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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  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Awayteam - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is the first Jeep that Ive owned and it has far exceeded my expectataion on quality and driveability. My only foray into the world off roading has been on some logging roads in Colorado, but the Liberty handled it with ease and provided me the confidence that I could get out of anything I happened into. I love sitting up high, above the traffic. I have owned a Rodeo and a KIA Sportage. The Jeep is superior in fit and finish to both and looks a damn sight better to boot. My only complaint has been the gas mileage. Hiway mileage has been in the 18-20 range,(at 70-75mph), but around town I get 13-15. Dismal...

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  Nightmare money pit - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Anise - June 19 - 3:37 am

  Bought used with 51000 miles. Started having small issues around 60000 miles. Continous problems ever since.Major electrical issues with lights windows. Had to have brain replaced twice. Possibly looking at a 3rd time. Will drive fine one minute next time wont start up. All warning lights go crazy. Sometimes it takes it 3-4 hrs before it will start. Weird humming sounds on occasion. At stops when you push gas it will go to floor but vehicle wont move there is a 1-2 minute delay before it slowly starts to go. This is all intermittent therefore not dependable. Dealership mechanics seem clueless. They drove it several times without a problem before it acted up for them. They still arent sure. Weve replaced all sensors. Some multiple times. Now they are saying its probably the brain again. Interior is cheap plastic easily. Stay away from this vehicle. Its the worst one Ive owned.

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  Sky Slider does have wind noise - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Texas Man - June 18 - 12:40 pm

  Great vehicle. I have only owned Toyotas in the past and my wife currently has a RAV4, but I am EXTREMELY impressed with my new Jeep. How can you pass up a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty for free, and a Lifetime Bumper to Bumper warranty for only $2400? I will never buy an over- priced Toyota again! I absolutely love the Sky Slider roof and always drive with it open, but when the roof is closed it does create pretty significant wind noise on the highway when driving 70-75 mph. Overall, I have only experienced minimal wind noise with the Sky Slider closed in the 60-65 mph range!

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  so-so - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By past wrangler fan - June 18 - 4:50 am

  This was my first car. It has an amazing turning radius and was extremely to maneuver and park. Never have to worry about getting stuck, and girls like it; its a convertible!! But its not perfect. The 4-banger couldnt beat a slug, and every bump is felt. Since I got my jeep 2 years ago I put new wheels, tires, stabilizer, shocks, radio system, side fenders, and some minor things. Jeep made this car for strict off roading. The 22 mpg isnt bad for a truck but the EXTREMELY bumpy ride on the road, feel every turn, and overheating at 80 mph can get annoying.

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  Exceeds our expectations - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RonK - June 17 - 8:46 am

  This is one excellent SUV. It has not needed anything but lube, oil and filter changes since we purchased it new in 07. Gas mileage averages 20+ MPG around town. The AC keeps us cool even in Tucson, AZ where we live. We also pull it behind our motorhome as it is so easy to disengage the drive train and get rolling. It rides like a car and is very quiet inside. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. I installed a K&N air intake system and it increased the power while increasing MPG.

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  Jeep limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J.Lilly - June 17 - 3:06 am

  Great car. Love everything about it except the fuel mileage. Havent been able to take any long trips as yet due to illness in the family. I am anxious to see if the valve cutout system actually makes a difference on steady speeds over a long period of time. Handles like a dream, low center of gravity makes it handle on curves wonderfully. Acceleration is superb.

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  Happy w/ Pat - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By CJ - June 16 - 9:40 pm

  Was looking for something with 4WD, decent storage space, and good fuel economy. Have been very happy with my choice. I think it is a great value as I picked mine up, new, for just under 20k. Not too cars that give you 4wd, 30mpg, sunroof, heated seats, and premium sound at that price. After 30k miles which included a cross country trip I have no major problems or complaints. Only time it has been in for service was for loose bolt on the front suspension.

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  Just Fun to Drive! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By rivera7205 - June 16 - 10:03 am

  I fell in love with the Compass within the first 5 minutes of the test drive. Its so much fun and easy to handle. I traded in an Oldsmobile Bravada for this smaller, more fuel efficient crossover and have not been disappointed. It has tighter handling and is easier to manuever, especially when parking. My husband has a Grand Cherokee and it seems much stiffer in its handling. Like most new cars it took a couple hundred miles to break the engine in, but after a little driving under its belt the engine is extremely smooth. Overall the Compass is perfect for day to day driving.

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  I should have thought twice - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kenny - June 16 - 9:23 am

  Since the car is brand new of course there arent any major problems yet, but I can tell there will be a lot. It seems like the components are cheaply made. For example: 1) Exterior rubber trim is all falling off 2) Car is loud for a brand new truck 3) AC is horrible, full blast and not cold 4) have to punch the steering wheel hard for the horn to work 5) Acceleration is horrible: it lags on and off and decides to accelerate when it feels like it. Sometimes there is no response when the gas pedal is pushed down. Overall the car just seems like its doomed. Luckily I leased it for 3 years and then Im out. Ive had used cars run better. Im going back to Japanese models, theyre better.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By PB - June 16 - 1:13 am

  This is the 6th Jeep Ive owned. Its very well built. The seats are very comfortable. Sirius satellite radio is awesome. Gas mileage is 16-17 with most being around town so far. The hard top works well with no leaks so far and Ive been out in quite a bit of rain. My only true concern is how underpowered the engine is. It upshifts on any type of hill and just needs more torque. Theres room in the engine bay for a larger gas or diesel engine.