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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  Best in Class! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dale D. - December 28 - 3:06 pm

  This vehicle is just the right size. Spectacular engine. Looks great. I took if off road last week and it really impressed me! The only complaint I have is for a few more inches of leg room in the back (Im 62"). But I would not want the Grand Cherokee to be any bigger, so I cant complain. Interior is very nice. Sound system is incredible! Love everything about it ... I also test drove a Toyota 4Runner because my buddy is a salesmen at a local dealership. Eeven with a money hookup it was a waste of time. It is a wannabe Jeep and does not come close. I am very pleased with my Jeep!

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  I Cant Take Anymore Torture - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By restoreclassics - December 28 - 12:16 am

  Bought just off lease with 10K miles. Absolutely flawless condition. Had excellent care. Must have always been garaged. Think I know why. Previous owner probably never drove it. Same here. I hate driving this thing. I have had 14 Jeeps over the years. This one is the nicest appearing and the biggest disappointment. V6 Auto. It has the worst seats. Feels like I sit on top of them instead of in them. Short lower seat bottom puts my legs to sleep. Always hurts my lower back no matter what. Poor acceleration, awkward shifts. I usually shift manually when in hills. Found out if I stay out of overdrive and in 4th gear I get better fuel mileage. The sound system is sucky. Terrible sound. Junk.

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  Glad I made the switch - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TRIX - December 28 - 12:10 am

  I have only ever driven GM vehicles. I decided I wanted to upgrade to a SUV. I had done a lot of research online and had narrowed my choice to a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Ford Edge. I had actually decided on the Edge. After the deal fell through, I took another look at the jeep. The dealer allowed me to take it over Memorial Day weekend and by Monday I was sold. I love the way it handles, the security and peace of mind. Mine came with the touch screen radio and my gig. I got the Rockie MT Package and it has everything I wanted. Take another look at Jeep!!

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  Lovin My Overland Thus Far - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Overlandlover - December 27 - 11:50 am

  Ive had this Overland when it had 49 mi. and 3,000+ later, still lovin it. Ive had no problems with my Jeep. Ive been getting 14+ mpg city/16+ mpg highway on my HEMI, better than my previous 04 Jeep G.C. with I6 engine. Simply an overall great luxury model, which is affordable to maintain.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By this car stinks - December 27 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep brand is already the best type of car available, but the new TJ takes the cake. It is perfect in every catagory exept fuel economy, but hey, it is an SUV right? I hate all that Honda and Toyota SUV crap because its not real. That goes for pretty much every other SUV on the market as well. It is freeing to drive with the top down and music from the soundbar, almost like a religious experiance exept better. This thing cannot be beat. It is the best offroad vehicle in the world. Dont be fooled any imitations, get a Jeep.

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  Its a Jeepers Review - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Colorado Brad - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I read another review - a lady said it "flips" so I got rid of it. Uh, perhaps drivers ed. would be in order, maam. My Jeep is a superior performer - remember what Jeeps are built to do. Off-road. My TJ is unmatched in off- road performance and has been totally reliable.

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  Happy so far! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cowboy - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my 2001 Limited Jeep so far. Ive only had one problem. I had to replace the front brakes because of a shimmey in the front end. Best looking SUV on the road today, bar none.

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  Amazing - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Francine - December 27 - 3:46 am

  Great vehicle. Amazing in all weather. Does whatever you ask it to. Indestructible to anything.

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  Great for the money - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By anthony - December 26 - 10:50 am

  I was suprised that driving a Jeep would be as comfortable as this one. Although you feel bumps what else can you expect in any SUV. The power in the engine even though it is not like a 6 cylinder it gets going fast. I am tired of the gas guzzling mamoths on the road this one is good enough for me and economic.I would recomend this vehicle to people looking for something with pretty good storage space and a suprisingly smooth highway ride

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  hard on gas - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By kathie - December 25 - 12:56 am

  Costs a lot a week for gas, and if water from rain hits your seats they stain .... from water? Jeez.