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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  jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lilypad713 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Having two kids its a vehical that I can get all my things we need into it and its NOT a mini van!!!!

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  Idle problems - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reeac - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this jeep and immediately had a problem with the idle dropping to 400 RPM. I took it back to the dealer and they changed some computer module and gave it back. It wasnt a day and the problem returned, I took it back to the dealer and they said that it seemed to be that way on all the special editions because evey one they had was doing the same thing. Any help for a solution is appreciated.

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler X - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bsfman97 - February 21 - 10:40 pm

  Ive owned this jeep 3 months and in the past month have had nothing but problems with it. The fan belt has come off 4 times. The dealership had to replace the motor at 1664 miles, put on a new alternator at 1700 miles and it has been in the shop for a week this time waiting for a new power steering pump. Every time I drive it in snow deeper than 6/8 inches deep the fan belt comes off which then causes the power steering fluid to spray all over the engine compartment. Now when I use the heater I have to open a window to get rid of the burnt power steering fluid smell so it doesnt make me sick. I havent even taken it 4 wheeling yet. These are definitly not the Jeeps they used to be. Dont buy one.

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  Watch the wind - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chris - February 21 - 7:33 pm

  I love my new jeep wrangler. Its fun to drive and I love all the new features but I have a big problem with my hood lifting when Im driving on the highway on windy days.

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  Loved my Jeep but she is no more... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - February 19 - 12:26 pm

  I absolutely loved my Liberty. Fun to drive, loved the moon roof, leather heated seats (especially in the winter time.) I have, however, rolled it. It rolled about 1.5 times. I just really wanted to say I would buy a Liberty again just for the simple fact that I walked away from the accident. The accident was only 5 days ago and I have very little pain, soreness but completely bearable. Granted, I was wearing my seatbelt and I am young. Felt safe and would recommend the Liberty.

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  V6 4X4 Love it!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bigmaninds - February 17 - 10:03 am

  My family & I love it, we travel alot, dish out the tough terrain to it and it doesnt stop. Have the 2.25" lift but jeeps design for this needs a solid front axle. Overall its reliable, comfortable, and its very fun to drive. I would buy another but with the HEMI motor.

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  My jury is still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim Walker - February 17 - 4:56 am

  I upgraded from a 2002 2wd Sport Liberty to a 2006 Sport CRD. I love the diesel. The vehicle is a breeze in traffic and parking. Not bad on the highway. After all, its a small car with large guts, heavy. Good storage with the back seats down. The dash is laid out well. Best looking compact SUV on the road. My previous 3.7 Sport delivered 17, plus or minus, MPG for 4 years. I am a bit concerned, however, with the CRD. So far, 1000 miles, I am achieving 20 MPG. I love the power and smoothness of the CRD over the 3.7, but my jury is still out as to "was it worth the upcharge?". As the motor "breaks in" I will keep you posted.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cclark10105 - February 16 - 11:46 pm

  The Jeep was the only thing on the dealers lot that appealed to me. I went in looking to purchase a new car and feel in love with the used jeep! It has never left me any where and runs great plus I love the way it looks. The inside is a little plain and simple but over all its an awesome car. I feel safe in it. The only down fall is the gas mileage but that is the price you pay driving as SUV! All-in-all I am a very satisfied Jeep owner and dont see myself ever purchasing anything other that a jeep.

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  First Time - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James Seay - February 15 - 6:33 pm

  After owning an Expedition, a few Tahoes, Range Rover and an Infiniti FX45, I settled on a Jeep as my next SUV. Frankly, the huge factory incentives were a big part of my decision. Great job on the part of Jeep, because I really like this truck. Excellent lines, great interior setup and controls, love the Hemi, Navigation system and the reliability and dealer service has been better than I expected.

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  Fuel - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By janet - February 13 - 1:10 pm

  Eats up way too much gas. My 7 year old Kia got better miles than this no way I get 23 miles a gallon.