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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  snow - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By betty kashkin - November 21 - 5:03 am

  We live in New Jersey; the trip into New York used to be a disaster for us whenever it snowed. Since we leased our Jeep vehicle the trip has been a no brainer, comfortable and easy to get wherever we are going. When our lease is finished, we will lease another one of your Jeeps. Thanks for the ride.

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  Running Fine - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CTODD92 - November 21 - 3:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for over 20K miles and have taken it to Iceland and Hawaii without incident. I had to replace the automatic rear hatch lock and the battery (both known problems). However, maintenance and parts was rather simple. The vehicle performs when I need a 4x4 but looks at home stylingwise in town. I am averaging 13.5 mpg in town. I wish that was a little better. I would suggest regular maintenance intervals be met and probably a front brake upgrade and airflow filter kit. Other than that, good used vehicle!

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  Keeping my fingers crossed - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hamladen - November 20 - 4:46 pm

  As of today Ive had no complaints (other than the horrendous gas mileage 11 in town) or visits to the dealership. The vehicle is nimble for an SUV, good acceleration, much more reliable than my previously owned Tahoe and Suburban, comfortably luxurious for a medium sized woman, but my 511 husband constantly complains that the interior is too small...no headroom (hits his head getting in),cramped leg room, uncomfortable passenger seat, rear view mirror creates a blind spot, cargo space is smaller than that of my CR-V. He wants me to trade it in for a 4-runner, sequoia or armada, but Im holding out as it is myride. Hope my good luck continues as other reports are alarming.

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  Buy this only if you have money to burn. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Larry - November 20 - 12:36 pm

  Fun vehicle but gas mileage is a lot worse that what Jeep claims. This jeep looks large on the outside but rather small interior.

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  Feels "cheaper" - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve - November 19 - 1:43 am

  This is my second Wrangler (3rd Jeep - we had a Grand Cherokee in between). The first was a 99 2.4. There seems to be a lot more plastic on the 05. Why? It was perfect before. Obviously, you are either a Jeep driver or you arent. My only criticisms relate to the "improvements" Jeep has made over the past several years. Strip it back down! My new Jeep has the headlight switch on the steering column and a more complex back seat removal. Theres a lot less storage in the center console. I also miss the front seat airbag shut-off. Why did they mess with perfection? I will admit, the six speed is a little nicer on the freeway. Overall, I wish Id kept the 99. Still, better than the Grand Cherokee.

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  My Red 4.7 L Commander is top notch - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jonathan - November 18 - 4:53 am

  I love it. Looked long and hard for a safe vehicle, 4x4 with 5 star crash ratings. Best ride, quality, look and you cant beat the price. The 5 speed is wonderful. I did splurge for the 7yr/100,000 mile warranty via Chrysler. As big as a Durango, a whole lot safer! The 4.7 v8 has enough pick up and pull also.

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  Glad to get rid of it! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By sdont - November 17 - 11:57 pm

  I traded in my honda civic for a new jeep limited in 2007. I never had so many issues with my car in 12 yrs than I did in owning the jeep for 4 yrs. It was always something. Just had to replace the outer tie rods and replace 2 low profile tires the other day BILL=$500+ (I dont know why they put those tires on SUVs, tho its the popular thing to do these days). I just traded it in for a Kia Sportage...Love it so far, just hope I never run into the issues I had with the compass!

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  Love it, but... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joni - November 16 - 6:33 pm

  I have had my Liberty Sport for about 2.5 years now and really like it. It is fun to drive and has a good deal of room.

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  Good Buy - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brandon - November 15 - 7:06 pm

  Bought in 2004 brand new. Fun to drive. very reliable. The v6 is a little slower than the v8.But still good pickup.Gas mileage is the only problem. $70.00 to fill up. And the gas goes fast.Around town if you dont use the A/C as much,it will help on the gas mileage.

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  Great buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By USAFflyer09 - November 15 - 3:13 am

  I love my Patriot. I bought it brand new in November of 2007 for $19,000 out the door (cash). I have about 8,000 miles on it now. Its a little underpowered, but it helps get good better MPG. The interior plastic doesnt really bother me that much, but it is a little uncomfortable for your arms/elbows on a long drive.