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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  Its AWESOME - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mxer4life57 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its well worth the extra money.

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  Amazing SUV - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By unbeatable - July 15 - 9:23 am

  The jeep is unbeatable. Living in New England, Ive had my share of snowstorms and rain storms,a dn the Jeep has gotten me safely out of all of them. The 4WD is unbeatable and the reliability is unmatched. Ive owned the car since 1998 and its now turning 220,000 miles. Still pulling. Only problems has been the U-joints and the Radiator have gone out recently, which, being a mechanic, cost me about $500, but would have been appraised around $1200. $1200 in 13 years? And Toyota said they had a low maintenance cost.

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  Golden Eagle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rains - July 15 - 7:50 am

  I just recently purchased a 2006 Golden Eagle. The Jeep has much less road noise than older Jeeps I have driven. It handles well on the highway and having both hard and soft tops is a plus. I get approximately 16.5 MPG. I have not had the chance to take the Jeep off road but have a trip planned in the middle of this month.

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  Who are these experts? - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Vidin - July 13 - 2:20 am

  We bought a 2007 Jeep Compass after trying several other models including the Honda Element(expensive) and the Subaru Impreza(ok). We have had the car for one year and put 18,000 miles. No problems, great in the snow, fun around town, comfortable back seat, averages 24 mpg just like it said it would. A great car that is getting a bad rap by people who dont own one. I would say look to the owners and see what they are saying. The biggest negative is the interior- which I like. And the fact it isnt "Trail Rated"- Hello McFly- not going on the Rubicon anytime soon! Give this one a second look and you wont be sorry.

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  Best Jeep yet - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By raiderdave - July 10 - 6:23 am

  I had a 83 CJ7 that was bulletproof, and was great to drive. My 03 Jeep, is just as reliable and great to drive, with more comforts of my 83. The fuel economy isnt great, but if I wanted that, I wouldve bought a Toyota.

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  Wonderful buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By benandnet - July 9 - 7:53 pm

  This Jeep is wonderful - I traded in a honda accord for it because of the extra room but I still needed great gas mileage. I am getting 25 miles to the gallon in this jeep. Interior room is great and the exterior looks really nice. Great buy for my money. I will be holding on to this one for a while. I like the fact that it came in a 4 cylinder - that really helps with the high price of gas today.

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  Love this Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gil Otero - July 6 - 11:46 pm

  Gas Mileage should not be a surprise. Wanted the Hemi.

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  Little Jeep that could - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By ffcat128@aol.com - July 6 - 9:06 pm

  I have had my Patriot for a year now I love it. We have 26 inches of snow this past winter. My husbands Silverado got stuck and he used my jeep to get to work. He said he had no issues and the thing drove through the snow like nothing. I live in Pittsburgh so this thing is tested on pot holes and 12 inches of water on the ground. It has never given me a problem.

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  My red beauty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By patti - July 3 - 12:56 pm

  I love the style and it handles very well up here in the northland. This is my first new car with four wheel drive so I am learning little by little.

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  jcaradine Liberty review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jcaradine - July 2 - 5:03 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and quite nice in appearance. Problems are with the transmission. At random times the check engine light has illuminated and the transmission goes into "limp home" mode. The dealer has replaced several parts and changed programs in the computer. Ongoing problems are delayed shifting, excessive slipping during shifting, random up and down shifting, and lurching at random times. The fuel economy is not as advertised. The city driving fuel economy would improve if the transmission shifted correctly. I have brought these transmission issues up with the dealer and they maintain the transmission is operating per specification. No joy regarding a solution!