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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  Its a Jeep Thing! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brbnkseaj - February 28 - 4:43 pm

  Other than having the check engine light come on the day I drove it off the lot, my Jeep has never had to be repaired for anything that wasnt self-inflicted. I am amazed at how much abuse it can take when I go off-roading. It is very fun to drive, and easy to customize. There are downsides, though. You really need to buy aftermarket security products if you have a soft top. My original soft top made a LOT of noise on the highway and when it was windy, and it wore out after five years. But I replaced it with a sailcloth top, which was easy to install and pretty quiet when driving under 60mph. It is also tricky to drive on the highway, especially in the rain. Good tires are a must.

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  Swapping Ends - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lt. Sandy Fagina - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This 4x4 Jeep is fun to drive if the front end is in front. If you ever need extra adrinaline in your life you can occasionally spin a tire or two (only in 2wd) and if youre lucky, fish tail it in the rain. The reliability could be better. At about 3000 miles a camshaft sensor malfunctioned, shutting down the entire car, immobilizing it.

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  disappointed - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By krisje - February 26 - 9:03 pm

  Oh my, where do I start. So many things gone wrong, parts melting, 4 WD drive system had to be completely replaced, drive shaft when 3 weeks in possession, etc...etc...etc.. it doesnt stop. I kept the car this long just because I looooovve driving it, but I sure can do without all the repairs. I put up with it under warranty, but that is over with. Ive had to invest thousands in to my Jeep this year, of course after the 100,000 mile warranty ran out, figures. I would love to trade it in for another one just like it, but all the troubles I had with it scares me to buy another Jeep again, or any other Chrysler product.

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  Quite a looker... - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By samk02wvu - February 23 - 5:40 pm

  I had researched this car for about year before taking the plunge! Well worth it! I bought mine in black and it gets a lot of looks. Unfortunately, the cops like it as well! ACK! People always mistake it for an Escalade or Range Rover if they have never seen one. I smile every time I look at it and love that not everyone in Atlanta has one, like the BMW models!

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  Bad Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet G - February 23 - 6:46 am

  I love our Liberty. We take it just about everywhere, yet the windows on the driver side no longer work. The window lost its ability to go up and down and will be expensive to have it fixed. I tried searching for recalls but to no avail. I am glad that I am not the only one with this problem. The problem with the windows is a vehicle problem and not the owners fault.

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  drives like butter - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By much mail - February 21 - 6:10 am

  I test drove this on a fluke. Went to try out Patriot as price was more in my range. I drove the Wrangler Unlimited, too rough. Then I got in this Commander and I could NOT stop thinking about it. It has a great vintage box shape and great design. Interior is nice, sturdy, simple, not tons of nasty plastic. I tried the FJ Cruiser, as it got good reviews and it managed the road, ice, snow and rain well. But it rode like the Wrangler. Rough and sophomoric and unsophisticated. Could not be happier with the Commander. It has managed brilliantly in the worst winter weather yet in CT. I feel SAFE in it. I got mine at a great discount as it was a 2006. LOVE IT.

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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rachel - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 7 years, it has been great. I have had to do some repairs and it leaks oil from somewhere we cant find, but I love it. Recently (at 170000 mi) I have had to replace the shocks, which were original. I have had to put on one set of tires, and replace most of gaskets/seals and it still leaks. It gets beans for gas mileage (usually 15- 17 mpg) but it still drives great. It has great power and reliablity. And I love how much stuff I can fit in it.

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  Crappy American car is VERY FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By new jeep owner - February 19 - 10:00 am

  i have always hated american cars. especially those made by chrysler, but this jeep has been very fun for offroading purposes. it gets poor gas mileage but if you only use it for offroading it is great.

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  jeep review 1 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By klwiley - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Great ride in the hills valleys and everywhere except freeways. Power could be increased with a little wider stance but over all the wrangler is the most agile responsive vehicle on the road.

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  2009 Jeep JK Wrangler Review - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - February 18 - 3:06 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler: YJ, TJ and now the JK. The completely redesigned JK is noticeably larger with a better ride and more spacious interior. The straight-six 4L engine has given way to the venerable 3.8L minivan engine, which has more horsepower, but less torque. The gas tank has been moved forward to improve the angle of departure. The soft top can now open partially, and the 3-piece hard top option makes for easier removal. Sound system is improved with larger speakers and dash-mounted tweeters, with Sirius satellite as an option. Tow hooks and fog lamps are now standard equipment. Vehicle feels larger, and sits higher. Outstanding off-road.