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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For the price this is the best SUV. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
By Christop - October 21 - 2:00 amJust got the new Liberty. I have only owned Jeeps my whole life. From the Wrangler to the Cherokee to the Grand Cherokee. This is a great vehicle that not only is economical to purhase but has the great engine that wont ever die.
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109500 miles and counting - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By oadams - October 20 - 10:00 amI have owned this jeep since 97 and it has been extremly reliable. Maintenance is the key as with all jeeps. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.
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Overland Quadradrive II - 2007 Jeep Commander
By Jim Seeger-Newby - October 19 - 1:43 pmIve had an eye on one of these for years, then about 8 months ago I ran across this 07 Overland with 99k on it, a one-owner garaged all its life, and well-serviced. This is a heavy vehicle and moves with sureness down the highway or other roads. Had a small thud in front end going over sharp speed bumps. Had a suspension fellow look it over....given the overall excellent condition of this Commander, I had him rebuild the front end, struts and ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks all around, front transfer case shaft (rubber boot was cut) + new serpentine belt, all hoses and the transmission cooler lines needed replacement. One bad item is that an oil seal is leaking in the transfer case (the seal costs about $20) -- not a bad leak but to fix it the transfer case must be removed and opened up because the seal is INSIDE of the case. No other leaks. The Hemi is buttery smooth with good power. This thing rides and drives with good control and a secure feeling. Given the Overland equipment it is a joyful experience with its luxuries and their user-friendliness, even on this 07 model. The windshield was replaced (small chips in it) and there is a small tear in the drivers seat thigh support that will soon be repaired. Great visibility, quiet and solid. Ive been amazed and plan to keep this for a long time.
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What a Wonderful Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
By Commander Limited - October 18 - 4:13 pmI purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with a 5.7 liter Hemi engine with every accessory. This SUV is a dream to drive. It has all that you need: comfort, style, with unbelievable driveability. After a long trip of about 600 miles, my wife and I felt relaxed and enjoyed the trip. This SUV is fun to drive and just clings to the road with ease.
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I WILL ALWAYS DRIVE A JEEP - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
By CRYSTAL - October 17 - 10:00 amMY MOTHER GAVE ME HER 1995 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT A FEW YEARS AGO AND I LOVE IT. IT HAS 139,000 MIILES ON IT AND STILL RUNNING GREAT. I HAD HAD TO PUT VERY LITTLE WORK INTO THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND THE IGNITION. (TOTAL OF 300.00 FOR A 1995). GAS MILEAGE IS GOOD FOR AN SUV, AND ESPECIALLY FOR WHAT A SPEED RACER I AM. I FEEL VERY SAFE IN THE VEHICLE AND IT HANDLES GREAT.
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Awesome - 2004 Jeep Liberty
By Eddybauer1 - October 17 - 10:00 ambuild quality is on par with Japanese, tight off road, no rattles, rides smooth on rough road. Switch gear feels solid, leather is of very good quality, vehicle just feels very solid. on par or better then a bmw x5 comparing interior trim.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is Awesome - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Jeff1145 - October 17 - 8:56 amMy experience so far has been great. Greeat steering, reliable, pickup is REALLY good, has great towing capacity.
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Love it - 2007 Jeep Compass
By ron - October 17 - 1:50 amRides better than PT Cruiser. wish the CVT was quicker, and would hold hill. Gas mileage is better too (25) or more consistantly. Wish 4x4 was real full time like my Grand Cherokee, no need to pull lever for deep stuff. Like it much better than friends Caliber.
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In Love With My Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
By T. Brown - October 16 - 2:43 amIve had my Commander for about 7 weeks now & I absolutely love it! This is my 1st brand new car & I couldnt be happier. Great suspension. It goes over speed/road bumps like a champ. Yes, it does get less than stellar gas mileage (which is posted on the vehicle info sticker), but if one cant afford to gas it up, he/she should not be purchasing this vehicle. If youre buying a car that has a $38,000+ sticker price, the gas money should not be an issue. I love all of the bells & whistles. I get compliments on mine all of the time. My family & I have taken several road trips & we all love taking it on the highway. Not as pricey as a Land Rover, but just as great, I think. I love this car!
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Glad I took a second look. - 2007 Jeep Compass
By S Nance - October 15 - 11:26 pmI love my Compass. Gas mileage is what they claimed it would be, and so fun to drive. I was looking for something smaller (had a Pacifica) to drive with better gas mileage. Turned out I dont feel I down graded - I love the look and feel of it. Has plenty of pep and love the way the seats will lay flat. Really designed well.
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Jeep Cherokee 744 Reviews
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Jeep Commander 455 Reviews
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Jeep Compass 317 Reviews
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Jeep Gladiator 1 Reviews
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Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,548 Reviews
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Jeep Liberty 1,937 Reviews
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Jeep Patriot 598 Reviews
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Jeep Renegade 36 Reviews
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Jeep Wrangler 1,723 Reviews