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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  Dependable and Low Maintenance - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jan B. - January 12 - 5:36 am

  I bought the car thinking I would have it about 5 years. I drove it for 12 and had only routine maintenance. It has pretty good get up and go for merging onto the interstate and the Part-Time Shift to put it into 4WD for icy/snowy conditions was nice to have. I recently checked and found I get about 17 to 18 MPG.

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  good jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By slunsford - January 6 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Cherokee from my boyfriend a couple of years ago, after he had it for about 3 years. It currently has 237000 miles and still running strong. We have had to replace minor tings along the way, such as, battery, hoses, maybe the water pump (cant remember for sure because Ive had a lot of jeeps!). It leaks a little bit of oil, but I could get that fixed, I just havent yet. Everyday I get in to ride, I wonder how it is still holding on, but the engine is STRONG! Never had ANY transmission problems, shifts fine! My car does have body damage that I have chose not to fix, but that does not affect the way she drives so Im fine with it!

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  command this! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By rickyrick - January 6 - 1:30 pm

  Wife purchased the base model with fully loaded options (4.7 V-8). Firm ride, excellent turning radius, not your typical "hulking SUV" but does have the hulking power. Boxy type looks (offspring to the Land Rover & Hummer!). Quietest interior of all the other so called competitors we test drove, clean interior lines, skylights give that roomy feeling throughout cabin, leather, great stereo sound ... third row seat? Now thats up for debate! Heated front row seats. So far there are lots of aftermarket parts (cosmetic & engine) available if you want to go that route. Our first SUV and very impressed so far!

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  Great performing small SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Susan - January 6 - 1:36 am

  I bought my 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport new. It is still running great. I have only had general maintenance and no major repairs. It is perfect for me to haul around my 5 dogs.The only complaints I have are 1. the cup holder was poorly placed when designed. It broke off twice and I replaced it once. At $12 a pop I decided to do without. 2.The radio died after 5 years and the replacement I got is nowhere near as simple to use. 3. I wish they had allowed for a little more leg room. Overall, this Jeep has been very good and reliable transportation and I will probably drive it another 10-12 years.

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  Jeep - Theres Only One - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper4Life - January 6 - 12:13 am

  I have owned my Wrangler for about 4 years now. I must say it is my favorite vehicle i have ever owned. if you are looking for good gas mileage do not buy this vehicle. it is as aerodynamic as a brick. However if you want the go anywhere do anything capability this is the vehicle for you. I have a 4" lift kit and 33" tires on my 4 cylinder which do just fine but if I had to do it again I would have bought the 4.0 liter.

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  Quality SUV - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Good Buy - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Had it new since 97, and I have few complaints. Motor does seem slightly tired, but thats understandable. Belts squeak a bit, and tranny slips a bit at times, but only momentarily. Bottom line: a well-conceived and designed SUV that lived up to its billing as the best SUV value out there at the time of purchase. Ive driven it daily since purchase, and towed a small boat at least a couple hundred times without any major mechanical issues.

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  Give me death or give me Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By samdog - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Nice little car...Jeep seems to be a good value for the money. Been back because of some bad engineering...other than that no complaints.

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  This Jeep looks timid, but its not - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Walsh - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2004 Liberty and I can say I am not disappointed. My wife drives a Ford Expedition and the Liberty looks like it could fit in the back seat. However, the interior is bigger that I imagined. I am 65" and weigh 260 lbs and I have plenty of room and power with this new SUV as any of the others that I test drove.

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  Stumble during acceleration - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By smitty - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Seen other post about same problem wondering how it was solved sick of money on this Jeep any help would be great tranny been replaced already 25,000 km ago. O2 sensor was done last week and dealer also put new throttle body and throttle position sensor.

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  Wolfeboro, NH Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Whitcomb - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance on snow and ice. Very dependable. Almost 100,000 miles and plan to keep it forever.