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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  Some good some bad - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dwalen - October 31 - 2:40 am

  When I bought this car new, it was absolutely what I wanted - for about 10 miles. I had to turn in the car I bought and get a whole new vehicle because nobody could figure out why there was so much terrible wind noise and why is sputtered going up hills in low gear. The new one had similar transmission problems but a recall fix eliminated 99% of the sputtering. When the AC is really cranked, it can sputter a little at times at low speed when trying accelerate. However, this car has been really a gem other than that. No mechanical issues, good ride, takes off road bumps like a champ, and has been remarkably maneuverable in avoiding accidents. Great family car.

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  True utility and reliability - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ben - October 30 - 4:10 am

  This has been my only car for 6 years, bought it in 99 with 60k on it, now it is nearing 150k. Never regretted the purchase. Driven across the country twice pulling a trailer. Survived 2 Boston winters. All problems have been minor (water pump, thermostat, radiator). Not the most luxurious vehicle, bumpy ride, but it cruises on the freeway and gets good mileage for an SUV with 4WD. Biggest problem was a broken lower mounting bolt. It had to be drilled and was fairly expensive. This happened around 95k. Also, there was a brake recall for cars sold in the Salt Belt, though since my car was originally sold in California the recall was not honored.

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  3rd and counting - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By TT - October 30 - 2:06 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler, 97 & 05 unlimited, before this one. I have had NO problems with this or any of the others. I see a lot of people talking about a death wobble I have never in the 2 before or in this one had anything like that and I have taken many road trips that were well over 500 miles one way in my Jeeps.

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  built jeep tough - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By joe lo - October 29 - 10:00 am

  i have always owned jeeps, they are great vehicals, they are very reliable, fun to drive, and the build quality is amazing. when you own a jeep you have the best of both worlds, fun in the summer time with the removable soft top and doors and in the winter time you have the trail rated 4wd system. they are very strong and reliable, i have jumped jeeps, taken them through trails that people wouldent wanna walk on and they handle everything great. as far as driving on the road they are pretty smooth at highway speeds, but tend to be bumpy on streets because of the straight axle setup that makes their 4wd system amazing.

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  Jeep Liberty 2002 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Whitaker - October 29 - 10:00 am

  The only maintenance needed so far has been a brake job. It is a comfortalble ride for a tough little car.

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  Lemon with great customer service - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Livier - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Brand New Jeep needed a new transmition at 600 miles! But I did receive great customer service from Alhambra Jeep. After 6 months driving rentals I got a full refund. Maybe in the future when Chrysler improves the Larado I will buy again. (Stereo system is horrible.)

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  2004 Renegade Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike - October 28 - 6:46 pm

  We bought our Libert in May of 2004. After 5 years and 93000 Miles. Its safe to say this may be the most dependable and solid vehicle I have ever owned. And I have had quite a few. It is great on and off road, currently have a 2" Body Lift on it with 30" BFG ATs on it. But I did get about 85000 miles out of the original Goodyears and they still had good tread left on them. Honestly dont have any complaints about this vehicle, fun to drive, looks great, easy to maintain, nice interior features such as the window controls, door handles. Actually continues to get better fuel mileage - Currently 18.5 mpg. Definitely made me a Jeep Person.

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  best hunting vehicle there is - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By J.B.D.S. - October 28 - 2:10 pm

  This Jeep is great I have been a truck guy all my life and was looking at new vehicles and decided to try the 4 door Rubicon. I am loving it goes more places then my fx4 ever thought about going doesnt bottom out over the tx terrian when Im going to the deer stand. I got the hard top wish I had the soft top also for summer looking to buy one my wife didnt want me to buy this and now she drives it more then I do going to have to trade her car in for a another one I recomend this vehicle to anyone. Took it to sedona az in the mountains and it was great no problems did anything I wanted to do. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned keeping till the wheels fall off.

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  NOT A SAFE CAR - DOES NO HANDLE IN WET - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By sunshine - October 28 - 1:50 pm

  This car is almost 3 years old and since the beginning I have told the dealer it slides when braking and taking off on wet roads - badly. They always have said nothing is wrong. Now they tell me it must be the tires and I should spend $600.00 on different tires, to my reply was so you sold me a car with unsafe tires. I got a shrug of shoulder response. This coupled with horrible rear and rear sides visibility due to huge v shaped metal between rear and side windows and non-movable headrests make it an unsafe vehicle. I will not even take it on a trip or out if it is raining or about to rain.

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  Fun but too small for my growing family! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Memphis slim - October 28 - 8:23 am

  Ive had no issues with this Jeep. Just routine maintenance and oil changes. Its fun to drive and has good power. Im 65" and the sets are uncomfortable for me. When I ride shotgun, my knees hit the handle/dash area. My wife says the same thing and she is 57". We take long trips (8 hrs) and it drives great but is hvery uncomfortable. Were trading it in since well be having baby #2 soon. This was fine for 1 baby but not 2 kids. Too cramped and therell be no room left when traveling. Also dont spill liquids on the seats b/c the stains will not come out! Ive tried everything and all detail shops say this fabric is hard to clean.