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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  I love it - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amyvv - March 24 - 9:43 pm

  This is my 4th Jeep Grand Cherokee and my 3rd Limited. I love them. I have bought other cars and suvs in between, but I always end up wanting a Jeep again. They are well built, nice looking and a great ride. I wont buy anything else again.

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  Better the the Liberty - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By DCDC - March 24 - 5:16 pm

  We picked up the Jeep in August, traded in our Liberty and have not thought twice about it. Got the Limited at a clerance price with no miles. Comfort, stero & dash are great. It drives more like a car then anything and handles great. You dont have the feeling of being top heavy as the liberty did. Gas mileage is great but could use a bigger tank. The fold flat seats come in handy. I highly reccomend this Jeep. I personally would even pay the full price for the limited for those extra options.

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  Old look, new feel - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By cheeser - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for over 4 years now, and still love to drive it. I usually tire of products quickly, but not this Jeep. Its sleek enough to pick up clients in, durable enough to handle road trips, rugged enough to go off- road.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepMom - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The jeep had 56K miles on it when I bought it. It has been a great vehicle. It now has 163K miles and has never left me stranded. The only repairs have been to replace the front wheel bearings at about 130K miles and again at 161K miles My daughter has a 93 Cherokee Sport and that is what inspired me to buy a Jeep. I just bought a 1999 Jeep Grand and I most likely will continue to stay in the Jeep family.

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  Its a jeep thing!!! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By B. Churchey - March 21 - 10:00 am

  There is no other SUV, Car or truck that I would ever want to buy other than a jeep wrangler! When its hot out take the top off...when its cold put the top on...when its snowing put it in four wheel drive. What other car or truck can do the same? Its an all around awesome vehicle!

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  Jeep Wrangler--A must have - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Busted2084 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Jeep Wrangler. When I sat in one for the first time, I just knew it was going to be a great ride. Some think that they rollover for pretty much no reason at all--not true. Wranglers have an excellent turning radius, and sensitive steering. Rollovers mostlikely occur from over correction and high speeds, not just from turning. I recommend everyone go out and test drive one if they havent already.

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  jeep liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By johncans - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this jeep wish i bought long ago

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  Youve Missed the Point - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob Gagne - March 21 - 10:00 am

  If you are buying a Liberty just to do your on-road erends, you have missed the point of this vehicle. It is every bit as at home off road as on. There are smoother riding, better handling compact SUVs out there, but, in my opinion, they dont make it off road. The Liberty is a good compromize between off and on road abilities. I have owned two Wranglers before the Liberty, and the Liberty can go just about anywhere I could go with my Wrangler, but it is a loit bettter handling on the highway than the Wrangler and much more comfortable to drive in for long distances.

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  Renegade 4 wheel drive - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Melissac1995 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Drives excellent, fully loaded, but remember it is an suv, 4 wheel drive so expect a little out side noise, whining, and truck like tendencies. But much better than an economy car. I love it!

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  luv it!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve & cindy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is as good on road as it is off. We put alot of mileage on since purchasing it driving back & forth to florida, it gave us no problem at all considering in 5 months weve put on 28,000 miles!! the only small complaint we have is that during washing (a power washer was used)the paint on the bumper peeled off in one spot. The dealers here in florida assured us it could be repaired. But besides that, we absolutely love it!!!