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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  I Love my Jeep! - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin - March 31 - 2:00 pm

  This little YJ is the ultimate go anywhere, do anything vehicle. I have it all pretty much stock, with slightly oversize tires (235/75/15). The tires arent even off-road style lugs, they are street tires and this jeep will go anywhere on them. I have only gotten stuck in deep mud, and once high- centered it. If you like to go off-roading this is the best, most affordable, toughest little vehicle for that. If you like to cruise on the highway at 70+ mph this is not the best vehicle for that. Fuel mileage on the highway is dismal, but in town it is acceptable, and off-road fuel mileage is surprisingly good.

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  2014 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 (6A) - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By sfields89 - March 27 - 10:51 am

  I purchased my patriot in May of 2014. Every since then, Ive been so impressed with my patriot. Im a college student at Washington State University. It snows a lot in the winter time. This jeep handles great in all types of weather. From school to my home town, Seattle WA, is about a 5 hour drive. My patriot does great on the road and handles hydroplaning, snow, gusts of wind, and carrying heavy loads of my stuff greatly. Has enough space to take a group of friends out on the town, parks basically anywhere in the city, great at U turns, and has enough power to take me back to school in all seasons. The freedrive 1 system works great and is much better than most CUVs on the road.

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  The Anti - Escalade - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Razerman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Cherokee is the purest SUV on the road, and is a perfect example of form following function. The Cherokees simple, clean lines make it a handsome standout amongst the gawdy road yachts of today. It accelerates and corners like a roadster, it can pull like a Mack Truck, and it can go through snow like a ski-doo. What a beautiful thing. No DVD players, no navigation systems, no dual climate zones. There is nothing about a Cherokee that distracts you from its purpose. This truck is built to be fun as all heck on the road, and rock steady off the road.

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  It pays to do your homework - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Waters - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I did countless hours of research on the internet. Having never bought a "new" car before, I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I just about bought a Ford Escape, but then test drove the Jeep Liberty. Best move I ever made. After driving the Liberty, there was no comparison between the two. The Escapes interior and overall build quality was dismal compared to the Liberty. The build quality of the Liberty seems more akin to the likes of a Mercedes or Lexus (Its that good). Fun to drive and handles great for an SUV. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a small SUV.

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  Best Value - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jorge Carlos - March 25 - 7:08 am

  I Have owned a 2011 grand Cherokee which is one of the best vehicles I has ever had so I decided to get a new model. This is still the only SUV that does not looks like a momma SUV

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  Great Fun Vehicle out of the Box - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jethro1964 - March 24 - 1:23 am

  I have been waiting for a stretched Wrangler and here it is and Im impressed. Drives very good and just love the 4 speed auto, the way to go in city traffic. The extra cargo area lets me carry the family and all our stuff without sacrificing comfort.

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  95 Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kaydee - March 21 - 8:43 pm

  Best vehicle purchase I made 12 years ago since upgrading from a 1985 Olds Cutlass Supreme. The grand Cherokee Laredo gave me everything I can could possibly want in a vehicle and its still going strong. Glad I purchased this vehicle!

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  2005 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By richard - March 18 - 1:00 pm

  I use this Jeep both on and off road. Superior to my Forester especially in mud. Gets 23 hwy and 18 city. So far at 20k no problems, ride is good and I can pull a horse trailer with it.

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  Unstoppable - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By 0wn - March 16 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Cherokee from a salvage yard after it was hit on the front left wheel, ran into a pole or stoplight, and then flipped on its side. After that much abuse, I didnt expect it to start, much less be drivable. But amazingly, all it took was a new battery to get the Jeep started. I had a mechanic shop replace most of the steering system (the impact to the wheel bent a few parts), and then I replaced the panels that were damaged. Its quite amazing that I could pull the Jeeps exterior apart using simple hand tools and I was even able to salvage some the bent pieces. After repairing it, I never had any trouble. The engine will start in zero temperature and never causes problems.

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  Fun in the sun, dark, rain, snow, or? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By green genes - March 16 - 7:13 pm

  We like our Jeep more every time we drive it. We now have 7,100 miles, and have gotten 21.7 mpg with A/C at 70 mph. We had a recall on the engine computer; at first we got 14 to 16.5 mpg and were concerned, but reprogramming fixed it. The heated seats are great. The tire pressure on the overhead really works, saved us a flat. Everything works great, no problems. Style inside and out is well done. This is a solid, smooth riding, top notch 4X4. Perhaps the best of any car or truck we have ever had. We like the new front end, and the radio controls on the steering wheel, the leather seats, and the power sun roof. Everything exceeds our expectations, even the price was more than fair.