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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  Yep Yep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By jthumanist - March 14 - 7:30 am

  Been wanting a Jeep Wrangler for a long time. Occasionally paruse the consumer reports and then it happened; a seeming nexus of all things good about the Wrangler came together in 2010. So I went for it and have not looked back since. The 2011 and 2012 models look like Jeep is trrying to get a broader customer base by making it gentler and kinder to the occupants. A Jeep is a Jeep and should not be messed with unless adding accessories. Speaking of which, the 2010 Sport that I have was designed for add-ons; Id rather do the stuff myself than buy factory installed. Its my DD and my DFV (Daily Fun Vehicle).

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  smart car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By off roader - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is everything that a college student wants. It is sporty, fun to drive and a great off road escape from the rigors of college campus life. If you need to transport your friends for some off rading relief this vehicle ahs it all. Lots of head room and storage capabilites makes this vehicle great for transporting bicycles, kayaks, and anything else you can do outdoors. You cant go wrong with this vehicle.

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  A Great Crossover - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By DWH - March 6 - 4:40 am

  I have had my Compass for two months and have 3,000 miles on it. So far the vehicle is everything that I expected. I enjoy the ride, handling, and the fuel economy. While some have said that it isnt a true Jeep it is to me. I knew when I bought it that it was designed for the road but how many of us truly run a Jeep off road.

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  This Jeep Rocks - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jay - March 5 - 5:33 pm

  Ive always wanted a Jeep, but with 3 kids it never happened. But with the Unlimited 4dr, its now possible. I got the Rubicon with remote start, dual tops, GPS, and other extras. This thing is awesome. The new Orange color for 09 just seems to glow. Havent had the top off yet, but cant wait for Spring weather to lose the hard-top, which is actually very quiet on the road. The longer wheelbase of the Unlimited removed the "squirreliness" on the highway that the Jeeps of yesteryear seemed to suffer from. Even the 2dr version is much more stable than the pre-2007 Wranglers.

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  The Jeep Overland Rocket - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Naperville, IL - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 03 Overland and this Jeep is not only loaded with luxury, it is loaded with power. That HO engine is amazing! Quite honestly, I have never driven an SUV with so much power that handled so well. I almost bought a Yukon because I wanted the power and could only find it in a big SUV. I purchased the Overland because I got the power I wanted without the hassle of parking such a big vehicle. Besides, this is the sharpest looking SUV on the road.

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  Well Done - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JOhn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love it. and i would definitely buy another one. Dont miss out on driving a Jeep.

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  First time Jeep owner - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By gil - March 3 - 9:36 pm

  Its nice to see an American car manufacturer doing what should have been standard in the industry 5 years ago. A smaller SUV with good fuel economy. Also a lifetime and I mean lifetime powertrain warranty. This vehicle rides better and drives better than my last SUV (Ford Explorer). You can tell its a Jeep by the extra safety features like ESP and anti-roll mitigation. Everyone that likes small SUVs should buy this model. Im 6ft and 340lbs and can put the front seats all the way to the rear and I can still sit in the rear seats with my knees barely rubbing the front seats. And I love the shoulder room.

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  Rubicon - Get Some! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Josephus - March 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive owned my 2007 Unlimited Rubicon for 60 days now and I love it! Offroad this thing is King. Everyone is amazed how well it rides on the street and trail. The automatic is geared a little high (so get the 4:10 gears) but gets 22-23mpg on the highway. The best part of this Jeep is the space and family sized comfort. Its definitely a "Jeep" interior, and everything is manual regarding the tops. But it is so much fun! Ive taken it to the beach 3 times so far, and Ive got 2 weeks coming up. Many new safety features have made this thing safer.

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  2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD 4DR- Dk Blu - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By deagan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  great car, a little better on gas on the highway, a/c kills acceleration unless gas tank is over 1/2 full, fun to drive, great acceleration w/o a/c on, body moldings on rear bumber arent the best quality and def. get new floor mats

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  JGC is sublime bliss - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vicmas29 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Cherokee is not for everyone... Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand!