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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  Fired Up!!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Fired Up!!!!! - June 8 - 2:16 pm

  I have had my Liberty for 5 years and have had zero problems with it. It has been wonderful. The problems that have been described with tires and handling I have not experienced. My Liberty has taken everything that has been thrown at it from hail storms (without a dent) to near blizzard conditions (without a slide off). Awesome vehicle.

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By redwolf - June 8 - 4:43 am

  Still too new to give a thorough review but love it so far. A little concerned about the care of a diesel and want to try the biodiesel fuel. Very fun to drive and with a bad back, itÂ’s very easy to get in and out of. The CD player got very hot its first time out so not happy about that, but perhaps we played it too long? Although I dont think that should matter. My son is taller so he was not as comfortable.

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  Very impressed - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sammboni - June 7 - 9:10 am

  Ive had my 2007 Unlimited Sahara for almost 2 weeks and it totally rocks and I havent even been able to take the top off yet. I am impressed by the drive, the low noise and it looks great. I am looking forward to some muddy adventures and for the day when the weather gets better and I can take the top off.

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  great - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dee - June 7 - 6:03 am

  I always liked Jeep but when the new design this year came out I had to get one. I love it, it;s comfy and roomy, just barely any trunk space but other than that its perfect.

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  Wouldnt Drive Anything Else - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LippySpaz - June 6 - 2:50 am

  I bought my jeep about a year and a half ago. This is my second grand Cherokee (my old one was a 95) and I absolutely love it. Sometimes I cringe when it costs me close to $70 to fill up though. My car is the "roadtrip car" and weve fit 7 people (trunk too) and nobody was squished. I love the leather and the back seats are really comfortable. I havent had any problems with it, I get my oil changed on time, clean it too much, and it looks and drives brand new. This winter I used my 4wd practically every day (damn New England weather) and I never slid an inch. Awesome truck, I wouldnt drive anything else.

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  Most dependable. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By irieco - June 4 - 12:10 pm

  Very dependable. Havent had a single thing go wrong in two years. No wonder it came with a lifetime power-train warranty. I paid way less than the sticker price so its a super value.

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  WJ - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By demos - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding on/off road performance, great style, powerful engine.

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  bring back the islander - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By manasquanbenny - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second wrangler, had a 90 Islander previously. No other vehicle is as versatile or fun to drive, especially summertime with doors off. Perfect for carrying my boards to the beach. this vehicle is not for everyone though, I commute 90 miles a day in it, wind is loud on the highway when I have the soft doors on. Gas mileage isnt that bad, I get close to 20mpg.

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  Serious off-road performance - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By tylerdurden - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Out of the box, the best performing off- roading SUV available.

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  Delivers everything - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redjack9 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1996 blazer with under 80,000 miles. On a hoot i drove a 2004 jeep grand cherokee larado. Needles to say the blazer is sold and I am very satisfied with my new car. Contrary to what Edmonds.com says (they must be driving something other than a jeep) the ride is very very smooth, handles corners at high speeds like a dream, comfortable,good looking dependable solid, comes standard with items you have to pay extra for on other vehicles - I have owned many cars but this jeep is by far the smoothest one ever - i will definitely purchase another one and willnot waste time looking at other makes.