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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  Satisfied - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GOV111W - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is just what I expected it to be. I love it! It is the best riding SUV I have ever owned and it still goes off road with confidence.

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  Happiness - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PatW - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Had a great buying experinece, from the fleet manager on the net. No hastle. Took delivery and it has run as designed and built. Am very satisfied.

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  Very Pleased - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By SigEp - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Jeep for two years with no problems. The 4WD is extremley easy to operate and very functional. The soft top is easy to operate after a little practice. The hard top is difficult to store and you need to make sure you have the required space. This is a great vehicle for a good price. I dont reccomend purchasing the Sahara unless you really want the upgraded body features. Overall, I will drive this Jeep until it dies and then buy another.

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  Built Like a Tank.. Runs forever - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jepper68 - August 26 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my Jeep from the original owner with 205,000. Mine is a sport 4.0 5-speed. It has a 4" dick cepek lift with 33s. Runs perfect i get between 13-16 mpg in town. Original engine, transmission, clutch, and differentials. Ive already put 10k on my wrangler and still keeps running like a tank. Taken it on some nasty trails, up in the high country, through the sand at the beach. Parts are cheap for jeeps and easy to install. Cant get a more reliable vehicle built today. The 4.0I6 is good for 3-450k serviced reguarly.

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  Rugged Class - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By M. Doty - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  My girls are growing up, and my 2005 TJ, (Wrangler), was no longer fun to ride in. We tried the Wrangler unlimited 4 door, but they still werent pleased. Before leaving to explore other options, the salesman suggested the Liberty with a Sky Slider. "Wow" from them, my wife and me! We ordered one with options I need/want, and have had it for two weeks. Weve been up and down mountain trails, Sky Slider open to the stars, music roaring, and some highway driving that suggests professional reviewers were predisposed against the Liberty. Comfortable & cool, powerful & sure footed, a Jeep in every regard; I almost cant wait for snow!

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  3rd Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sergant - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Jeep I started with an 1979 CJ7. So far the new Jeep has lived up to its reputation. Its definitley more comfortable and it seems a tad bit smaller also. My 17 YOA daughter has fallen in love with it and now wants one of her own. So far its been great but the real test will be this coming November during deer season

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  Critics are too Critical - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jim - August 24 - 11:03 pm

  Although the Compass is a Consumers Digest "Best Buy" and an Edmunds Lowest Cost to own vehicle, auto magazine critics and Jeep traditionalists have not had many nice things to say about the Compass, which almost swayed me from purchasing a new Compass. Fortunately I test drove one, and for the money, you can not beat the ride, features, safety and all around capability of this vehicle. Its fun, practical and confident inspiring. Many critics make the mistake faulting this model because it is not like the more rugged, trail rated Jeep line-up. I dont think that was ever Jeeps intent. Kudos to Jeep for thinking and building outside the box.

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  Skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Desert Rat - August 24 - 3:23 pm

  Best looking SUV on road. Performance very robust. Interior features including Sirius is great. Smart stylish yet masculine design inside and out...and ergonomic. The "YES" "no stain" fabric is nice as well along with auto-lock. Controls very intuitive. This automatic Skyslider is a knockout folks. This was my primary focus in the purchase. It essentially is a ragtop vehicle.

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  Best midsize SUV bargain - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By - - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an awesome vehicle. Its made by Jeep and certainly lives up to its name being a very serious off roading vehicle. Low weight and a very powerful engine makes for great acceleration and power (extremely high power to weight ratio). Dated design, but I like it - Id prefer to call it rugged.

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  great 4 x 4 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reber1 - August 22 - 11:01 pm

  Bought my new jeep because I wanted a vehicle to match my lifestyle. It replaced my 93 GC. I liked it so mutch i had to have a new one. So far at 19,000 miles i am impressed. It has impressive power (5.7 Hemi), awsome off-road ability, and handles pavement like a sedan. To date no issues what so ever. I would suggest though if you drive a lot on gravel get the optional mudflaps. I am not a mudflap fan, but due to the flare of the rear doors and fender wells they will catch a lot of debris with out them.