The electronics are a bit overwhelming in the first few days - best to plan a few 10 minute parking times to play with adjustments. I found lots of great features in the menus. Love it so far. And the weather has given the SUV a real workout. But it is an amazingly comfortable, quiet and nice riding vehicle!

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  Great performance & Fun to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Driver 777 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Runs like a car, attractive interior desing, great performance. Not good in fuel economy.

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  loads of fun,power and comfort - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wesleydaniels - August 12 - 10:00 am

  First Jeep I ever owned and Daimler- Chrysler has built a winner. My Liberty Limited has been flawless in all kinds of weather and in every driving condition both urban and back roads. Only complaint is the soft pedal Chrysler brakes. They need more muslce and firmer touch.

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  Love my Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dennis Williams - August 9 - 1:10 pm

  I have owned 3 other jeeps in the passed 15 years. I rank this jeep as the best yet. I really enjoy driving this car and I was pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. I average 22.8 mpg on the highway and 19.5 in town. The only thing that I would change about this car is the shocks. The ride is a little stiff for a top of the line vehicle and would be better served if they were not so stiff

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  Love the Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbc2229 - August 8 - 9:23 am

  Absolutely love my Jeep. Very fun to drive and it looks great. It has turned a lot of heads. Although it calls for premium fuel I have run a mixture of low-mid-premium without any problems of knocking.