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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  whats not to like for $17K - $28K ? - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Tom Wood - October 27 - 8:52 pm

  Look, youre not buying a top of the line Lexus or Acura. If youve got 21K to spend on a comfortable, modern ride with the classic Jeep styling, THIS IS IT! This is the most economical SUV on the market. For 21K (Latitude 6 speed) its far superior to my previous purchase of a 25K bottom of the line KIA Sorrento. It is more comfortable, more head room and doesnt flop all over the road like the KIA.

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  CRD Perfect Timing - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Drudgery1971 - October 26 - 2:30 pm

  Purchased as our primary vehicle with many needs - hauling 2000-3000lb trailer, multi-passenger (small) transport with good fuel mileage. The big differentiator between the CRD and everything else, even other Liberties, was the combination of towing capability and good fuel mileage. Add on the extended engine life with the diesel and so far its exactly what we need.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brando - October 25 - 2:00 am

  If youre an adventurous person, buy this vehicle. Sometimes I just take the back seat out and sleep in the back in my sleeping bag at a state park. It has been a great vehicle for 50,000 miles with only both strut connectors going. Jeep comradery is the best. Ive gotten a flat tire twice, and both times a Wrangler pulled over to help me. As well as the Jeep wave that no one understands. Its been reliable so far, but I am worried about the typical Chrysler surprise, meaning when a Chrysler hits 100,000 miles like clockwork something goes wrong with it.

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  2001 Cherokee Sport 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By RichWe - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Every thing I expected.

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  fun in the sun - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By colton - October 25 - 2:00 am

  i think the jeep is one of the best cars ever built. especaily the sahara edition.

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  The Liberty Lives Up to its Jeep Brand - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By moonwalker - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my Jeep Liberty LE since June of last year. And i have loved it ever since. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I was in an accident once; i was on a go stright or turn right lane and there was this other car on the turn right only lane... this guy went straight through as I turned right.. then there was a collision. I got out of my jeep and looked at his car, there wre HUGE dentations that ran accross his car (I believe it was a Honda). Then I looked at my jeep. At first glance, it seemed that there was NO damage at all. But on a closer look, there were a few measly scratches that none of my family could even notice. Now thats what i call strong.

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  loving this one - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dave sencet - October 25 - 2:00 am

  enjoy it al the way

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  Caddy with 4x4 and a Mind of its Own - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By r_berkhei - October 23 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my JGC 4.7L Limited with 100k miles on it. Fell in love instantaneously with the plush leather seats and all of the luxury amenities. I put 60k miles on it and it nicked and dimed me the entire time. The car left me stranded numerous times, and had to replace many sensors. I was so broke repairing the essentials, before I knew it the dashboard lights were burned out, the heated seats broke, 2 windows motors went and the climate system was shot. Not to mention the car had a mind of its own, the memory seats would adjust to whatever it wanted, the car alarm would go off constantly, but the final straw was when the catalytic converter code came up. Miss her though.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jackie - October 23 - 10:06 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new. I drove every other SUV out there. I didnt want to try a Jeep but my husband insisted. We bought it right on the spot after the test drive. I have never had a problem. It is like a little tank in the winter.

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  CRD Liberty , the best Jeep yet - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Farout - October 21 - 5:53 am

  The diesel engine is not a new engine. V M Mortori has already made over 200,000 engines for DC, and other manufactures as well. 160 HP and 295 lbs of torque is a fantastic power plant. Rides better than the 3.7 V-6. Fit and finish exceed SUV standards. Perhaps this is the best SUV of all.