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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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By drwhkm - April 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport with 82K, and it was a great vehicle to own. Drove great through snow and mud, but also had a smooth highway ride. Engine provided plenty of power, however was also very thirsty. A very well-built, reliable Jeep.

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  3rd and Best Jeep Ive had - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jnaper - April 28 - 7:17 am

  Weve owned a 97 Wrangler, 99 Cherokee and now this completely loaded Liberty. Loved them all and this one is the best. We just had a huge snowstorm here near Chicago. My wife and I went out for a drive before our streets were plowed. No one else could make it except for other jeeps or serious 4wd trucks. Our Liberty went through 19-20 inches pf snow without a hiccup. Comfortable, functional, and very capable in deep sand or snow.

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  Great value - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rakessler - April 27 - 4:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and my first SUV. It has been a pleasure to drive. I have only had one item that needed to be repaired and it was covered under warranty. The Liberty is a great highway cruiser, safe and steady, plus it can go off roading or up to the mountains without any chains or struggle.

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  No Problems - Only Fun - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By scottyindenver - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Jeep Ive not had any problems other than having to replace the windshield because of the rocks and crap on the roads in Colorado during the winter months. I have had to do brake maintenance more often than most do but I also drive 40 miles one way to work from Denver up into the Rockies 5000 feet (coming down that hill every night takes a toll on the brakes). It has been a lot of fun to own - definately glad I replaced my Chevy S- 10 Blazer with the Jeep.

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  My 2nd one - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By pmcca - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I am coming up on the end of my lease of my jeep and will probably negotiate a buy. I have had no major mechanical problems at all in 5 years. Its great in the summer and really great in the winter, and here in Ohio, those are huge plusses. Two slight negatives: its a bumpy ride unless you are the driver, and the gas milage isnt great, but those are both offset by the tremendous fun and practicality factors. This is my 2nd Wrangler (1991) and Ill probably get another one. This one was tons better!

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  Piece of Junk - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MAD Dog - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe that I actually bought another Jeep Grand Cherokee after the problems I had with the first two. My 2000 has been a supreme disappointment and like many others, I have sworn off Jeeps for good. No more American crap for me. Major brake problems that have now cost me over $800 to fix, locking problems on the doors (a $300 fix), a clunking noise in the transmission and an AWD problem that the dealer seems to think Im imagining. Jeep should be ashamed of themselves for not bucking up and covering some fo the costs associated with these repairs -- its going to cost them in the long run.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sue11 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several Jeep Grand Cherokees Limited in the past as well as a Ford Explorer Limited, going from the Ford to the Jeep was like going from a Hyundai to a Lexus. Besides the GREAT deal I got, I love driving my new SUV. Id highly recommend it.

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  Problems - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gobob - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a harmonic groan that comes from the drivetrain. Dealer cant fix it and Chrysler wont do anything about it. Filing for Lemon Law help. Wouldnt buy another one.

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  Simply the best choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tony - April 27 - 12:20 am

  Bought my Commander and love it. Have not had any problems and very comfortable ride. Gets a lot of attention and always gets a " sweet ride" comment.

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  Had Some Problems,But Still A Great SUV! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Private - April 26 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this one new in 1995 as a 1996 Model. I love this Jeep! But,Im trading it in to my Selling Dealership Next Month. (January) 99,000 Miles