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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  Chevy Lover Falls 4 A Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By ChiIrishGrl - January 4 - 8:00 pm

  Ive had Chevys almost all my driving life and I was persuaded to try out a Jeep and I fell in love with it. I have had no issues with it mechanically and the gas mileage is about the same as my Trailblazers.

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  2011 - 70th Anniversary Jeep Liberty - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By retrorob - January 4 - 6:06 pm

  Love my Jeep! I have nothing but positive things to say about the Jeep Liberty KK! Look, this vehicle is a true SUV, so please stop comparing it to crossover vehicles! Its a rear wheel drive based 4x4 that can tow 5,000 lbs. It is square-shaped, its truck-like, and thats what I like about it! It’s really too bad real SUVs are going extinct. My 70th Anniversary Liberty has the 18"” wheels, which are remarkably smooth on pavement. I actually like the 3.7 V6. It is a truck motor with decent torque and it powers the 2011 Liberty just fine (even pulling a trailer). Use the ECO Mode when driving to help with MPG. Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off - shuts off fuel during deceleration.

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  Best SUV Jeep has ever made - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ralph C. - January 4 - 11:30 am

  Purchased our jeep in 1998 for my wife to drive. At first glance she didnt like it, until she hopped in and took it for a spin. Havent been able to get her out of it since. Excellent vehicle. Some maintenance in past 10 years but nothing major. I hope to get her another vehicle and I will get the jeep. If jeep would make the Cherokee again i would by one in a heartbeat. 196,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Grand Cherokee Value! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew Holtgrieve - January 3 - 1:32 pm

  Bought a 16, not a 15, because of similarity of vehicles, and better pricing and financing. My testament to the vehicle is that it replaces a nearly identical 2011 one we really enjoyed!

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By LibertyLove - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My mom bought our 2002 Jeep Liberty just so I could practice drive because I had trouble manuevering our old 1999 Plymouth Voyager. I fell in love with this Jeep, my mom loves it too. Wonderful feel! Smooth ride, powerful V6 engine, really cool!

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe M. - January 2 - 3:23 pm

  The JGC is more than I expected from an American made vehicle. Standard features include all that one would expect from a high priced luxury vehicle. The leather upgrade package and all that it includes was worth the extra money. If you like the bells and whistles, you will love the 2008 Jeep.

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  Built like they used to - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jbarada - January 1 - 6:36 pm

  Bought it 2 years old with 55K on it, and now have 125K. Ive had no major problems, but have also performed more than regular maintenance on it. Little problems include speaker wires in the joint of the front doors breaking, has happened numerous times, and the drivers window lockout switch going bad, keeps the other switches from working when they should be. Ive towed over 5K lbs a number of times, and have taken it off road several times as well and it keeps running strong!! Gas mileage is a little meak at 15 city and 20 highway, but Ive noticed that Royal Purple oil inceases it considerably.

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  2007 Sahara 4WD 4dr. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Don - January 1 - 5:20 am

  I love my 4dr Sahara. Red Rock Pearl, Khaki Freedom Top which is awesome, Khaki interior which is also awesome. I love the room, the sound system. 7 speakers. Great ride, great time, 18in wheels, tow pkg. Only drawback was I ordered a Rubicon and after 4 months, was told I would have to wait another 3 months, so I built a Sahara as close to a Rubi as I could get. It has so much room and is actually bigger then my Cherokee Sport. I love the looks I get and the comments from folks. If the gas mileage was better it would be perfect. Im still very, very happy.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Dan - January 1 - 12:46 am

  My first Jeep was a CJ5. Big difference between the two of them. I loved the 5 for its ability to climb and maneuver in tight places. I love this one for its comfort creatures.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TS - December 31 - 8:16 pm

  I love this vehicle. It has great acceleration for city driving and handles well. Much smoother ride than I expected, too.