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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  !995 Jeep wrangler rio grande - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By adamlang05 - May 25 - 8:51 am

  It was my first vehicle im 18 and have a 1995 wrangler rio grande with 174k miles and still running strong. put a 4 1/2 in lift on all spring no body. and some 33in extra wide tires. im stuck on jeeps thing will go anywere i live in alaska and that thing will start up at -15 easy. easy to work on had to do a few things but not alot. put a new starter, steering box, clutch, and exaust manifold. and transmission just now starting to go out dont have 5 th gear but new transmission on its way as we speak. could ask for a better vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By W. Williamson - May 24 - 12:13 pm

  I have no regrets about buying the Jeep Patriot. It is a great compact SUV for a great price. I purchased the limited style which is great. The leather seats are very comfortable and the design in the SUV is good. The seats are very roomy in the front and in the back. There is not quite as much room for cargo as I would like in the back, but its OK. Also, this SUV gets great gas mileage but it has a small tank. Overall, great SUV.

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  HEMI Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By thekid - May 22 - 5:56 am

  I was looking at Range Rovers before stumbling upon the Commander. For the money this SUV is way better, unless you "need" to be seen in a Range Rover. Mine is fully loaded, I mean everything pretty much. It has really been great as far as comfort and fun to drive. Endless power with the HEMI. Arent we all a little sick of the predictable styling from other manufacturers?

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned. Never Again - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Skeeter - May 22 - 1:43 am

  Where to begin...bought as a 1 yr lease turn-in. In the first 36,000 miles, had to replace transmission shifter, ignition system, and car would sputter and stall (a well documented issue with the 3.6L engines on two other jeep models). Was told multiple there was no problem and that it was normal (dealerships and customer service). At 45,000 miles, airbag light started randomly coming on. Dealership could not tell me what was wrong. Power windows would come and go. Miles-to-empty tracker is completely sporadic. Do not trust it, find a gas station immediately after the light goes on (within 5 miles)! Cloth seats stain and spot with water. Wrangler tires are terrible, loud and ware unevenly.

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  Great SUB - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - May 21 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my 2006 Commander used in early 2007. It was the 3.7 V6 RWD model with all the option, Nav, Rear Seat DVD, etc. It had very few problems, rarely took it to deal for more than brakes and oil changes. I was in head on crash 7/18/09 and came away with no broken bones. One thing I wish Jeep was and would put into along with all auto makers is knee airbags. I really could have used that as the driver. Left leg cant put any pressure onand have to use crutches for a while, maybe even surgery, now sure yet. Knee airbag really would ahve helped, but car is total and I did pretty much walk away and as soon as I can, Im planning on buying another Commander.

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  Nightmare commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MESSED UP - May 20 - 11:26 pm

  Where do I start with this thing? I bought a 2006 commander during the morning hours, as the day warmed up I turned on the A/C only to find out that it didnt work. (only hot air), I took it back and they told me that they must have forgot to charge the air conditioner at the factory, so they charged the system. It worked for a few days and then went dead again. I took it back and was told it had a faulty "pipe" from the factory. They fixed it and charged the system again. it worked for a while and went dead again. (Its back in the shop again today). other problems with the commander are, whistling noise from windshield area, vibrating passenger mirror, rain leaks in, and much more..

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  95 Cherokee 2WD Sport - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Happywithit - May 20 - 10:00 am

  No serious problems with this vehicle ever. Total repair bills approx $1000.00 since new ownership. Excellent car, wish they were still being made!

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Loverz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle!

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  love this Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By deskset31 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Buy the Jeep...its a good safe bet and cute as a button to boot.

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  worst jeep ever - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By mammacompass - May 20 - 6:08 am

  I was forced into purchasing a 201 compass brand new in 2011. I have three kids, they do not fit in back seat, they are so cramped! not to mention the whole thing is just small! Ive had to take it in because if a noise turn out front lower arm controls were broke, they replaced them they were under warranty, the day after I got them fixed Im not lying I backed out of my drive way and it sounded like plastic cracking in a million pieces, and then there was the creaking noise again! so Im assumeing its the arm controls again! Ive been to busy to have it fixed but I can tell steering is bad and every time I hit bump I hear the creaking. hate this car!