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:
Showing 541 through 550 of 9,359.00-
Love The V8 - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Foxerson - April 21 - 2:06 pmI bought this Jeep in 1997 with 60,000 miles on it. 11 years later I am still driving it daily and have 235,000 miles on it. The 5.3 L V8 (318ci) mated to the quadra-drive full time 4WD transfer case has been a great setup. It holds the road great regardless of the weather and the V8 has plenty of power. It is also a highly capable off-road vehicle even without big aftermarket tires or a suspension kit. The most significant repair in that time was a transmission rebuild. Otherwise it has only needed an occasional basic repairs that have not been a surprise given the mileage I have put on it.
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Love Our Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
By Dan - April 20 - 12:13 amAlthough fairly new, we love our Rubicon. It will go through any Michigan winter. We had to have one after off roading in a Jeep in Moab, Utah. No need for block heater, heats up within a block.
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The Real Thing - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
By DenverLoDo - April 13 - 6:06 amI bought it new. Dual top. Dana 44. Biggest wheels. I only added the wench and towing package. It was the smoothest ever small Jeep at the time (dont buy a Jeep if you cant take the ride). There have only been 2 hiccups (they changed the bad part in less than a day each time). Other than that I have seen snow, ice, mud, mountains, 11,000+ ft, pulling, wenching, and she still looks new. I still go to the dealership for anything, and they DROOL over her. I think Ill keep her another 10 years, or more. A jewel.
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Liberty not bad! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
By ridarc - April 9 - 10:30 pmI am impressed with the new liberty. When the first generation liberty came out, I wasnt that impressed. When I saw the new liberty before it came out, I couldnt wait to see it, and Hope to buy it. Well I bought and been pleased so far.
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Blue Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
By mikeyp53 - April 8 - 3:40 pmIts a great snow car! Its comfortable on and off road, handles well and easy to park and maneuver. It only get 18MPG though.
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168K -One owner - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By jmac - April 8 - 4:03 amThis is the 4WD, 4.0L straight six. Performed well and reliably since I bought new, and I have taken it off-road a few times. I believe in preventive maintenance. It has served me well with this truck. The only premature failure was the power steering pump at 86K ($500). Other issues - rear output speed sensor @103K, harmonic balance wheel @ 116K, steering damper & cat converter @121K. Exhaust manifold leak at 140K. Transmission was rebuilt at 152K and transfer case rebuilt at 168K, but these repairs are to be expected. I may keep this to 250K miles or more.
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Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By Jeep Fan - April 8 - 2:00 amMy only complaint is the gas mileage. I like everything about my Jeep. Next time I will pobably get more options. My husband loves it too! Ps. for mothers out there it is really nice not having to bend down to get your kids in the carseat, definate plus.
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Huge Number of Features - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Lakeway, TX - April 8 - 2:00 amThis is my first Jeep product, it was a replacement for a 2000 Toyota Landcruiser. They pack a large number of features in for a reasonable price and the dealers are happy to make deals. My dealer went to Houston to get the one I wanted. Big selling features for me were memory seats and adjustable pedals since two of us drive (LandCruiser didnt have these things for $20k more!) Acceleration and power are excellent and much better than my LandCruiser. Gas mileage is what youd expect (bad). Defects at delivery were minimal and fixed easily at the showroom. No problems of any kind since delivery. It just runs.
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Truly Unlimited! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
By Carol in TN - April 7 - 1:10 pmJust got back from an off-road Jeep Jamboree and my little yellow Jeep Unlimited went through and over things you just wouldnt believe! Its not for everyone, some just wont get it and others will drive nothing else! After all, "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand" I love driving mine as a daily commuter and as a weekend escape to the boonies. Cant do that in your Saturn ... also works great as a H2 and Land Rover recovery vehicle! If you go off road in anything else, make sure a Jeep Wrangler is always within sight to save you. If you buy one, just make sure to wave!
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My Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
By claude - April 3 - 10:00 amNot too big, not too small. We needed something to pull our 19 foot boat, this fit the bill
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