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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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kori-j - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The body is rugged. The interior of the Jeep Liberty Limited is comfortable, but can be a little small for anyone over 510". It offers power heated seats as well as heated side view mirrors and engine block.

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  5.7 hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wilmccrmck - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have the 5.7 hemi engine. the car is wonderful to drive. It is much better than my 2001. the ride is much better and the car has lots of pep. it also runs on regular gas.

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  great suv - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By kjs jk - May 18 - 11:36 am

  I bought my Jeep Wrangler to drive in winter. Although I have not driven it in poor weather yet, I really love my Jeep! It is so much fun to drive. I sit up high but do not feel at all like it is a big car! The controls are very convenient and easy to use.

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  Best transportation - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By thepatriot23 - May 16 - 2:48 am

  This SUV is beast! This is my 4th and favorite vehicle. I chose the older 2007 model because I like the rectangular shape of the interior better then the circular junk in the new models and it has that classic look. Mine came with leather seats, heated seats, aftermarket radio, sun/moon roof, nice rims, and dark tint. What more do you need? This car is just fun to drive. The ride quality is very smooth and can compensate for any crappy roads. Its nice to have that little extra clearance to go up a steep area which you cant do in a car without scratching the front end. Over all this car is just great and the best transportation to beat around in.

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  Best car I ever had - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cherokee Mo - May 14 - 12:00 pm

  I bought it used as I did not care for the body style of the new Jeeps. This car has far exceeded my expectations. I have had it for over 3 years with very little mechanical problems. Mostly only normal maintenance. The car is fun and fits me like a glove. This is my second Grand Cherokee and it wont be my last. I have done a little off roading in it and it handles great!! Very good in snow and ice.

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  Love the Diesel Power - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep Owner - May 13 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Jeep (Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.0L Diesel). I am extremely happy with the Grand Cherokee and look forward to driving it to work every day. After driving a reliable, but small import car the previous eight years I chose the Grand Cherokee because of its size and because the (paved) roads where I currently live have so many potholes it is almost like driving off-road. The Grand Cherokee handles great, has great visibility, and I dont have to wince each time I hit a pothole like I had to with my small car. The Grand Cherokee also looks great inside and out (silver) and has adequate power for my needs. I was extremely and pleasantly surprised to get 26-27 mpg!

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  Good to Go... anywhere - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By yobuck - May 13 - 12:13 am

  Love it! Best offroad vehicle Ive ever had. Goes anywhere I want. Put 33" tires on it and the power still seems good enough.

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  best car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By mmanos - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is excellent. It holds up well under adverse conditions and is a blast to drive. Its a great first car for anyone.

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  great ride - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rholmes - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The Rubicon is better than I ever expected it would be. A great off-road rig that handles just fine on the highway. If your looking for fun every time you get behind the wheel the rubicon is for you.

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  03 Jeep Liberty rocks - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jakedawg75 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  After some extensive research of various models, my wife and I settled on the Liberty because of the price range and the power. We live in Colorado, and a little punch getting into the mountains and navigating the passes is a plus. I was really surprised with the amount of room in the back, me being about 6 I had a good 3" of head room and my legs werent crammed. We got the Sport Model with the "B" options package (AC, Power Windows, Locks, etc). Overall a good buy for someone who will use the power and offroad features of this car in addition to everyday use.