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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  Not Happy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - August 6 - 11:30 am

  At first things were going well. I have had my Wrangler just under 6 months. and already had an issue. An ice storm hit my house a branch went through the soft top. Next day had a check from the insurance comp. felling pretty good. Took the jeep to the dealership who sold me my jeep they replied no problem we will order one have it here in 2 days. One week later and shipping my jeep 4 counties away still no jeep. The soft tops do not fit. Before the accident great! Do not ever let anything happen to yours because there is no replacement. At this time I am looking to trade it on a truck or some other 4x4. Love 4x4 hate the jeep!

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  Not a real Jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Le Roy Family - August 6 - 6:53 am

  Bought with 25 miles on the odometer. I come from a long line of JEEP lovers. Usually there is a lot of aftermarket support for JEEP except these fake Jeeps. I wanted a new JK 4 door but she wanted to seat 6+. So the Commander was it. At first she loved it as she only drives 16 miles to work and back 3 days. At only 1,400 miles the transmission seized and had to be fixed. We are at 10,000+ now. The back up warning and tire pressure monitor is constantly acting up and giving warning lights. I love it and hate it at the same time. The big boo boo is the IFS front suspension and the entire body is half plastic. I will stick with my 20 year old modified XJ at 200,000 miles, I can wheel it.

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  Endless reliability internally, falling apart externally - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jack Nelson - August 5 - 9:18 pm

  Ive had my cherokee for roughly 4 years now, bought it used at 120,000 miles, and I have yet to even touch the motor in terms of repairs. It is a modern day sherman tank mechanically. Ive obviously had to replace my share of wear and tear parts such as the alternator, tie rods, brakes, etc. But never anything on the motor, or even the transmission for that matter. Unfortunately, as with all cars, it is falling apart at the seams in terms of appearance. The bumper fell off the other day for no reason, and it has a crackle when idling (most likely the catalytic converter). Its a pretty big gas guzzler as well. All around Id say it is the perfect "point A to point B" vehicle.

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  Great little tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By katiec3 - August 5 - 4:22 pm

  I have only had her about a month, and this is my first car. I always wanted a jeep and waited until I found a good deal, and I can honestly say it was well worth the money even though shes 15 years old. My boyfriend calls her "the tank" and makes fun of me for driving it, but he just doesnt get it! Its not the smoothest ride, it doesnt accelerate fast, and she has her quirks, but well see what he says when Im pulling his brand new chevy cruze out of snowbanks all winter, offroading by myself all summer and mowing down zombies during the apocolypse. It runs like a top and so far, I am very pleased. Im officially a Jeep Girl!

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  Jeeps are the greatest vehicles on earth - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By geer - August 4 - 1:10 pm

  I think the Grand Cherokee is great. I can do maintenance on it easy. I dont do all that off roading type stuff. But I did put a hitch and a roof rack on my Jeep. I also drove it across the country many times. The spare tire is a real tire with the same rim. The only draw back from this ride is that the miles per gallon is a little low. But what do you expect from a SUV. To be able to change it for trips as far as seating and loading items is also a plus. Buy Jeep always!

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By P.Keith - August 4 - 12:03 pm

  Great all around, Very reliabil on and off road. Tow package no problems. Very user friendly.

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  JEEPaholic - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By 323kidd - August 4 - 12:06 am

  I purchased my 2 door rubicon 2 months ago and have put 2500 miles on since. First time wrangler owner and I absolutely love this vehicle. I am used to driving German luxury cars with precise handling and power but I have a permanent grin when driving my ruff and tumble rubicon. My 4 year old daughter has little trouble working her way into the back seat. Do not buy one if you want fuel economy, excess room, or a smooth ride....do buy one if you seek adventure, your not afraid to get off the pavement sometimes, and you like to smile alot.

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  Help - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGC Laredo - August 3 - 10:20 pm

  Have this JGC with over 100,000 miles runs great but today while driving all the gauges went on and off the rpm dropped to 0 but the car didnt stop or decrease in speed.

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  Liberty CRD is a great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Perry Clark - August 3 - 5:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a good vehicle; with the availability of the new CRD version, it becomes great. Not for everyone -- this is a Jeep, and a diesel, and it lets you know it, though in a calm and reasonable manner. (If that can be said about a diesel, which I believe it can.) Seats are firm, could have more/better side bolsters, and there are several interior details that could be improved upon, but its a fantastic vehicle.

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  Not all its hyped up to be...JGC 2012 5.7L Overland 4x4 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jreworld - August 3 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my JGC over 2.5 years, and although I enjoy the vehicle most of the time, I cannot recommend it due to its numerous issues. The front sway bar bushings wore out last month. How is this possible on a relatively new vehicle? This weekend my check engine light came on again and the MDS is not working. I had this happen two years ago, and the end result was a bad cylinder valve that left me without a car for several weeks. If its the same issue again, Im done. Going foreign again. Ive had more issues with this car than my last 10 vehicles combined. I wanted so much for Jeep to succeed, but even if you put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig. Buyer beware.