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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  my yippi - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By ashmanart - June 27 - 3:11 pm

  I just bought a 95 wrangler rio grande edition 4x4 soft top. it has air conditioning, a warn winch and a new top. Only 41000 miles on it. it was babied - the last owner (Im the 3rd) took good care of it as did the original owner. I had a 59 CJ and a 51 Willys Overland. I love this car. I bought it for myself for my 65th birthday and its my daily driver for a 13 mile commute. This 4 cylinder is an upgrade of the flathead "hurricane" engine and has twice the horsepower. Cruise at 75 making 3200 RPM. What could be better. Im keeping this baby!

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  Build the Old Way.... Bring It Back !!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By anibal - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My uncle bought the car with cero miles on it in 1995 and was his car until recently when he sell it to me. I always wanted a old sport/utility. The original Isuzu Trooper was my other choice but MAN THIS WAGON IS FAST! You look at her and you cant imagine that a big powerfull engine is under there. The size is great (although a little cramped inside) and the looks are timeless. More than a few have asked me if I sell it and the awnser is NO. My only complain is with the ride quality, wich is awfull... somethimes irritating. I think Chrysler could have keep bulding the basic model, just like Chevy its building the Astro. When this one dies Im buying another

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  Best of Three Jeeps - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By denverite - June 27 - 10:00 am

  With 45,000 miles on the 02 Overland, Im getting ready to sell it and get into something smaller and safer (do yourself a favor and check crash tests on NHTSA and IIHS websites). Had two Grand Cherokees before this one, a 97 and a 99, and this was the best by far. Stealth luxury car aspects appeal. A solid feel to it overall. Negatives: brake rotors on this and the 99 have warped like clockwork every 11-13,000 miles. The pinion and axle seals all needed to be replaced at my 45 k service. Because ride is "jiggly", my wife hates riding in it. Average fuel mileage consistently at 13. Best mileage, on an all interstate run was 20mpg.

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  My first Jeep - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Gabe Martinez - June 27 - 12:22 am

  Very stylish, but very compact on the inside. Unfortunately I purchases a CVT transmission with 4x4 but the deal I got was too great! It lasted me a long time. Used it for everything, camping, off roading, and a daily driver. Milage was a little low, even for highways. About 21 combined, nothing after market. Space was very limited in the back seat and the cargo area. Overall, it was a good car but I decided to upgrade to a Subaru Crosstrek. More space, AWD, and lifted higher.

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  Does What It Says - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dvwoud09 - June 25 - 11:33 pm

  I live in the mountains and this car has performed well in the past year. Plenty of power when I need it and surprisingly I can brake well with it too. The only issue I had was a leak in the power-stearing fluid hose. It also use a little more storage space. But after a recent insurance revision, the car was rated impecable.

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  Mileage not that bad - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By djd2engr - June 24 - 1:06 pm

  My wife bought me the 65th Year Anniversary Edition Jeep for my 50th birthday. Its been great fun to drive. The ride is better than I expected and the sunrider top is super!! We drove from Maine to Florida and were pleasantly surprised at how well it drove on the highway. We also travel to Boston frequently and I average over 21 mpg when the cruise control is set @ 60mph. It is not the most practical vehicle we have ever owned but, it is the most fun. With the back seat folded down we have just enough room for our 2 Golden Retrievers.

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeeper - June 24 - 9:56 am

  Only repairs have been replacement of drivers window motor and window/door lock switch. Replaced tires and battery as a precaution since both were 7 years old.

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  I Love My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Karen - June 24 - 6:36 am

  I reallly enjoy my Liberty. I feel secure while driving in inclement weather. I appreciate the visibility because Im up higher than an average passenger car. I also think its cute.

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  Built Great - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rhea1 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a tough workhorse. After 12 years and 140,000 miles still runs great. Starts every morning. But it is what it is... Dont buy this vehical thinking you are getting anything else but a Jeep. It is not a car! If buying make sure you get the 4.0 IL6- It makes all the difference in the world. I have had two batteries and the water pump replaced in 12 years. I cant say enough good things about Jeep.

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  Nothing else ever will compare - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By IMChad - June 23 - 4:10 pm

  I love this jeep. Im on my 4th year of owning it and cant say enough. Ive put around 80,000 miles on it and at 150,000 it still runs like brand new. During the winter, we had 24" of snow and it was below zero and it was nice being the only one in the neighborhood who didnt have to shovel the drive. When the plows came and buried the drives, I just climbed over it. Fuel mileage really does stink on this one though. I drive like an old lady mostly and I get 13 city and 17 highway/interstate. But, my wife gets 30 in her car and i still pay more a year keeping hers on the road. Ive not changed anything but a wheel hub, tires, UV joint and battery. Not bad for 4 years of heavy driving.