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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  Second Jeep IM IN LOVE! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Erik and Millisse - February 2 - 1:36 am

  Got a fantastic deal. Love the choice in colors and models. The X with the power pack is darn close to the Sahara without paying the Sahara price. Get the hard top 3 piece. No leaks, yet. Gas mileage is ok 18.5 avg. Im going to put a cold air intake and spacer to improve fuel consumption. Its fun to drive looks great and can go anywhere offroad i need it to go. Plenty of room in the back seat and cargo area. The stereo rocks. Those who want more zoom should by a car, hello its a Jeep

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  Awesome! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris - February 1 - 6:16 am

  I have always wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler, but being married with a child we needed more room. Then came the four door Wrangler. It was love at first sight! Then the test drive sealed the deal. We purchased the Wrangler with the soft top with a plan to purchase a hard top later. After a drive home from the coast with high winds, very little road noise made us change our plans on the hard top. The soft top will do fine. We are getting around 19 miles to the gallon with a lot of in town driving. We have taken it in the snow and love the traction that a jeep provides in snow and ice conditions. The only problem I have had is getting the keys away from my wife.

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  The Wifes Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ray Alex - January 31 - 10:00 am

  It took a while to talk her away from a PT Cruiser, but shes glad I did. This is just a grwat little ride, but you have to remember it IS a Jeep. If you want a ride like a 300M then you should buy a 300M,

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  Jeep Fan - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By unlimited - January 31 - 2:23 am

  This is my third Jeep, and Im planning on trading in my current Jeep and buying the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited this Fall. A Jeep is not a metal box on wheels, its a reflection on life and its pleasures.

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  4 Cylinder Jeep Cherokee -- Great - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By BarristerMiami - January 30 - 5:33 pm

  Its about time Jeep came out with a 4 cylinder Cherokee! Always have loved Jeep products, but the gas guzzling 4.0 and 3.7 liter 6 cylinder engines are old hat given todays gas prices. Compass is too girly; Patriot is for all. Now Im waiting for a 4 cylinder Wrangler! That would make life sweet.

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  2011 Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By cpollick - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  This was my first new vehicle purchase. I traded in my 06 Mazda hatch for the jeep. I had loved the Mazda and its sporty-ness, but we were looking to get a family vehicle. The jeep is very sporty yet still the SUV feel. My gas mileage is decent( itd be better if I drove it more like an SUV and not my Mazda). Great Jeep! (especially for the money)

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  What A Deal! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave G. - January 30 - 7:30 am

  Was perfectly happy with my 2001 GC Laredo until I saw a "half price" ad in the paper for a new 2008. Went to find the "catch" but ended up buying a loaded GC for less than $17k plus my old 126k miles Laredo - just add tax tag and title! After about one week I have to say this is a much nicer vehicle than my 01 ever was. Leather, fog lites, sunroof, all power, heated seats, adjustable pedals, etc ... First tank at just over 18 mpg and though its not a strong engine, its good enough for what I need. The Boston stereo sounds decent and Sirius for a year is great! Top it all off with the lifetime power train warranty and it was a pretty good deal.

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  Crappy Skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By NB - January 29 - 2:23 pm

  I feel that the Liberty fits a niche between the cute small sport utes and the more expensive larger SUVs. Its kind of in a class by itself. Though I think usually classified with Rav-4, Escape, etc. Compared to them really only 1 choice if you want to ever haul anything or cruise down a trial in the backwoods. Wish they called it the Cherokee again. Im somewhat of a redneck, but work downtown everyday in IT. This Jeep does great for both downtown tight driving/parking and also off road. HUGE HUGE complaint is the skyslider. Horribly designed. Broke immediately and Jeep wont stand behind it. Im considering Lemon Law. Its been in dealership over 10 times for same problem.

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  99 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Robert Bigs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a classic and good looking vehicle. The gas milage is reasonable and the features are more than I need. I like the capability of using it on or off road. It is a great bang for your buck.

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  Great as long as it doesnt see salt - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eddie2002 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great overall vehicle designed for the offroad and more than competent on the road. Definitely not designed for exposure to climates where salt is used for winters. The underpinnings began to rust in 2 years and the body began to peel and streak. This is definitely a cult classic and urban yuppies should know better than to shop this one. This one is for the genuine ORs.