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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  Whats that noise? - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Claudia Patrick - December 19 - 1:53 am

  Ive had the Jeep Liberty for about 2 weeks. Before this I had driven a Rodeo. It feels a little more stable than the Rodeo, but the Rodeo had a lot more leg room for both the front and back seats. When you sit in the Liberty, your legs go straight down--you have little room to stretch out your legs, which could be frustrating during a long drive. One of the first things I noticed was that it hardly has a dashboard. I also test-drove the Jeep Patriot, but that was a 4-cylinder and the steering wheel was disturbingly small. Between the Pathfinder and Xterra, the Jeep Liberty feels more like the Pathfinder. The Liberty drives more smoothly than the Xterra.

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  So for So Good - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tony.lawson@indus.co - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 96 JGC prior to purchasing the 2000 Laredo. So for I enjoy driving this vehical. Its fun to drive. I have the V8 235 hp engine, two tone leather seat package found in the overland, sun roof, heated mirrors and the infinity gold sound system. I hope this vehical turns out to be as reliable as my 96 was. With a lot of the reviews however, it making me wonder if this vehical with be dependable. I do not drive it every day. Only on the week ends. I love the body design and one of the reasons I got it was I think you get more bang for the buck when compared to the BMW SUV.

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  6 weeks 3 visits to the shop already - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bmorris01 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love the Liberty, its design is great. It handles great. However, My Liberty is NOT reliable. I bought an 03 model with 27 miles on it, and it has been in the shop 4 times so far. The first two times were for transmission problems. The 3rd and 4th time were for a blinker light that would not stop flashing. The fuel economy is like that of a large SUV also - very disappointing.

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  Jeep great offroad - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Live in Manitoba Canada. We really have enjoyed this vehicle and use it regularly off road to go to our remote cottage. Factory tires were garbage and replaced with BFG TA KOs. Cant imagine how a vehicle of this caliber & price could be equipped with such lousy tires. Fuel economy acceptable for a V8 SUV. Glad we didnt get a 6 cyl. Quadra-Trac 11 is pretty neat

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  Luv my Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JamesD - December 15 - 8:30 am

  Bought the rig in 2000 with 35K miles, now have 159K and no real problems. Had to replace the brakes, fuel pump @ about 125K and recently the water pump. The rig runs like a charm, my only complaint is the suspension is a tad too loose, otherwise been a great vehicle and plan on keeping it a few more years

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  New 2014 Patriot and problems already - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By frankie57 - December 14 - 2:47 pm

  My husband went golfing today in his NEW Jeep Patriot and when he started to come back home (less than 200 miles total on the car) the Jeep would not shift into first or second gears! Already we have had it into the dealership for repairs! Not at all what we expected when we bought a NEW vehicle from Jeep! It appears that the clutch cable came loose and had to be reattached! HOW can that happen??? I hope this is NOT a pattern or we will be extremely unhappy - and since we are Jeep lovers, this would NOT be good! My son has 2 Grand Cherokees - VERY happy with them, and we also have a Jeep Liberty - which I drive and dearly love! PLEASE JEEP - keep our faith in your company! FIX IT!

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  Great ride - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Terri - December 14 - 2:40 am

  Very nice comfortable ride. Appearance is similar to a Hummer. Roomy in the front but the back is very compact. Passengers in the back have very little leg room.

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  Like it! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Renzo - December 11 - 8:33 pm

  Bought used with 24K on it. Have had to have the blend (heater) door fixed - entire dash dismantled, but successful. Had a power window break because it was froze shut and I tried to open it. Dealer where I bought it has NOT been helpful - in fact I would have to say they STINK. Another dealer has been GREAT! They got Jeep to pay for parts off-warranty and fixed things promptly and correctly. Seat could be a bit wider, other than that I love the vehicle, I just hope it keeps running and $2 parts quit breaking that cost $1000 to fix!

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  Get Your Jeep On - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By geargroy - December 11 - 11:49 am

  What does get your Jeep on mean? It means get into a vehicle full of fun and adventure. Fill the Patriot with a ton of fun things and fun people and go on an adventure. Get Your Jeep On and have fun with great fuel economy and on/off road safety and a smooth ride.

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  Delayed Review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By vbprof - December 10 - 4:06 pm

  Had this Wrangler Sahara for over 5 years. A very FUN car to drive, although not the comfortable one. Had hardtop and added U-haul hitch. Very classic looking. Small, but very easy to park and making turns. Very noisy with high speed, but that is expected with a Jeep. Never had any engine or mechanical related problem. I also love the tires with "Wrangler" brand (from Goodyear), as well as the high ride with this Jeep. Sahara line is well equipped. I only wish the sound insulation is little better. My hardtop is great, but removing it is difficult. People either love this or hate this car. There is no middle ground. (just as you never go to South Pole to see winter, not summer