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 - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Capt Mike - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Over 133,000 miles in six years. Got me to work everyday and six weeks vacations every year to Belize, New Mexico deserts and Texas hill country. I will drive nothing else, just Jeeps.

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  `99 Grand 4X4 Great Truck - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By clarkecars - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This Jeep pulls a 23 ft salt water fishing boat to the gulf and east coast twice a year. It has always performed extremely well. Plenty of torgue for towing and very reliable. The GoodYear Wranglers that came on it sucked and even w/rotation wore out at 32000 miles (or so). Ill buy another Jeep when ready. This is Jeep number 5. My first was a 4.0 litre Comanche pickup, then two Cherokee 4X4s and two Grands. You can have your wanna be Japanese SUVs Ill take the one I rely on for power at a reasonable price - Jeep!

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  rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By sergio oliva - December 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive

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  Awesome Auto - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By snowbelter - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have the Columbia edition which looks as rugged as a renegade (without the cheese) but is equipped more like a limited, & I have to say I think its an exceptional value. Ride, performance, handling & styling are all first class & the build quality is markedly superior to some previous Jeep offerings. The only real flaw is the gas mileage - but hey, keeps me inside my lease mileage right? Overall, I tried out the main competitors and for me this is by far the finest combination of price and capability in the price range.

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  Only In A Jeep! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amz - December 6 - 10:53 am

  I have bought my Jeep and love it. So far I put on 155K and not once did i have any mechanical problems. Outside of thermostat, and a drivers side window motor the car has been driving perfect and the only maintenance I preformed so far, was oil changes and breaks. Oh, the serpentine belt was changed too, but only because annoying kids from Jiffy Lube insisted on it. Love my Jeep! My only concern now is the fact hat I have to make up my mind what to get next!

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  Only In A Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By sticky note - December 6 - 10:13 am

  This Jeep is an absolutely amazing vehicle. In the year and a half I have owned it, it has been through so much and has gotten me home every time. The off-road capabilities are astounding, reliability is top notch when taken care of, and the fun factor is absolutely through the roof! It is a truly go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle unlike most of these modern SUVs and Hummers that cant drive over a pebble let alone a real off-road trail. Oh, and the square headlights rock!

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  2005 jeep liberty renegade 4 x 4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By PaulJ778 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is first jeep that i have owned. It is very fun to drive. Gas mileage is not the greatest, but everything else makes up for it. I wish there was a light or symbol for the sun roof as i have forgoten and left it open. Also they do not make front mud flaps for the Renegade with rock guards.

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  Jeep Really Nailed It! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chigirlintexas - December 6 - 6:57 am

  We got the V-8 Overland. Had a 08 which we loved but this one blows it away. Test drove an Edge, Murano, CX-7, but nothing came close. The engine is quick and smooth, it rides quiet even on the highway. The interior cabin is as luxurious as anything you could imagine or want. Ambient lighting around cup holders, door handles, etc. make for thoughtful touches. The wood and leather are gorgeous and the technology is all you need-including a hookup for your iPod that allows you to use the steering wheel controls to change songs, etc. The features and quality compare with vehicles costing $20K more. Drive one--if you can find one. It took my dealer a lot of looking to get me mine.

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  In LOVE with this Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nellamore - December 6 - 2:13 am

  This is my first Jeep and I absolutely LOVE it! It is so much fun to drive, and its unique. The only negative thing was waiting for over 2 months to get it. I ordered one but it was taking too long (get a clue DC! Dont offer products youre not ready to produce) so I found another one I loved on the lot. The 4-door has lots of room and handles very well so far. Gas mileage isnt great, but thats a given with a Wrangler. My previous car was a Honda CR-V which is built on a Civic base. I am VERY happy with the Jeep and do not regret the purchase.

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  We bought two of them - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Louie Eleas - December 5 - 7:33 pm

  We bought two Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds. We have put 12000 on both of them and so far not one problem. Very comfortable. One has the Hemo and the other has the 3.7 six. We have had 7 previous Jeeps and these are the best.