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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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - February 26 - 10:40 pm

  The Patriot is the ideal 4x4 with good MPG. I got the Freedom Drive II and still get 22-25 MPG depending on driving habits - the car is roomy, the leather is great and the uConnect Navigation radio fantastic. I could not be happier with the car, the interior design and the looks. The car inspires me. I tested the Subaru Forester, Imreza and Legacy as well as the VW Tiguan. My Patriot is American made, handles as well, does not require premium gas and is as "luxurious". The attention to detail is apparent in the 2009 model. I love the 110 Volt outlet - for Kids and charging stuff. I upgraded to the hitch for bike accessories. Hopefully Ill never need the extra safety features or the Jeep.

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  The Best Jeep ever owned - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JohnKenny - February 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ive ever owned. Ive driven across the country and didnt stop for 1 mechanical thing. I only filled up gas. It has 326,000 miles on it and it runs like a charm. The engine is in perfect condition. If you keep up with our check ups, the car will run great. Buy a Jeep and keep it for a while, it will last.

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  Solid reliable SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By brankev - February 23 - 1:06 pm

  Car is true and sometimes better than listed mileage. Feel very safe driving this vehicle with family and handles wonderfully. Would and have been recommending to others.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By owensry - February 21 - 6:33 pm

  I just purchased my Jeep and i have nothing to complain about. I love everything about it, and all you people complaining about fuel mileage need to get the 4X2, way better on fuel, and handles great in snowy conditions.

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  Rubicon is the way to go - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dynamo - February 20 - 1:53 pm

  This is the fourth new jeep I have purchased and it is the best one yet. Starting with an 1978 Levi CJ7 to a 1981 CJ5 next to a 1987 Wrangler and this Rubicon goes places here in Arizona where the others would not.

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chantal Thompson - February 20 - 10:00 am

  this was an amazing car

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  Nothing Better Than A CHEROKEE!!! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By amkmo3 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  My First was a 1994 SE model, just the base model I honestly drove it until it fell apart, "Lil RED MULE" had a tough life!!! I had to junk it and cried like a baby to see her go!!! but with 450,725 miles and only one repair job for $159.52 you cant beat that with a stick. I am having the same great luck with my new jeep, I will not buy any thing else!The average mileage my family gets at trade-in on their Cherokees is 280,000 miles.And just to let you know These vehicles are built for safety, ask my in-laws who hit a 1700 pound cow one night and walked away with out a scratch even though the vehicle was totalled!

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  Jeep Family - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Katobb - February 20 - 3:56 am

  We just picked up our new Liberty. We traded a 2000 Grand Cherokee and we also have a 2004 Jeep TJ. So far this Jeep is everything we expect and more. My wife would take my TJ because she loved the handling and the tight turning to park just about anywhere. This carries over to the Liberty but with the comforts that she wanted, like the heated leather seats, sunroof, power door locks windows, etc. The only dislike she has with her Liberty is that nobody does the "Jeep Wave" like they do with the Wrangler.

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  Lifetime Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lifetime Jeeper - February 19 - 10:06 pm

  I am a lifetime Jeeper owner. I had my Wrangler for 10 years before I got the Liberty. I think that I knew that I wanted it the second that I saw it at a local car show. This is definitly the "grown up" version of the Wrangler. It has more space, go power and overall class than the other compact SUVs. The Liberty has a style all its own, and is simply unmistakable on the road. Simply put... Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand. :)

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary - February 18 - 10:33 am

  I love my little liberty! My first car was a 91 Cherokee and I, had until now, been unable to find something that compared to that car. This is it! It is fun to drive, comfortable, quick and cute! I wanted a manual and had to search high and low to get it but I did. the gas mileage is very good highway, not so great in the city though. My only complaint is that there is rust on the rims and the car is still only 5 months old. The dealership says they will paint it, so right now I am battling them to have them completely replaced. Other that than that I am in LOVE with my car!