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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  Dogs N Me - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dogs N Me - April 14 - 12:53 am

  The Jeep was purchased for our dogs. Now the dogs are too old to make the leap into the back. Just something to think about, because I know Im not the only pet owner to purchase a vehicle with pet needs in mind. Still having fun.

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  Would probably never buy again. - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By sara1213 - April 12 - 11:48 am

  Purchased our 2011 Compass in December of 2013. Loved the Jeep for a few days until I realized how awful the gas mileage is! At best it only gets 240 per 16 gallon around the city and thats during the summer when the traction is turned off. After a few months of ownership, the side plastic piece along the passenger seat broke from simply getting in and out of the seat. Now today, January of 2015, at 37K miles it had to be towed twice due to computer issues not sending signals to the fuel pump. Cant wait to see that shop bill and cant wait to get a new vehicle!

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  buy a older one forget about the 02s - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brandon - April 12 - 7:13 am

  Well I am a huge Jeep fan this was my second purchase it had 40k miles on it when I bought it back in 05. Drove it everywhere loved the thing had it for a year put maybe 30k miles the transmission went out luckily i bought the extended warranty they fixed it a couple months go by the ac quits working ($1,000 repair) then the window motor breaks on the passenger window ($500 repair) another month later the driver window motor breaks ($500 repair) power steering ($300 repair)the heated seats broke the speakers busted didnt fix those two repairs. The transmission just went out again at 120k miles so I sold it for salvage because i refuse to spend another dime on it

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  More comfortable than youd expect - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith - April 12 - 5:06 am

  Went looking for a potential third vehicle, but went ahead and traded in my BMW. The ride on this Jeep is surprisingly comfortable. Ive just had it 2 weeks, but can tell Im going to enjoy it for a long time.

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  Just Empty Every Pocket - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - April 11 - 6:50 pm

  For those of you purchasing a Jeep TJ or LJ spend a few more bucks ($150) for the steps if you have a small wife and child as it will make their entry/exit easier. If you are even remotely considering going off-road, (as you should with a Jeep) opt for the Rubicon package; that way you wont wind up in my situation where im dropping insane amounts of money on armor, wheels, tires etc. I only recommend the Rubicon if you are going to be doing moderate off-roading; if your intentions are insane off-roading buy the reguler Jeep and upgrade as you go. I encourage everyone to buy the Unlimited package as the additional space really comes in handy. The added length also improves the ride quality.

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  BUY A JEEP!!!! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By mr jeep - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my jeep 2 years ago. After almost 50,000 miles and several cross country trips... Im hooked on Jeep Cherokees. I recommend this Jeep to anyone wanting an SUV that is reliable, fun to drive and extremely powerful. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned... after 6 cars. The only problem Ive had was a crack in the exhaust manifold - total= $450 -- thats it! (probably from front end collision @ 30mph) no other problems.

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  $$$ - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SC Rich - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Like to drive it but it has had its problems over the years. Had to replace rear axle differential, and A/C unit. Now it is 6 years old, the ABS system, heated seats, and other misc. items do not work. The factory speaker system is also starting to fail. Would not buy a Jeep again.

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  FANTASTIC - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jacked up - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2003 Wrangler X. Ive added 35" tires, 3inch body and 2inch suspension lift. This is the most fun I have even had driving. Im barely getting 13.7mpg though. I wish I had gotten one sooner, this is the coolest ride ever!

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  First Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt G. - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great leather interior, all time 4wd provides great grip on road or off. Acceleration could be better, but I would have to pay for the acceleration of a larger motor at the gas pump. The 4.0 is good for me.

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  Great for around town - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rterpren - April 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun vehicle to drive and small enough to squeeze into small places. The turning radius is fantastic. No secret that its poor on gas. Its perfect for what we bought it for which is errands around town, bring kids to/from school, grocery shopping, etc