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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  I love my Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hannahbelle - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, Yes it is noisy expect that, but I am a sales rep so I dont have alot of passengers. If you are looking for the Jeep that is a smooth quiet ride the wrangler is not a good choice---I have had a Jeep Wrangler for the last 6 years and love it. This is a very fun car and very safe...I had an accident with a brand new lexus, $47,000 in damage to their car and I think $6,000 damage to my Jeep.

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  Excellent all weather vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By aphartman - June 18 - 8:46 am

  This is my second Cherokee (the first was a 96), and Ive really enjoyed the restyle (done in 97). I get good fuel economy with the 5-speed manual, and the 4wd works well in the snow. Never breaks, but when it does its inexpensive to repair and easy to do-it-yourself. An excellent all around SUV. It isnt the newest design or the most stylish, but I think its the best. Jeep never should have killed it for the Liberty.

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  Best Jeep I ever drove - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Missynrichub - June 18 - 4:40 am

  My husband and I have owned ours now for three weeks and it is the best Jeep we ever owned. We have had Jeeps all our lives from the years of 1977, 1986, 1993, 1999, and 2002.This Jeep is a smooth ride, handles very well, almost like my Eagle Talon TSi all wheel drive I owned in my early 20s. Not as luxurious as my 2003 Suburban Z71, but I didnt order it with that expectation. It actually came darn close. Who wants leather and plush seats in a convertible that is expected to get wet. Cant do that with my Suburban. Simply put, we love it and it is a better ride than a 2001 Cherokee and larger than one. The new Jeep is so quiet you cannot even hear or feel the engine idle or shift up or down when driving. We got 23.5 mpg with three kids, a 55 lb dog, a cat, me, my hubby and our cage with clothes on back. Awesome what more can I say!

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  This Jeep is the best ever - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Car Lover - June 18 - 1:40 am

  Ive had 2 jeeps before this (2004 overland and 2004 limited.) I must say if your looking for vehicles in this class, you have to get this one. Its really nice (wood, wooden steering wheel, leather, and much more. the fastest Ive had this SUV up to is 140mph (actual speed) and this car has no governor. In all the Jeeps Ive had I have never had one break down.

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  I love this vehicle so far! - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brinagal - June 16 - 6:29 pm

  Ive only driven it for a little less than 2000 miles, but so far its been great..Quiet and a smooth ride. The sound system is great..lots of options here too (e.g., satellite radio, cd, ipod, etc.). Great looking exterior and interior..I love the backup camera..the navigation..Getting about 20 mph in the city. This my first SUV and I looked at them all! Edge, Explorer, MB ML350, SRX, BMW X3, X5...Took my time too. Ive been looking at the Jeep sense this model first appeared. Anyway, I thought for the value, options, etc this was a great buy!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bladosaan - June 15 - 4:00 pm

  Changed battery, brakes and tires. This vehicle has been very solid car all around. Great in snow. Could get better fuel economy. Tows my 4500# trailer with straight six.

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  I love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By johnreardon01 - June 15 - 11:26 am

  I was just shocked at some of the reviews that I was reading that I had to join to write my own. Ive only owned my Jeep for about 9 months and I love my Jeep The 3.7 isnt the biggest or fastest but I fixed that with a cold air intake that I purchased at an auto parts store and now I have just as much horsepower as any other v6 out there. I would almost gaurantee a little bit more. And as for the people that are complaining about the transmission and stuff the only thing I have had a problem with is my pinion gasket which Jeep was more than happy to replace and Im the second owner. The Grand Cherokee I think all around is great and plan on buying another one when Im done with this one.

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  Its a Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matt - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  Love it, nothing like taking the top off for the evening commute, and just cruise. Smooth ride, good fuel mileage. Get 20-21 hwy, if you can keep your foot out of it. People complain that it is sluggish, it is made to get you wherever you want to go, not a 0-60 hot rod. Everyone that has taken a closer look and ride, wants one. I will be a Wrangler owner for life.

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  My adult Lego! - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By Famousff - June 14 - 4:36 am

  This is my second Yj wrangler, they are very fun to drive. Not bad on the freeway with a hard top and full doors. Very easy to take on and off. There are so much you can do to this ride to make it your own. Nothing can beat driving a wrangler with the doors off and top down on a nice sunny day!

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  Love It! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dawn - June 13 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely Love my Jeep. Its fun to drive and very versatile. I bought the soft top version and enjoy the topless summers. It is an all around great vehicle. Im big on camping and road trips and my Jeep truly takes me everywhere.