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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  Love it - Hate to see it go. - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepers - December 13 - 11:56 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 10 years now and I love it. No major mechanical problems, just the normal wear of driving it over 200,000 miles. Its not for the person who is looking for a quiet, smooth ride - its a Jeep, its built for fun and believe me it is. I have tested it off road only a handful of time over the years and that is where a Jeep is at its best. Saw a couple of Hummers struggling through the same trails that I had no issues with. Great in winter and fun in the summer. The only complaint I have is it is not a family car and since Im expecting a baby in a few months, I need to get something bigger - but I will get a Jeep again!!

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  This major restyle year was totally hot! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David McConathy - December 13 - 7:40 pm

  A 2000 Jeep was the start of the restyle that turned heads along with mine. Its macho, stylish, powerful, and the full time 4 wheel drive is great for those ski weekends, and perfect for the extremely poor road conditions we face everyday. Those pot holes hardy faze the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now, the way you maintain your auto is 90% of the equation. Oil and filter changes are done every 3000 to 3500 miles eliminates 90% of problems you will have on any auto. I know folks who ignore the nurturing aspect of ownership and then blame the manufacturer when they break down, because of the owners negligence. My Jeep is running like new after 100,000 miles.

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  My Tank - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By The Dude - December 13 - 9:00 am

  i bought my jeep with 200k miles and minor suspension problems. engine runs strong. four-wheel drive works great, i have towed people out of deep trails idling along in four-high. Ive also become accustomed to the term its a jeep thing it performs better than a car in that shape should. after some scheduled maintenance along with suspension work it drives solid as a rock. jeep won me over.

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  I LOVE THIS THING! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By bradthecarman - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Im completely in love with my cherokee. I have over 260k miles on it, all ive really had to do is preventative care and regular maintance. Its one of the best values Ive ever seen. I wish I would of bought two. It is without a doubt one of the best daily drivers out there.

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  My Jeep Hates me - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By enicole - December 12 - 11:00 pm

  When I received this car as a gift, it had 140,000 miles on it. I immediately needed to replace the front and back brakes, which cost over 1,000.00. The transmission then went out around 155,000 miles, and the rebuild cost over 2,000.00. Barely over a year later the transmission went out again and had to be repaired, luckily it was still under warranty. I have spent more on this car than it is worth. Its sad because I LOVE the way this car drives, great acceleration with the V8, and it handles very well for a bulky SUV. Now the power steering needs to be replaced at 177,000 miles. We are good about regular service,but this car will nickle and dime you to death if it has high mileage

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  GOBICON!! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By GOBICON!! - December 12 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased my 09 Rubicon 4 door JK just recently. The first thing i did was take my wife out to Hollister Hills to see what it was capable of... We spent the better part of 5 hours on every "Blue Diamond" trail (Intermediate rating) and it just asked for more! 4 low and all locked up with the sway disconnect,this thing is ridiculously capable of more than you might be tempted to throw its way. So far, I have basically made the undercarriage bulletproof. big tip of the day is: 1- ARB front diff. cover 2- AEV rear diff. slider This JK has exceeded my expectations thus far.

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  A way better Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DartGTS - December 12 - 3:23 pm

  Comparing this Jeep to our last Grand Cherokee Limited, I would say Jeep hit a homerun. It rides, handles, and performs better than the past model. The driver is rewarded with more interior room and is by far more luxurious.

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  Can you say lemon? - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Valeri - December 11 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased this Jeep brand new 9/2006. In January of 2007 is was in the shop for a MAJOR motor problem that was a factory problem. I was without this jeep for a month and it has NEVER been the same. Nobody stands behind their vehicles anymore. I have an electrical problem in this vehicle and no one seems to know what it is. The fuel economy is horrible! The only good thing about it is its 4 wheel drive. This Jeep has been in the shop for so many things. You name it, its been in the shop for it.

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  Money Pit... Eats tires! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ginahweenah - December 11 - 7:27 am

  We bought our Patriot new off the lot with 28 miles on it. Weve put a new set of tires on it yearly as it tears up the inside of the front tires despite getting them rotated every two months. We have had to replace something for the rack and pinion steering on the passenger side and a tie rod twice on the passenger side. Looking to trade in and go back to Toyota. Will NEVER buy a Jeep again!

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  Love My Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dee - December 10 - 3:10 pm

  I traded my Explorer for a Liberty and I have not been disappointed. While the Explorer scared me sometimes, the Jeep is a beauty. At 53" and 110lbs, I feel like my car matches me now more so than the Explorer did. I love the fact that I can manage my music from the steering wheel while I drive. Absolutely love the heated seats. unlike my husbands Corvette! ha, ha. Please buy one people, they are truly fun to drive.