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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  Its a Jeep thing - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By wr pug - June 3 - 11:43 pm

  I have wanted a Jeep for many years. I finally gave in and purchased one --- and it is a real kick to drive. I really have only one complaint, as most Jeep owners note and thats the Jeep MPG. I get 20 overall but the Jeep is not a small square box that gets outrageous mileage. I would take my Jeep any day over that plain square box that we see zipping around these days. The bottom line is thats its really is a Jeep thing and non-Jeep owners dont know what they are missing out on.

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  The Best One Yet - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bullfrog - June 3 - 6:40 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler. Had an 02 and 04 and just traded in my 04 for the new 08 model. The engine on this model is significantly more quiet and has better pick up and gas mileage than my previous models. The additional 6" of length and width also make the new model much more comfortable to drive on the highway. I got the 2dr Sahara with the MyGig Navigation and the Power Group (windows and locks). The MyGig is awesome, loaded 2GB worth of music. The new softtop is cool because you can fold back the portion over the front seat without having to remove the entire top. My wife, who currently drives a Z71 Tahoe, now wants the 4 door Unlimited with Freedom Hard Top! I highly recommend!

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  Sweet little Jeep - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By J A Frith - June 2 - 7:40 pm

  I own a 2002 Grand Cherokee with 200K miles. We thought it time to upgrade due to to the high miles. The Patriot caught my eye. After a strenuous mountain test drive I found it drove and handled great. I love the paddle-shift 6-speed for coming down mountains. Handling, traction and control are great. We live deep in the Appalachians and going anywhere is "over the mountain". So far, we havent driven on snow but I expect it will do very well with the front-wheel, four-wheel combination. My old Crown Vic got better highway mileage, but for a mid-size SUV it isnt bad. The 13-gal tank could be bigger for longer road trips. This car has no power seats but we are now used to it. Visibility is excellent. The 2.4 L engine has plenty of power and good acceleration. And the down-shifting when you let off the gas is excellent saving the brakes. For that matter, people ride their brakes excessively, anyway, and are annoying to follow up and down the hills and around tight curves. Though I have reservations about its durability it is, so far, an excellent 4X4 SUV. With winter just around the corner I will update you all on its snow and ice performance. As an auto and aircraft mechanic I find the Patriot well-engineered and solid. The reviews compare it to Japanese and European cars which are built for soft city folk who are tech-obsessed. If you want a practical, American 4X4, test drive the Patriot where there are steep terrain and sharp curves.

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  Great on freeway, great off-highway too - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RL Allison - June 2 - 2:40 pm

  Purchased my Jeep used with 45,000 Arizona desert-mtn-backroad miles. Have driven it over Calif freeways, AZ hills and Nevada back road exploring. Only had regular maintenance and tune-ups. Replaced windshield with sand-storm damage; added dealer-installed tow system. Only recently replaced shocks and suspension; brake rotors, etc. I have thoroughly enjoyed its reliability and dependability in difficult situations whether highway or sandwashes, creek beds or steep cliff conditions. Recent engine work but have been greatly satified with this Jeep- also my previous 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4WD - in the past fourteen years.

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  Small but good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By auto - June 2 - 12:33 pm

  Like this better than compass. Doesnt have as many blind spots. Ride is Nice , seats are comfortable, transmission is smooth and lifetime on power train is great

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  Practical and Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By M. Swinehart - June 2 - 11:30 am

  As we shopped, we drove every vehicle in the class but were blown away by the gap between the "Liberty" and even its closest rival. A solid machine with plenty of leg room and cargo space and still fun to drive. We initially had a problem with a transmission computer but since that was corrested...it has been nothing but pleasure to own. We took a 2000 mile drive up north for Christmas and it handled the road and the passengers with ease and in comfort (although a bit more seat padding would be appreciated.) My Navigator is still the more comfortable of our two cars but it ought to be for twice the cost.

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  Love this Jeep!!! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Prat - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Cant believe the deal I got on this Jeep! 97000 miles and its running stronger than I could have asked. Fuel economy is amazing compared to my fathers 4.3 V-6 GMC, I get 25-28mpg on the highway! Handles like a dream, and the Quadratrac is great. There are some squeaks and little rattles, but nothing overly noticeable. Wonderful quality. Love the leather seats, they are soft and comfortable. Tons of room, Im 62" and dont need the drivers seat all the way back. I love this Jeep more every day. I am very confident it will go over 200kmi!

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  Great all-rounder - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Vlad - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Jeep has serves me well. Used in Arizona/New Jersey in all sorts of weather/road conditions. Pros: Excellent aircon; Comfortable ride; Unpainted fender and bumpers on sport model still look new even though bumped and scratched; Reliable: only replaced rear window motor under warranty and ball joints (recall). Replacing engine and transmission oil is important to great running; Brakes are good good but keep in mind weight of vehicle on wet/icy roads. Cons: must slow down in wet; mediocre Premium CD/radio

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  Jeep - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers - June 2 - 4:13 am

  I traded in my 97 140k mile Grand Cherokee for the 09 Liberty. In the 140k miles I drove that car it had NO problems. Those who rag on the Libertys gas mileage should go buy themselves a hybrid and keep moving.I was looking for an upper-teens priced SUV that was fun to drive, dependable, and didnt look like a soccer mom drove it. The comparing cars (ie: Rav4, Forester, CR- V) looked and felt unappealing to me. The Liberty drives great and comes with some nice options like the 30GB multimedia storage for mp3s/jpegs, internal CD burner, usb port, voice command, bluetooth, satellite radio, sunroof, ect. The outside is stylish and the off-road capabilities are top of the line. Glad I went Jeep

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  Very Disappointed! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dont Buy it! - June 1 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned this jeep liberty for two years. I have always wanted a jeep until now! My windows keep dropping from poorly designed window regulators, the a/c sucks, has a lot of road noise, and the interior is a stain magnet! I am very particular about the inside of my car and rain drops from just getting in the car stain the seats! I dont know what kind of fabric this is but its awful! All of these problems are also very expensive to fix! The outside looks nice but the gray cloth seats are another story!