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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  Repairs - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By oregon80 - January 8 - 7:25 pm

  I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 6 Speed. Engine Runs Great, about 15 mpg city. Only 44,500 Miles, bought new. Have already had to replace Shifter, Water pump, and Power steering Hoses. Now Im getting a Clinking noise when I take off on a hill in 1st shifting to 2nd. Its a loud clink. Once I get going the Transmission runs smooth and quiet. Any Ideas.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By debbie061 - January 6 - 2:12 pm

  I bought a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2009 with 4 miles on it. Everything was going fine the first year, now that Im into my second year with 30,000 miles on it, my Jeep has been in the shop every month. First it was an ERG valve then an ABS sensor, the following month my drain tubes from the moon roof were clogged and one day driving down the road I put on the brakes and water poured out of my overhead lights. But wait I just got back from the dealer having my blower motor replaced. Thank goodness all were covered under factory warranty,but 2000 miles left and its my problem and the dealer wants me to trade it in for a 2011 Compass. I think Im done with Jeeps,maybe Ill try a Honda CRV

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  Jeep Convert - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Anton - January 5 - 9:00 pm

  This is my first Jeep, and it made a convert out of me. The engine has plenty of "pep" and its ready to fly with the mere feathering of the gas pedal. The MPG is pretty decent - between 25 - 30+ after some ZMax. Which is fantastic for such a heavy 4x4. Heavy Northern Winters arent a problem at all. I love to head out in conditions that keep the plows garaged and Ive yet to get stuck or have to slow down. All in all, I love this Jeep more than anything and I plan on keeping it until it dies or is rusted beyond recognition. Plenty of ample cargo space as well, even if we only take up half a parking space in this little thing! Yet somehow its very spacious on the inside.

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  Rock Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By XJTOM - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Cherokee from my Father with 50000mi I now have 106000mi and Shes still running strong! Great off road vehicle! only real problem was a leaking rear main seal,has never let me down! Wish they hadnt quit making them! I plan on keeping Her a long time

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  Proud Owner - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fishy - January 5 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are orig owners and after 10 yrs and dispite some expensive repairs we still love it. Only problem prior to 100k was the brakes front and back which have always been a problem, and the water pump. Replace the composite rotors with solid. I run this truck hard, tow a boat go 4 wheeling (beach, mud,+)and the 5.2 still runs good at 173k. At 100k the expense began; QuadraTrac tranfer case rebuild, rear diff. rebuild, trans rebuild and just blew out both rear brake cylinders. Like I said I run it very hard, and still love it!

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  My Third Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nuevo Leon - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Wrangler. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a real four wheel drive that can go anywhere and maneuver in the worst traffic immaginable. I work in Mexico and drive regularly on and off of some of the worlds most terrible roads. I have great faith in my Jeep to get me in and more importantly out, of of the places I need to go. Buy this vehicle if you want a reliable four wheel drive that gives you comfort when it is dark, raining and you are in ten inches of mud in the middle of nowhere. Dont buy it if your version of comfort is leather and a quiet ride.

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  My chubby jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Marino - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Needs more off the line ompf and a smoother ride. Led tail lights would be nice, as well as wider tires, but as they say ; cars are built, not made. Thank god for the aftermarket.

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  Wont Die - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By car_guy_93 - January 3 - 7:44 pm

  This car just wont die!My wife has been driving hers for the past few years,now has 187k on it and still truckin. We have had some issues, entire exhaust system,some front end work, but nothing huge and serious, knock on wood! We did have unresolved 4WD issues last winter...we will see about this one! Definitely a noisy ride, then again we have had exhaust issues. Theres also plenty of loose clunky sounds that our mechanic cannot find, that make me a little nervous. I wouldnt label this car particularly reliable or unreliable. I will say its a blast to drive and has excellent pickup, and my car is 6 years newer. You would have to rip it out of my wifes hands for her to get rid of it!

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  Its a jeep nuff said - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ricky - January 2 - 2:53 pm

  Have had many jeeps in fact traded a 2002 gc limited to buy the wrangler so far only minor problems that the dealer has always fixed in day I most problems are dealer related (either dont now how or dont want to fix problems, guess Im lucky.

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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Qteapie06 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep, its the best SUV Ive ever driven.