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 Off Roader in the world - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hofgee Rofgee - April 24 - 6:50 am

  I go off road a lot and the wrangler exceeds my expectations. I got out of spots that other members in my jeep club have said were impossible to get through. Jeep should offer more off road systems like Toyota has, like rock crawl, etc. Offer a compass, inclinometer, and temp gauge like in the fj. I replace my off roader every other year and will probably get a fj or 4 runner because of this,

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  First Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ef - April 23 - 7:53 pm

  My dad was hesitant to let me get one, until there was a 4-door version. Once it was driven off the semi, the dealer had it for 6 hours, before I drove it away. I have put 1200 miles on it in the last month. The only thing I want to do is to add all of the fun aftermarket accessories, like air horns, my CB, and some fun spotlights. I got an almost fully-loaded X model, with a soft top, and 6 disc DVD player. I have already removed the doors (all 4), and gone on the highway. Ive had three of my friends in the back, and they were comfortable. With mostly city driving so far, I am getting 16 mpg. The only other thing is that I wished the half doors were available when I bought mine.

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  Dream vehicle-Ol Blue - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By cardinalgirl - April 23 - 11:04 am

  11 years old and deserves a garage and to take a break from the St. Louis summer heat. This is the best vehicle I will ever own. Its only downside is the a/c which is why I bought another car to tag team the seasons. Since 2001, I have replaced the evap core, compressor and engine thermostat (just to be on the safe side, problem cleared). I just dont care that I blew the front speakers and time did its thing to the headliner. The original battery lasted more than 6 years. The back brakes are original at 73k. Nothing is better than driving this car in any situation, any terrain. I havent shoveled snow in my driveway for 11 yrs. Independence and laziness at its finest.

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  Very Nice 4x4 SUV - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jmcwil01747 - April 23 - 2:15 am

  Well built. Quiet, handles well except for some body lean on tight curves (compared to my BMW). Averages 24 MPG with 1500 miles on the odometer of mixed driving. The CVT takes a little getting use to but after a couple of hundred miles you and it adapt to one another. Where this guy shines is when you take it down the logging roads. It really shows its Jeep heritage! Nothing seems to faze it. Rocks, water, mud, deep ruts equals "No Big Deal".

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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By luvmyjeep513 - April 23 - 1:46 am

  The Jeep was originally my parents, and when I got my lisence 8 months ago it became mine. Since then, it has seen the trails almost more than it has seen the road. The performance off- road for this jeep stock is simply amazing, I could say Ive never gotten it stuck. The car takes me 30 miles to work each day, yet still proves amazing on the trails almost every sunday. Overall, it is extremely reliable and the h.o. 4.0L I6 gives tremendous acceleration and power for when I need it. Lifting and modifying this vehicle for the trails couldnt be easier, I have lifted the suspension 3.5" and put 31" mud- terrains on it. This Jeep will have to die before I get rid of it.

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  Surprisingly Great - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Long Island Mucker - April 22 - 10:43 pm

  Having had Jeeps in the family for decades, the Liberty seemed neither fish nor fowl. However, when we needed another vehicle, an unplanned visit to a jeep dealer resulted in a great surprise. The Liberty is one great Jeep. Yes you need to be a Jeep fan, not a trend setter or fashionista. Just someone that mucks around in the country and in the city. WOW what a great little Jeep.

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  Liberty Review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Gorka - April 22 - 8:36 pm

  This is my second Liberty. First 2003 model was hit by a 18" diameter tree that fell into the road while driving at 40 mph. Hit at left side "A" pillar and vehicle drove under. All windows but right side shattered but roof was sturdy enough to prevent any injury to me,my wife,and 4 yr old son who was in the back. Vehicle was totaled so I got a 2004 Liberty a week later. I love the manual transmission; much more sporty feeling than automatic I test drove. Better mileage too. My 2003 manual started out at approx 18.5 mpg in mixed driving. Then increased to 19.5 around 5000 miles as engine broke in. A K&N air filter and synthetic oil for engine/differentials,increased MPG to 20.5/22.5 HWY.

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  Love my Renegade! - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Erica Keebler - April 21 - 2:54 pm

  We were looking for a sporty SUV to be able to get good gas, have a manual transmission and also fit a car seat for my 6 month old baby. We were torn between the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Renegade. The jeep has a lot of head-room,so since we are a tall family that was a must! I was adamant on having a manual transmission, since thats all I have ever owned and plus they are just a ton of fun to drive. We went to a car show and the Jeep is what we picked out of all of the vehicles we looked at. The latitude version that we got did not have the cold weather package or navigation, but we did get the sunroof with removable panels! After owning this for a month, I still really love my jeep. It drives like a dream in the snow, it heats up really fast so I really dont find myself regretting not getting the cold weather package; the gas mileage is amazing (I average between 24-26mpg); the manual transmission is smooth and the uphill assist is pretty cool for those hills at stoplights. I am also really loving the sunroof, with the removable panels...this is a must and I use it all the time. I find myself wishing for Navigation, but nothing that my phone cant fix for now and I might end up changing out the system down the road. But the radio is really nice, and the Bluetooth set-up was really simple with my Microsoft phone, and it works great for everything that I need! My complaints: The cup holders. There is only two in the front seat area, and then angled ones in all of the doors that you can only use bottled drinks. The backseat has no cup holder except the door ones for bottles. This seems really inconvenient since sometimes I have more than two people in the car and if we go to Starbucks then only two people can use the cup holder for their drinks. My other complaint would have to be the e-brake. Its just a button...and it kind of weirds me out since its not a lever that I am used to. It hasnt failed or anything bad, its just something different that I need to get used to. The back trunk area is pretty small, but thats what you get with a smaller SUV, I am able to fit a small stroller with no issues in the back. Overall...I just need to find a fix for the cup-holder situation and its perfect. I never thought that I could find a sporty SUV to drive my daughter around instead of a mom SUV, Sedan or Van. *all of the hidden Jeep Easter-eggs are a cool addition too!!!

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  Jeep forever - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Lover - April 21 - 11:26 am

  I just bought my first Jeep. I love it and wouldnt go back. I have already taken it up to the mountains and had some memorable fun with my son. I looked for a very long time at different outfits and I kept coming back to the Liberty. I bought the sport but am very happy that if I want to later on I can add anything I would like to it and have it have the factory look. It handles great and has great get up and go. Coming from a girl who had a sports car I really love that. I love looking at it dirty or clean, its perfect.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By don a flory - April 20 - 10:50 pm

  2005 Jeep Lorado is fun to drive. We have moon roof, heated seats and sat radio (I really like that)