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 it! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Julianne - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a 95 Wrangler! Wow, what a difference! (in comfort!) This is a fun truck that gets a lot of attention (when its nice and clean-with those tires really shiny!) Havent put its off-road capabilities to the full test yet, but Jeeps never let ya down!

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  What a blast - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By lilfirelaw - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first JEEP and I absolutly love it. Just cant wait to find some place here in Germany to take it off road.

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  Great enjoyable 4WD. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JGC. - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Very ejoyable in many outdoors aspects

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  fun suv. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hockey player - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the way it handles on and off road,and the easy in which my wife can go to 4 wheel drive with little effort.

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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TennyCgal - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Jeep Ive ever owned. For years I drove a Camaro convertible and never thought I could find another vehicle that would replace the love I had for my Camaro. But I found the replacement. I now drive a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition. Its color is black crystal. I love this car! Sporty styling with a spacious luxury interior. Who could ask (or want) more??

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  Love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redvannie - February 15 - 8:43 pm

  We bought this Jeep from my husbands employer after he had driven it for about 6 years. He loved it and only missed 1 day of work in all those years (because of ice) because of the weather and we live 45 minutes away. Ive been driving it ever since and I love it. Its so fun. The paint looks like new still (when its clean--we live on a gravel road). I know its going to go on the snow, and stop too. It has 283000 miles on it and did have the transmission rebuilt at 225000. I like the computer. A drunk driver hit it yesterday so Im not sure whether well fix it back up--its not worth too much to anyone else at this point, especially the insurance company.

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  Excellent - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ef822 - February 15 - 12:13 pm

  I just bought the car because I have a child and wanted something that was spacious and safe at the same time. I think I have made a great choice in what I chose. The car to me rides so smooth for being a somewhat slender suv. I honestly thought it would be a little bumby and I was pleastly suprised. So far I have only had the car for a few day but I love it. I was also kind of worried about the gas mileage with it being a v8, It actually gets pretty good gas mileage. Overall I would say this is a wonderful car.

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  2nd JK Owner - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By orange06 - February 15 - 6:10 am

  5 months and 5000 miles later, Im still excited to wake up every morning to drive my Jeep. Traded in a 2010 Unlimited Sport (auto) for the new 2012 Sport (6 speed). Instant upgrade in power and cabin presence. Its a little squirrely at highway speeds compared to the 4 door. If you have kids, the getting in and out of a 2 door is work. Id think twice if this was your primary vehicle. Im one leg in, one leg out to belt my 5 year old in, my wife climbs in to do it. Passenger side only. Great price point of $22k for a base sport. Dont let the looks of a Rubicon/Special Edition suck you in. If you arent going to wheel it regularly, youre wasting 10 grand.

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  jacinda - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By linda - February 15 - 2:00 am

  comfortable low milage rust gaurds good gas millage

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  2001 Jeep Cherokee -- and excellent SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By thornton - February 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its classical style combines with top notch performance for an excellent style. Peforms perfectly in any condition, from the interstate to blazing its own trails across a mountain. The limited includes all the comforts you need for a classy vehicle, but retains all the capabilities that Jeep is renowned for. Ill be a Jeep owner for life!