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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  The Family Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dan - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  This Jeep has been a great purchase. Since I purchased it this Jeep has gone everywhere and done everything that I asked of it. It was inexpensive to purchase but has given me excellent on-road and off-road performance. In all my off-road adventures, and I do a lot of off-roading, this Jeep has only left me stranded once when I bottomed it out in some muddy ruts. My previous CJ5 would have been stuck in the same spot. On the highway it has made a lot of trips to Salt Lake City and to Reno and has been as reliable as my Timex watch. The only real work that has been done on it was the recall for the ball joints. IMHO this is the best of this class of 4x4 SUV. 4x is built in, not added on later

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  Good Price for a Disposable (Laredo RWD) - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PuertoRico - March 21 - 12:26 am

  Good price among same category SUVs available having many more features for the same price as competitors. Has nice handling in curves thanks to ESP and electronic transmission control. Descent sound quality and air conditioning unit. Center rear view mirror auto dimming is definitely a plus. Transmission is jumpy and kicks from time to time. Interior finishes are kind of mediocre and unfortunately there are noises from the trunks posts plastic covers and in the front console

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  Finally a 4 Door - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe C - March 20 - 8:46 am

  I has always wanted a Jeep but owning a 2 door was not an option. When I saw the 4 Door as a concept in Autoweek I told my wife if they make it I will own it. Purchased a 4 Door Wrangler X 2 wheel Drive in 2007. Loved it every day until it was totaled on Jun 1st, 2010. I had 40,000 miles on the Jeep with no Issues. The only thing I wished was that I had purchased a 4 wheel Drive. Well, On June 15th 2010---I found a 2007 Wrangler Sahara 4 door 4x4 with only 13,800 miles on it and jumped on it. I love this Jeep. My son has a 1997 tj and although it is a completely different animal he love his as well. Thanks, joe

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  Check Engine light - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelley - March 17 - 6:53 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now. I love it when it is not in the shop. I have a problem with the check engine light coming on and it will idle rough. The dealership does not seem to be concerned about this. They use a machine and cut the light off but it comes on again in about 1000 miles and they just do the same thing. I have spent several trips trying to get them to fix the problem only to be told if it breaks down call the 1-800 number and they will come get it.

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  Great off road vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tom - March 17 - 12:33 am

  I use the vehicle in extreme off road hunting situations. Only modification is a 3 inch lift and 6 additional lights. It goes anywhere. I am a professional guide & retired law man, & I go where a goat should not. The only thing I would like is better fuel mileage on the highway. It has the 4 ltr./auto trans. Great vehicle, for what it was made for. Have tried many others, including imports. They cannot stay close in the off road situations. Requires more than normal maintenance, but that is the price you pay

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  this vehicle is really holding up well.. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By carlrun - March 15 - 4:20 am

  I ride to NYC everyday (45 miles each way). I spend a lot of time driving. This is one of the best all around vehicles Ive ever had. Smooth ride, not squishy. Good isolation from the road. Great visibility, sturdy, relatively quiet, no rattles yet. Rides over potholes and ruts great. Turning radius is excellent. And, its 4 wheel drive...so snow is no problem.

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  Only in a Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luke - March 13 - 12:43 pm

  Bought mine private party back in 2002 with 99,600 miles on it. I just hit 136k. With the exception of things I consider basic maintenance (fluid changes, new tires, new shocks), Ive had next to nothing go wrong with my Jeep. Its fun to drive in bad weather, and has yet to let me down. For a 10 year old Jeep, she does what is expected, gets me where I need to go no matter what the weather. As for fuel economy, its an SUV that is 10+ years old, I accept that.

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  The Jeepster - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By THOR - March 11 - 7:56 pm

  I recently purchased this jeep that was repossessed and sold at auction to the dealer. I wanted to buy a new 2008 Limited in full. My local dealer could not fine one that i wanted. Limited, Loaded and Green. It is a Jeep all the way. Fun, stylish and can attack any obstacle in its way. Its my third Jeep and this one takes the cake. It is good on gas. I do A LOT of driving in this American icon and its a dream. Road noise is more suppressed than any other jeep. I have to dispute all the gas tank size complaints. The average range for a car is 300 miles. Remember the tank is in par with the range. If it was bigger it would hang lower and weigh more. Hence less gas MPG rating.

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  Chrysler Engineers take notice - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeepie - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Ok this is a fine car to own. It looks like a million bucks on the outside, Has excellent driver ergodynamics, and room to transport anything or pull anything within reason. But somewhere chrysler fell short when it came to maintenance. Come on guys you should not have to drill a hole in the frame of the 5.2L vehicle to unclog the a/c drain. Poor bearing life on front differential case

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  Explosive - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gene - March 9 - 6:06 pm

  Your mind cant seem to comprehend that something so heavy (4800 lbs) can explode with such force at the touch of the gas! Amazing power and handles like a sports car. Very user friendly interior. I would give comfort a 10 however the contour of the seats are a little narrow on your upper legs when you sit. Only reason I give fuel economy so high at a 5 is what do you expect from a 400+ horsepower beast? Performance is at par with my Subaru STI. Only vehicle on market that is all-wheel drive with 8 cylinders besides Audi! From reviews etc I do hear reliability is avg at best so take extended warranty. High 4s 0-60 is believable and mid to low 13s is too.