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! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheBitman - July 26 - 10:23 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle! I ordered it from the factory with almost every option, and I havent regretted it at all. It is the most fun to drive, dependable and versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I use it to commute every day, and then use it for working around the property on the weekends. I have driven it in all kinds of weather and it has never let me down. This little truck will go anywhere and do anything!

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  The best vehicle I have ever purchased - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By dealer7 - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Being 55 years old I have purchased many, many vehicles the Jeep Liberty is by far the best most logical I have ever purchased. The MPG is alot better than advertised, the ride is alot smoother than I expected ,the exterior and interior styling is great. This Jeep is built to last it will most likely last me the rest of my life. I test drove every mid size SUV on the market and found that no other manufacturer comes close to the Jeep Liberty. I let some friends take it for a trip they loved it and are now in the market for one. The Liberty was a great surprise and I am very happy I bought one.

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  Phenomenal Job Chrysler - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mario52 - July 26 - 12:10 pm

  There is no doubt that this Jeep is the most well Engineered Vehicle, well thought, built with perfection, designed with excellence, has great comfort and great performance. This Jeep will take you about anywhere you want to go. I truly believe that there is not and automobile on the market today from any automaker that has produced such an outstanding vehicle as the Jeep trailHawk. My TrailHawk gets excellent gas mileage, a very smooth ride, and the performance is great. It is my perception that this is the best vehicle of its kind on the road today.

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  Best Secret on the Road - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - July 26 - 6:26 am

  If you need an SUV that can handle rough roads and give you a smooth ride there is no questions this is the best. I test drove every other SUV in this size range and above and kept coming back to the Liberty. I own one and have just ordered a second. It is great on the highway, tight cornering in the city and just tackles the rough roads like nobodys business. Ive had my first one through 7, count em, 7 hurricanes in Florida. Deep flooded areas. Into the Everglades, down to the beach. Great to drive, no let me correct that FUN to drive. Ive got over 120,000 miles and just getting another before they change the body style.

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  280000 miles just wont die - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sailingdude - July 26 - 4:30 am

  I bought this jeep with allot of miles cheap. It is the fourth jeep I have owned. Cheap to fix and lots of used parts out there. Cant go wrong if you havnt allot of cash to blow on some over priced ero-trash leather llivingroom. You can still drive it with many things wrong with it then fix it at your own pace. 280k starts and runs great. and the interior is just as good, leather, heated seats, premium sound, comfortable, I can go on.

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  Patriot - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By knobbytires - July 21 - 3:02 pm

  I did my research and mostly read negative reviews of this vehicle so I was hesitant in seriously pursing it. I liked the looks of it and didnt need anything to fancy other than the 4x4 option and height adjuster drivers seat which means the Latitude model with heated seats. I do have a Grand Cherokee with the Penstar 6 engine but couldnt afford another one so this vehicle made sense for me. Long story short I did purchase this vehicle and couldnt be happier it is fantastic in the snow and all though you will not win any races off the line the 2.4 liter engine is very capable when needed and I average 23 MPG. The CVT transmission is great it always knows where it needs to be.

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  Awesome SRT8 Grand Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Terry - July 20 - 9:03 am

  This is the top performance SUV in the world with acceleration, speed, braking, and handling that must be experienced to be believed. Despite that you are surrounded by a luxurious environment with every feature and comfort you could want. When Im relaxing I must drive with the cruise control or I am going 100+ and not even know it until you notice you are blowing by other cars or you glance at the speedo. My mileage is 14.66 mpg but I never drive less than 85. If you appreciate precision and amazing performance but still need to do the family stuff this is the one for you. You will not be disappointed. I never thought I would own a Chrysler product, Im really glad I was wrong.

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  Top Shelf - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By RockHead - July 16 - 9:50 am

  What can I say. Im all about Jeeps. CJs, YJs, TJs, XJs Ive had them all. Bar none this one is the best one ever. Looked at H3. Poser. Way overpriced, too. I got the hardtop sport with ac, cruise, tilt, 6 spd manual and its a blast to drive! Turns heads.I get 18.9 combined and just under 22 on trips. Other people here complaining about gas mileage I dont understand. My old CJ5 still gets 10mpg with a six cyl. Its a brick with wheels, deal with it. And underpowered? Are you kidding? 200hp with a V6? It is geared down for torque not speed. Want speed buy a wrx. Ill pull you out too! Buy it, tear it apart, rebuild it...it is still a simple truck. Dont need posh and trinkets. Its a jee

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  Great Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - July 14 - 12:43 pm

  I have driven Jeeps since 1998. Started with Cherokee and purchased my first Grand Cherokee in 2004. December 2006 I purchased a 2007 Overland. This is a great SUV. Nice design improvements and noticeable change in suspension from the 2004. Had some problems with the CD player and ended up changing it out on warranty. Great in the snow, but all of the jeeps I had were. Love the wooden steering wheel in the Overland. Interior now is similar to a loaded Limited. Not much difference between a 2009 loaded limited and an Overland. I have the 5.7 hemi. City/highway runs about 15.5 mpg. GPS is great, but the newer versions have a 3D mode, which is better. 2007 improved the ease of folding rear seat

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  Jeep - the only true SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loraine - July 14 - 12:16 pm

  Have owned a 2004 Laredo before owning the Limited - this vehicle was a 4-wheel drive SUV before anyone else ever had one. This is by and far the best 4-wheel drive vehicle out there.