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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  All but the gas - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers Creepers - July 17 - 11:03 pm

  If youre looking for good gas mileage, look elsewhere - all other car makers can put their small SUV mileage at an average of 20 MPG. The Liberty is at around 16 MPG. I love the vehicle otherwise; it epitomizes the Jeep philosophy, but the mileage stinks. I have to get rid of it because I am a stay-at-home mom now and cant afford to run around town at $50 per week. Its a shame - again, I love it.

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  Downsizing for a Durango - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By spiegs - July 15 - 10:23 pm

  Coming from a LARGE suv I feared all small suvs. Boy was I relieved to find it roomy and very fun to drive! I can still pack a full cart from a day of shopping. My husband has even taken it out on some trails, he says it was surprising.

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  Its AWESOME - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mxer4life57 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its well worth the extra money.

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  Amazing SUV - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By unbeatable - July 15 - 9:23 am

  The jeep is unbeatable. Living in New England, Ive had my share of snowstorms and rain storms,a dn the Jeep has gotten me safely out of all of them. The 4WD is unbeatable and the reliability is unmatched. Ive owned the car since 1998 and its now turning 220,000 miles. Still pulling. Only problems has been the U-joints and the Radiator have gone out recently, which, being a mechanic, cost me about $500, but would have been appraised around $1200. $1200 in 13 years? And Toyota said they had a low maintenance cost.

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  Golden Eagle - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rains - July 15 - 7:50 am

  I just recently purchased a 2006 Golden Eagle. The Jeep has much less road noise than older Jeeps I have driven. It handles well on the highway and having both hard and soft tops is a plus. I get approximately 16.5 MPG. I have not had the chance to take the Jeep off road but have a trip planned in the middle of this month.

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  2005 Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Grady - July 14 - 3:50 am

  Bought this vehicle to replace my 1999 GMC truck that I wrecked. The vehicle was still under factor warranty when I bought the car. Im getting 18-20 mph around town and 20-24 on the road. I like the design of the Jeep and the ride and for the price it was the best deal that I could find. Had to have something large enough for a family of t but still got decent MPH.

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  Love my Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Christine - July 13 - 9:10 pm

  After much research, I decided to buy the Jeep Commander Limited 4x4, mostly for safety features and comfort for my family. We have driven this vehicle from East to West Coast, North to South and absolutely love it! The safety of our Commander was tested recently and saved my families lives. Though the vehicle was totaled, the Commander took all of the impact, we were able to walk away from this vehicle with minor injuries. I will be purchasing another! One tough SUV! Gas mileage is not so good, but is made up for in safety, need the steel to be safe.

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  Who are these experts? - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Vidin - July 13 - 2:20 am

  We bought a 2007 Jeep Compass after trying several other models including the Honda Element(expensive) and the Subaru Impreza(ok). We have had the car for one year and put 18,000 miles. No problems, great in the snow, fun around town, comfortable back seat, averages 24 mpg just like it said it would. A great car that is getting a bad rap by people who dont own one. I would say look to the owners and see what they are saying. The biggest negative is the interior- which I like. And the fact it isnt "Trail Rated"- Hello McFly- not going on the Rubicon anytime soon! Give this one a second look and you wont be sorry.

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  LOVE IT! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Angie - July 11 - 1:36 pm

  Got this car for a great price-$1600. Interior was pretty bad but put on seat covers and not too bad now. Replaced water pump, needs new tires, replaced very minor items such as light bulb for gear shift, and new lighter (gotta have dvd player hooked up for the kids on long trips:), rear windshield wiper -- all easy to fix. Took it in for an oil change and guy was very impressed with how good everything looked -- does not leak oil at all!

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  Built to be Reliable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By tgflash - July 10 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my Jeep Liberty in 2002 and have placed at least 110 miles on at least 4 days a week ever since. Its been a very reliable vehicle and seems to be built for longevity. I have approx. 144,000 miles on it now and hope to take it all the way to 200,000. Its well maintained, which I think makes all the difference with any vehicle. its not a luxury vehicle by any means, but its good for everyday driving. Not the greatest on gas!