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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  Reliable, good fun - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By GA_Jeep_Owner - March 22 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this from friends with 160K miles on truck. It replaced my 1995 AWD Subaru Legacy. I love the additional room, power (and pickup) and the ability to haul anything I want anywhere (boats, kids, dogs, etc.). I found out that hard way that rear wheel drive does not handle like Subaru AWD - I hydroplaned off the highway backwards. Fortunately, Jeep durability and four wheel drive got me back up on the road in no time. Other than the handling characteristics learning curve, this is one of the best vehicle I have owned - new or used.

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  Its all good but the gas mileage - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Clint Van Zandt - March 22 - 1:30 am

  Great car - a step above the 2003 that we had. The Nav system is far better than one in a 2002 BMW and overall the new Jeep is to be desired. The challenge is in the gas mileage - its really low, especially compared to our prior 2003 Jeep that was a 6; this is an 8 and it really goes through gas. Otherwise Im glad we got it. Hmmm, wonder what the new 06 is like?

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  Thrilled with Patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By hbto - March 21 - 8:23 am

  I read the "professional" reviews but still fell in love with this SUV at the dealership. I do not understand all of the negative vibe from the pros. Reminds me of my old Nissan Pathfinder from the early 90s. Test drove CRV and Rav4 and cannot see how these would compare.

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  Happy with 95 Cherokee - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By MIKE - March 20 - 10:16 pm

  In the years Ive owned this vehicle it has seen every type of terrain and weather. It has towed a 4000 lb boat everywhere. It holds kids pets and luggage with ease. It has yet to ever get stuck or have difficulty. The 4.0 engine is more than enough power. Its a shame they dont make vehicles like this anymore

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  Toy on wheels - simply love this truck!! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ed from Charlotte - March 20 - 9:06 pm

  My conservative friends thought I was nuts when I leased this vehicle, after all they used to see me driving Lexus or at least a Tahoe. But I was looking for a car that has these 3 qualities: 1. Fun to drive, manual and 4-wheel; 2. Convertible (to take advantage of sunny weather); 3. Has towing capability. I did not want to buy Jeep, because I knew this maker is not a reliable one. And thats why I leased it. To my big surprise, I had not had any problems with the car in 30 mo, and the latest Consumer Reports show very high reliability ratings for Wrangler. Jeep really did an excellent job on re- designing this model. What a huge difference comparing to a previous Wrangler they used to make!!

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  178,000 miles and adding more - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BYRKSTER - March 20 - 4:40 pm

  I love my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee! I found her next to a garage covered in green goo, from setting underneath some pine trees for -FOUR- years, asked the owner if they were interested in selling, they said yes. I paid $700.00, stuck in a new battery and she fired up and I took off down the road towards my garage. “Let the fun begin” Flushed all the systems, changed the exhaust, brakes, rotors, calipers, shocks, fluids, sparks plugs, wires, cap & rotor, all had rusted, but after four years setting she still ran great! Took more time cleaning the exterior then actual replacing parts, but she turned out great!

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  Excellent - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gretchen - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fun ride and it handles well. A bit costly in gas in the city, however good in highway.

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  Jeep Liberty - One-Year Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By DreamTracker - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for one year this month. I have not had a single problem: it is built like a vault. Liberty is a home run. A real billy goat with onroad manners and unique sculpting in keeping with the Jeep brand. Under $30K for a loaded brawny, capable, stylish and refined Jeep. I will keep mine for a long time!

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  ridin around in my jeep liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By hardtthree - March 14 - 10:00 am

  handles great, looks good, performance is top notch.compact but still enough room for everyday errands and family outtings

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep6855 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 2002 before this 2004 and both Jeeps have been perfect so far. I like the ride, comfort, and style of the Grand Cherokee. I cant think of a thing that I dont like.