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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  STOP & look @ this - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian Peterson - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Make special note to yourself when driving a Wrangler that the wheels are very prone to locking up on dry pavement. Ive taken tactical driving courses & have driven everything from Police cruizers & armored trucks to Ambulances-However, my 2004 X model is still @ the body shop. (As embarrassing as it is) At 40mph the vehicle locked & slid one& a half car lengths on dry pavement.

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  Awesome Jeep for FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fijiman - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a Grand Cherokee and have exchanged the SUV version for the Wrangler ... It is awesome ... I was worried about the engine, but the 6cl does a great job... its fun Ive had it in mud and on the beached of NCs outer banks ... Ive even towed a boat ... youll love this vehicle

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  Theres only one! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelly99 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I feel like alot of people get an SUV to just have one- If you watch Ford Commercials they show Explorers in the middle of the city- please thats not an SUV- The Liberty is a great OUTDOOR vehicle. Sure its great in the city- but its also nice when the weather is far from great, or the roads are slick.

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  my jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By whats up - November 15 - 10:00 am

  interior is too small (tight) switches are too close,such as window,door locks,etc. should be moved further forward for comfort and ease. Also,the front seats need to be adjusted somehow so the seats can be moved further back if need be. They are now very limited. If someone wants to nap in a reclined position the headrest is too hard,even being down.

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  love it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By maisey - November 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the first new car I have ever bought for myself and I could not be happier, unless it got better gas mileage. But the good look and the great ride make up for that. I have the Laredo Special Edition so I am spoiled with the leather seats and all the extras... I will definately be a repeat buyer.

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  Transmission - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Teik - November 13 - 4:50 pm

  I really loved my Jeep until the transmission went out without warning!! My jeep has less than 73000 miles. I knew that Chrysler was having problems with their jeeps in the mid to late 90s, but I bought my jeep used because I thought they had fixed the problem. I bought it with @42000 and 30000 miles later I am without a vehicle. I did contact Chrysler hoping that since the mileage was so low they would consider fixing it for free. It would have been nice if they would have at least diagnosed the problem, but of course they were completely hands off and of no service. I had just looked at the new Commander. Needless to say I didnt buy. Dont trust this vehicles drive train!!!

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  Not like my last one - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Milkster - November 13 - 3:53 pm

  Had a 2000 Wrangler and loved it without question. I like this 2007 a lot as far as features go but build quality has proven to be bad. The Jeep has been back to the dealer 6 times now for things that shouldnt have left the factory: doors adjusted improperly, water leaks at top of doors, missing drain plug in floor (water leak again), rear window zipper defective on first try, fender flare not installed properly, etc. Since Jan. I have been without my new vehicle for about 25 days for repairs. Am seriously looking at a trade since it develops new issues every other week, but lemon law hasnt been met.

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  regrets - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By unhappy - November 13 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this because it was affordable and would get good gas mileage. The first horrible thing I noticed was that if you put down the back window and not the front, your ear drums feel like theyll explode. Lacks power, rough ride - you feel every bump, strong winds feel like theyll blow you over. Wish I wouldnt have bought it. If you dont mind a bumpy ride without much power, then this vehicle will suit you. Never again will I buy a Jeep.

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  great little truck - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By qsplimited - November 12 - 5:16 pm

  This is about the most practical and best built, simple and tough vehicle I have ever owned. It has been through a lot of tough torture at Lake Meade and handles the desert like a champ. On our second weekend at the lake we were unpleasantly stuck about 5 miles from a road and had to be towed up a cliff by cable to get out. After a short bath and a new ball joint she was beautiful as always. The look with the chrome wheel skins is great and they are quickly replaced if scratched or lost for only $25.00 The paint is very rich and the truck still looks brand new at 50,000 miles. I highly recommend to used buyers; remember though it is a truck based vehicle from the 80s. Dont expect a race car.

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  Why cant they build them all like this? - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Just Jeepin - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Its still any easy vehicle to maintain, you can still change the oil and perform own tune ups with out a Masters degree. This vehicle goes to Camp Jeeps and has as much off road time as on. But still only 35,000 on it! Great Ride. The only work EVER needed on this vehicle was regular maintenance and ego busting lift kits and big A** Tires. Need to get two more of these vehicles for my two kids. Most versital winter summer vehicle. Its a 4 season vehicle and dont have to have 4 different vehicles in the garage, after a long day of jeeping through mud and climbing boulders I can still stop at the grocery store to get milk.