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 my 5 sp Limited - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By JeeperCreeper - January 9 - 7:00 pm

  We bought a 5 speed Limited after driving numerous others including the ridiculously over-priced Escape Hybrid. That Pat blew them away in price, MPG and styling. On summer blend fuel it gets 32 in combi driving and up to 34 on the open hwy. Winter blends about 30 combi. No problems and its cheaper to insure than an Escort hatchback (that one really shocked me). Ive had it in the hwy, city, and mountains and it performs well in all venues. This is one of Chryslers best kept secrets..

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  great second jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eric - January 8 - 11:26 am

  My wife and I bought this Jeep due to the great service from our 96 Cherokee. We could not be happier. The style is great, the interior and function extremely well thought out, and it is very comfortable and safe to drive. The room is generous and the performance with the 4.7 V-8 is incredible. The ride is excellent, brakes and handling very impressive. It is also a perfect size--fits nicely in our 2-car garage with another car with room to walk. This is a fine and durable vehicle to serves us as we move into our 60s with grace and verve!

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  2005 Jeep CRD Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Krista and Mike - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle to own, fun to drive, a real work horse. CRD engine is excellent, but a little noisy; however it is very reliable! Good gas mileage for a SUV. Handles well, with excellent visibility.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larsT - January 7 - 6:10 am

  Purchased new 2005 Laredo 4X4 and within a week it was back at the dealers. It has been back twice for a total of 20 days for repair. They told me the first time that the transmission was flooded with water. The air conditioner condenser is right above the tranny dipstick, and it drains into it. What a poor design! Never buy a Chrysler product. Not once has anyone from Chrysler Jeep contacted me to apologize for the trouble and inconvenience and hardship that this is causing.

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  Good - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By mnclark - January 7 - 4:23 am

  I bought this Jeep "on impulse" because I needed something to drive. The 4.0l engine is incredible at 285k miles and I havent put any work into it. Does great off road and I drive the hell out of it. Real steal and I look forward to driving it for a while!

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  The great JEEP!!! - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd McCrary - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my jeep . I love the way it performs and how easy it is to work on it

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  cannot complain - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By dajeep - January 7 - 2:00 am

  .When I purchased my jeep, it had 7 miles. I now have 267,000 actual miles. This Cherokee has never needed any engine or transmission work. However, I have had to replace the following: rotors 60k, radiator/ water pump 230k(I did not flush it enough), front washer motor 150k, power steering pump 170k, alternator 180k, ignition/steering column problems 265k. Also, expect to have to replace the rubber mat that protects the underside of the engine. I think anyone would agree these numbers are impressive. I am very pleased that I chose a cherokee, it has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.

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  Grand Cherokee is good every day driver. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Voss10395 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I am returning my leased 2000 Grand Cherokee after 3 years/35k miles. Was skeptical at first re quality, but had no issues except broken power lock motor. Car has been a great every day driver and towed my 1000lb wave runner trailer with no probems. Overall I felt I got a great value for small monthly payment. Gas mileage was around 2o miles/gallon and insurance cost were lower than most other cars I had. Test drove a few other sporte utes this week, but decided to get another Jeep. While not a spectacular head turner, I like overall solid performance vs. cost.

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Frank - January 6 - 7:06 am

  First Jeep since the Army, great in the snow in PA and holds its own on interstates. I think Ill keep it and will most likely buy another.

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  I love my Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By betsymac1969 - January 6 - 2:40 am

  I bought my Jeep Compass brand new in 2007. I have never bought a brand new vehicle. I have paid off my vehicle and it still runs wonderful. I had to have the alternator replaced Jan 2012. It is still going strong with over 95,000 miles on it! I will probably drive this vehicle until it falls apart! I love the ride, the comfort and most importantly the reliability! Love it!