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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  Fantastic Jeep - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Old man Jeep - January 11 - 6:10 pm

  Our Commander is a replacement to 2 previous Grand Cherokees and a Cherokee. Weve been a Jeep family for many years and love the feel and drive of Jeep products. This one surpasses all others. It rides high with excellent front visibility and the seats are very comfy. The engine (4.7) gets about 13 mpg around town and about 19 on the road(not bad for a V8!) and has lots of power. The side air bags are a great safety feature. We heard the Commander might be eliminated in 2009. This would be a huge mistake, as this is the only full size (7 passenger) SUV that Jeep offers and is competitive with most larger family type SUVs. Also it is one of the few full size SUVs that is offroad capable.

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  Does everything but fill itself with fuel - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Larry Gronemeyer - January 11 - 11:48 am

  I searched every Jeep dealer in the US after configuring the vehicle I wanted. I ended up buying in Cedar Rapids from Pat Mc Grath Jeep. This vehicle is equipped with a 5.7 HEMI that gets about the same mileage as the 3.8 V6 Rubicon I traded in. The sound system is awesome and the adaptive cruise control is and experience! I started with Jeeps in 89 and the features and the quality keeps improving. My mileage includes several 0 to illegal speed runs as that is how I have always broken them in.

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  First time Jeep owner - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By R. Tilghman - January 10 - 1:33 pm

  I traded in a 1992 Mercedes 300SL for a 2006 Rubicon. Ive driven SL class MB for 20 years. My friends were shocked. The bottom line is I love the Rubicon and have no regrets on the trade. The simplicity of the design and excellent build quality are great. Mileage is only about 16.5 mpg. The highway ride is surprising compliant considering the offroad capabilities. Maneuverability in tight areas is outstanding. The fun factor is +10. The Rubicon has already proved to be a versatile work horse at our farm. Aftermarket parts support is amazing and one of the reason I selected a Jeep. "Its a Jeep thing" has real meaning to me now.

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  My New Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By tony - January 9 - 6:23 am

  It is bigger and more comfortable on the road. Compared to my 04 Xterra this rides a little better. It actually takes the bumps instead of being pounded. The 7 speaker stereo is great and I love the hardtop and all the ways it can be configured. It still looks like a Jeep that has leaped into the future. Compared to the X I had this is a power monster. It is just me and my wife so I can take out the backseat and put a lot of gear in here for a little trip. I have not had mine off road yet either but I do not think that is going to be an issue with this Jeep. This is a great Jeep and the boys at Jeep ought to be proud of this one. The 4 door one is pretty bling to.

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  Jeep Liberty 4X4 Diesel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Gary - January 8 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this Diesel Jeep Liberty for about 6 weeks. Traveled over 1000 miles on a vacation with it as well as in town with A/C on. We are in the Mojave Desert. Jeep performed as advertised. Fuel readily available. Better handling than my old 2002 Jeep Liberty and a lot more safety and handling features. Much more economical. Very satisfied. Only one embarrassing feature. Rear passenger door opens and tall guests legs, socks, pants get rear tire marks on them (fender is part of door). Embarrassing! Otherwise, excellent performance and handling.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Citikop - January 6 - 10:43 pm

  I picked up my Cherokee a couple weeks ago and am excited as ever to be driving it. Im impressed with its refinements over the previous years editions, although I wish I could have swung a model with the larger engine. It has sufficient power for most folks needs and since I dont do much towing it should be just fine. The dark khaki pearlcoat finish has turned a few heads and my friends are green with envy. Seems to handle with ease any road conditions so far. All in all, a lot of fun to drive. Well just have to see how it holds up as time goes by.

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  I Love My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mary - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  I was the second owner for this vehicle and I have never regretted buying it. I had just gone through a divorce and had to travel across country. I have never had any problems with my jeep except the recall on the radiator which was fixed right away. Ive changed the tires once and have only had to change the oil and transmission fluid. Im about to sell it now at 17,000 miles and am very afraid I will not find a vehicle as reliable. I highly recommend this year for a Jeep if it is a I6!

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  Now my Twelth Jeep 2016 yes another patriot latit - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By George Leedy - January 3 - 1:24 pm

  2015 Jeep Patriot . Yes my 11th jeep I am 64 yrs. old. As a child was was fascinated by old military jeeps.My first jeep was a 1984 jeep Cherokee , I believe its first year of production. And my latest 2015 Patriot. In between numerous Cherokees , Liberty and Grand Cherokee models! No major malfunctions. This current Patriot has just 4999 miles as of today. Many of my previous jeeps had excess of 200,000 plus miles when traded in. I am a happy customer!

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  Instant Sale - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By David - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  I was driving a F250 Lariat Crewcab but the high cost of diesel forced me to downsize. I test drove so many small SUVs and never though I would like a Jeep. My first ride in the Patriot was an instant sale. It is such a cool vehicle and looks good too. I am fascinated with the 4WD and Autostick features. I went from paying $100 a week in fuel to only $40. The inside is very roomy and just by adding a custom seat cushion, I now have the feel of a Lexus at half the price. My Boss drives a Land Rover, but to be honest, the Patriot is just as classy and having the 4WD capabilities makes it just easy to stand up to his Land Rover. Buy One! You will love it!

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  Modern classic - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By objectively - January 1 - 11:55 pm

  We drove a 2003 Honda Pilot for the last 10 years. It was the darling of the automotive press when we bought it. So that is the yardstick. When going to test drive the Rubi, I expected it to be loud on the highway. It isnt. In fact its pleasantly quiet, much quieter than the Pilot. Huh? Yes. Every review about Wranglers goes on and on about how crude they are. We did not find this to be true. The UConnect features work perfectly and intuitively. Were happy with the Wrangler and enjoy the fun it brings on our local trails and off road parks.