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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  A dream come true! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Naaaasty - February 19 - 10:00 am

  For darn near forever weve wanted a REAL Jeep. Ive had other 4X4s and an 85 4 Cyl Cherokee that was darn near impossible to destroy (other than self inflicted wounds). It took me everywhere I wanted to go and then some. Our Astro van had 0ver 200K on it and the wife said "Lets get me (meaning her)a Jeep". Eh....ok. Gave the van to the kids and we bought a Solar Yellow Rubicon, loaded. Wife went from Soccer Mom to "Whos yer Mommy?" Are we happy with it? Very much so! Her Jeep...MY payments and upkeep...But I did get to "Accesorize" it and I have weekend visitation rights!!! WOO HOO...I can live with that!

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  My favorite - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By destiny - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I have found that my Jeep Liberty sport is both fun and has the best fuel economy I have ever had in a vehicle. I just plain enjoy driving it. My husband even loves to drive it more than his full size truck.

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By good Jeep - February 19 - 10:00 am

  We were lookin for a Reliable Jeep for family and friends.My husband is 6 feet tall so we needed enough space for his legs and hight as well room for passagers. I drive 110 kilomitors as day to work.We have had the Jeep since May we love it.We also rented it in Maui so we new it was a great car. It is also very comfotuable for short people as well as Im only 5 feet. We love the new gagits and room in the back for lots of heavy loads. We have picked up all our furniture orders instead of delivery.

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  Great Experience - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By david - February 19 - 12:10 am

  I looked to Consumer Reports for a report on this "new" style Jeep. At first their reports were very good. Later, they rated this vehicle as "stay away from car!" How absolutely wrong Consumer Reports are about this car. My Jeep has been the very best car I have ever owned. I love driving it to this day. We have had the following problems: drivers side front window motor. Thats it. Car has 105,000 miles on it. Ive never had a car with that many miles on it. In a word - Great Car!

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  2009 Jeep JK Wrangler Review - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - February 18 - 3:06 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler: YJ, TJ and now the JK. The completely redesigned JK is noticeably larger with a better ride and more spacious interior. The straight-six 4L engine has given way to the venerable 3.8L minivan engine, which has more horsepower, but less torque. The gas tank has been moved forward to improve the angle of departure. The soft top can now open partially, and the 3-piece hard top option makes for easier removal. Sound system is improved with larger speakers and dash-mounted tweeters, with Sirius satellite as an option. Tow hooks and fog lamps are now standard equipment. Vehicle feels larger, and sits higher. Outstanding off-road.

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  Jeep Patriot not what I expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Cragzop - February 16 - 8:16 pm

  My 5 speed tranny began to grind at 400 miles. There was a TSB by Jeep and as per, my dealer changed the synchronizers in the tranny. At 7200 miles, no more problems. Squeaking in the passenger seat also covered by a TSB. The dealer performed the "fix" but there is still a squeak. I tracked it down to a seat belt anchor rubbing on a large bolt. My gas mileage around town is about 16mpg. This from a 4 cylinder 5 speed manual! My first foray into an American car since I gave up my 61 Impala. Never again. The quality control just aint there

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  Fun, thy name is Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Badpork - February 16 - 7:00 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I love it! Got a good deal on a used Wrangler Sport with only 54,000 miles on it and its everything I expected. Yep, the ride is stiff, gas mileage around 16 mpg and theres a good bit of wind noise but thats what you get with a Jeep! You wouldnt buy a horse and then complain about no air conditioning, would you? Enjoy it for what it is, a fun, go anywhere vehicle that you can modify as much or little as you want. You can get it muddy, run over bumps, drive through ice and water and if you take care of it, it will get you where you want to go. Fill the thing with gas and go find an adventure!

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  Loves to take my money - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeplovesmoney - February 16 - 2:27 pm

  There isnt a better winter performance car on the road. I live in Minnesota and as soon as the snow flied, my jeep becomes the fastest car on the road in 4wd full time. The issue with this vehicle is the continuous repair fees. Ive had the below items replaced as of 122,000 miles. Power window motors front door connection to body master brake cylinder head gasket main seal rear Axel seal cruise control AC/blower flaps shocks 3 sets of tires Driver seat tracks (rocking chair) recall on seat heaters hood and rear glass support CD player display I swear to god if i didnt love this car I would burn it. Value wise, its about as bad as it gets.

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  Why We Divorced our Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matt - February 16 - 6:13 am

  My wife and I greatly enjoyed driving this vehicle - however, it was truly a Love-Hate relationship. Over the period of 18 months, we had this Jeep back to the dealership for steering column thud over bumps (fixed, but not until after they replaced portions of the rear suspension), clutch master cylinder failure making smooth starts impossible (fixed), water leaks from hood hinges (could not duplicate problem - not fixed) and two trips to attempt correction of "pre-ignition" (first time fixed, second time told to take to another dealer). Although we did enjoy our Jeep, we knew with only 18 months of ownership that we would never keep it past its warranty expiration.

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  Cheap Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sad Jeep Owner - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Brakes and rotors on the vehicle are terrible and undersized. The tranny leaks, rear main leaks, rear end had to be replaced at 80k and I dont even go off road. The paint is thin and fades, chips bad. Tire eater, noisy v- 8 engine. Jarring ride, makes people bounce around.