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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  New Renegade Convert - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Sweeney6 - April 7 - 10:06 am

  I was going from a MINI Cooper S to an SUV. This was not going to be an easy transition but I feel like I have upgraded in lots of ways. I like the color (Light Khaki) and the interior is functional and very comfortable. Will be used for the daily 30 mile commute and getting out of the snow 30 miles from civilization. Doesnt seem too gas hungry for a real 4WD.

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  Great 4 the $$$ - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marshizzle - April 7 - 5:23 am

  I bought my Jeep around Christmas 07 and its been a daily driver since. 255k when I bought it, now has 298k &still runs like hell. The 4.0 is bullet proof and so is the rest of the machine. I frequent the local mudhole/trails and drive this Jeep. It gives me no problems and will not get stuck. I also have a 96 limited Jeep w/ a 5.2 & all pwr that gives me constant problems, so stick with the simple model. Remember to change the fluids!

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ron - April 7 - 2:50 am

  I absolutely love my Jeep. I got a dark blue Grand Cherokee Laredo and it is very nice inside and out. I was very skeptical about Jeep from what others have said, but mine is very reliable, pretty good on gas, and a comfortable, but fun ride. The stereo is nice sounding, and the seats are a very nice, comfortable cloth. I really love mine and looking forward to trying out the 4x4 in the future. I was honestly surprised by how well mine is with gas. I drive a fair amount and my gas is barely gone. I definitely recommend the car overall.

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  Keeps getting better - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 58charlie - April 5 - 2:15 pm

  I have just past the first year anniversary on my 2011 Patriot. At first I was simply in need of a new vehicle. Moving from a minivan to a jeep was difficult. I needed to get something smaller and affordable. The price was right. We used to own a Cherokee Sport 4X4 and I loved it. The Patriot is close in some respects so I went for it. At first, I was not too impressed. but as time went by I really came to enjoy it. Going on vacation really made me realize how nice it is. It gets good gas mileage, especially on the highway. It handles great and I like the auto stick feature for both manual upshifting and downshifting. I will buy another one when the time comes.

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  Larry - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By larry - April 5 - 8:53 am

  I love my new Jeep. The only problem that Ive had with it is the windshield would make this weird noise. So I had to take it back and they fixed it. I enjoy driving it and I love the looks you get.

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  Big Jeep Fan - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Garry - April 5 - 12:03 am

  This is our 3rd Jeep. I like the upgrades of the 07 from the 04 I had. I put a lot of miles on it and tow my boat all over the state and eastern part of the country. The Jeep handles it great. Also - never an issue when driving in winter weather.

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  Gotta love it. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Michael Bender - April 4 - 12:16 pm

  This is my second Liberty. The 2002 had the gas engine and averaged 18-19 on the highway at best. This diesel version approaches 30mpg at 58-65 mph. I love the tight turning radius which makes parking a breeze and the fact it is much more nimble than the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has proved very capable of pulling a heavy trailer and pushing through snow. We are very happy with it. The diesel is barely audible with the radio or CD player on and never smells like a Greyhound bus.

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  2010 Wrangler Unlimited Mountain - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - April 4 - 2:33 am

  So far reliability has been excellent. Mileage with combined city/highway averages about 16 mpg. The engine could definitely use a horsepower boost. The standard stereo, while ok, lacks wattage and sound quality. Interior could use more storage space. The freedom hardtop is great for driver "open air" while remaining good for northern climates. Shortcoming aside, I love the Jeep personality and have a lot of fun with the vehicle.

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  New to Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jinx1928 - April 3 - 9:18 pm

  I recently purchased a 2007 Grand Cherokee Laredo Rocky Mountain edition. It is a certified one-owner car with only 17,500 miles on it, so it is virtually still a new vehicle. Interior and exterior are almost pristine, with little sign of wear. The only complaint I have is, that the alloy wheels have some scratches on them, but I will try to buff them out. Car feels and drives like new. It has a sliding moonroof, and the premium Boston stereo system. No bluetooth, unfortunately, but I can use a bluetooth earpiece. I had considered a Ford Escape, but this Jeep is a good deal bigger and rides much better.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry - April 3 - 6:10 pm

  This is my first Jeep. At 3500 miles theres been not one problem. Fit and finish of interior and exterior is great. Having been the owner of Honda and Nissan I expected less. Will be using it as a tow vehicle for a 2000 lb. 18ft pontoon boat as well as our daily driver. Wife loves it.