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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  You cant go wrong with a jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By JOHNNY - June 27 - 7:30 am

  This is my second Jeep wrangler I had a 2001 sport and I loved it. Just when I thought Jeep couldnt get any better I bought the Jeep Ive always wanted (well since 03) the Rubicon and Im very impressed with its performance and capability.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Anthony - June 26 - 1:06 am

  This is a great vehicle and it rides better than the short wheel base version. I have already driven it from the east coast out to Kansas City. It works great in the mountains or on the coast. I did have a leaking door seal that took a while for the dealership to figure what was leaking and from where, but once they found it they fixed it very quickly.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Had! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry Lacefield - June 24 - 7:40 pm

  We sadly have to exchange our Jeep Liberty in for a more fuel efficient vehicle because we live about half an hour to 45 minutes away from work. Other than that reason alone, we would not be looking for a car. The Jeep Liberty has been the most fun and the most reliable vehicle I have ever driven.

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  2016 Cherokee Laditude 4WD 6 cylinder - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jennifer - June 24 - 5:30 pm

  When selecting to write a review it only lets you choose 4 cylinder from the drop down list. I absolutely love my Jeep Cherokee. This is my second one Ive owned. Had a Chevy Tahoe after my first one, then a Ford Focus, and traded in a Hyundai Sonata on my new one. Rented a Jeep Cherokee twice last year while traveling out of state and decided to purchase a new one. It is the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. I average 23 mph in town and 28 mph freeway. Love the UConnect, has some of the best features of most manufacturers available and user friendly. Insurance only increased $58 a year because of all the safety features it has.

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  Great Value - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bz767 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle for me. 75,000 miles in two years and the only complaint I have is with the fuel pump that had to be replaced because of a poor original design.

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  Under Appreciated - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gad - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This a very good SUV choice for a car enthusiast. It really goes. I use mine for virtually all on-road duty both city and suburban. It handles well in traffic and on the open road.

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  My first vehical PURCHASE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Drumbelly - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first vehicle purchase, after leasing a Ford Escort---followed by a Ford Explorer for 3 years. I had bad experiences with my first Jeep in 1990. My 2003 Liberty Limited is absolutely AWESOME!

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  4x4 sahara automatic - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By dom12 - June 22 - 11:02 am

  very happy with the jeep wrangler , the power is ok , very strong feel , bumpy at time .very well done for the cost of the vehicle i do recomend this vehicle if your budget is in the low 30k with all the options

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  Outstanding in Snow - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By tuckers_mom - June 21 - 7:04 am

  Ive had this vehicle since spring, so I never got a chance to drive it in snow or on slippery roads. We finally had a serious snow storm and I have to say this Compass is outstanding! No slipping, sliding, great traction. Simply amazing all the way around. Its also been 100% totally reliable since day one. Im very pleased.

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  A GREAT CAR - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Giovanna - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my jeep Liberty renegade and its so much fun to drive, it is a very comfortable car, a great sound system, it has amazing handling, and makes you feel totally in control of the road without being too huge & bulky. Even though its a gas and mileage eater I absolutely love my car because all the other elements this car has to offer far surpass that. I can drive over a curb like a piece of paper ... he he....