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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  A Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By forever jeep - February 13 - 6:16 am

  For those that complain about mpg or comfort in this Jeep, then you bought it for the wrong reasons. I have had my Wrangler for 5.5 years now. For the first five years it was my primary vehicle and I loved it! The top down, sun on your face and enjoying the summer. I have done so much to mine, and I cant stop! Lift, 33" tires, winch in the front and lights everywhere. It is the definition of SUMMER! Our first baby is due in April and I could have traded it in and bought a new F150 or fancy car, but I just couldnt part with this JEEP. So I bought a commuter car for the me and the baby and that still allows me to drive my Jeep in the summer. People think I am crazy ... except JEEP owners!

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  9th Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - February 12 - 7:36 am

  Im glad to be back in a Jeep! I have been driving them since my first car purchase at 18 years old (Im 40). I was given a GMC Envoy from my last employer and have been Jeepless for the last 4 years! The GMC was great but didnt compare to my new 08 Hemi Overland JGC. It drives and preforms like a dream!

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  I LOVE MY JEEP!!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By abe2139 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned or seen another vehicle that can get around in the snow and ice like my jeep can. I live in a very wintry weather area and have never once worried about getting stuck.

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  Best Ive owned - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ted Mosher - February 11 - 9:03 pm

  This is undoubtedly the best car I have ever owned. 63000 miles and its never been in the shop, still has the original tires and battery. Never had a breakdown. Uses no oil. Fun to drive and comfortable. Gas mileage could be better for an SUV this size at 17 mpg but the rest makes up for it.

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  DREAM COME TRUE ,YAHOO! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John - February 11 - 5:26 am

  Although I just recently purchased my Jeep Liberty Sport I can tell you already this is the vehicle Ive been waiting for. With all the reviews Ive read, nothing compares to getting behind the wheel of this machine and putting it in drive. The amount of power it displays from a standstill for a v6 is comparable to some gas guzzling v8s Ive owned and the handling is worthy to say the least . The interior is very comfortable for a large man (63" 240) and at the same time compact enough for my 9 year old daughter not to feel stuck in the back. Overall I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a vehicle to get the juices flowing or to get the kids to school.

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  Back to my Jeep - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By oldmac1 - February 10 - 12:46 pm

  Traded in my dearly loved Hemi sedan for the new Jeep with the Hemi and HID lighting. The sedan was exciting but after crawling into this new Jeep I felt I was back with my go anywhere and do anything vehicle. We are an all Jeep family now and this new Grand Cherokee is by far the best of the 9 Jeeps I have previously owned.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By georgeriel01887 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned.

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  So much fun - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Wray2702 - February 10 - 12:36 am

  My husband and I just purchased our Patriot about a week and a half ago and we absolutely love it! We were having a hard time finding one that we liked enough to buy, so you may have to be patient. The price was right and I have to say that this is the most fun I have had driving a car in a long time.

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  It is certainly not a Honda!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Speedfiend66 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat all the offroad options rolled into a low interest loan. Beefy transfercase, differentials, lockers F/R, and still have LSlip for everyday driving and fuel economy. This is the Jeep of Jeeps, dont let anyone tell you different. Building an older Jeep will not be as this turn-key beast.

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  Loving It! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LINDA - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle started with being treated with respect by the dealership. I was treated well, and walked away with everything I wanted for the price I needed. Knowing you got a great deal helps you to enjoy your vehicle, which I absolutely love. The only feature I am not thrilled with is the gas mileage due to the fact that I commute quite a distance each day to work and gas prices are at an all time high.