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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  Looks Good - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By KH 730 - November 29 - 6:23 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Commander used with only 5,000 miles on it. The car is great looking with an awesome interior design. The sound system is pretty good and the comfort of the car is out of this world. This car handles extremely well in snow. The car is solid & feels very safe. Driving is fun if you can look past the awful gas mileage, this car is a guzzler. We get about 12.5 mpg city and about 18 highway, not the best. The car stalled a few times but we arent sure what caused it. During the extremely cold winter the car would cough when started (not garaged). The passenger side window is possessed but I guess its a known computer error that hasnt been figured out yet.

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  My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Meltaitt - November 27 - 2:33 am

  I have really enjoyed owning this vehicle. I havent had any major issues (knock on wood) other than the usual maintenance. Its fun to drive but I really wish the gas would last a little longer. Other than that Im really happy with my Jeep and I believe that my next vehicle will definitely be a Jeep. Thanks

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  Love this thing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ksimon - November 26 - 10:00 am

  My first jeep. Bought it used but youd never know it to look at it or drive it. I love this thing. Flame red is about as attractive a color as Ive seen. Far more comfortable to drive then my "non jeep" friends warned me it would be. For the first time in my life I am anxiously awaiting a huge snow storm.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is not so bad - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By akuharik - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with Jeep other than the fuel pump went out the first month. It is a 2001 Grand Cherokee.

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  Drivers would be surprised! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By CofCortez - November 26 - 10:00 am

  The new 2003 Jeep X is a great value and will surprise many people how smooth and comfortable the ride is. The X has excellent power and smooth shifting from the Automatic transmission. I have taken it across Baja and down the Pacific coast and have encountered more than a few 4- wheel drive opportunities; the X shines in the sand and dirt as well as driving the LA freeways! The interior layout is very functional and, so far, everything is working fine (air, lights, stereo, etc...) Get one!

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  Most legal fun you can have - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By J1E9E9P8 - November 23 - 12:03 am

  Jeep wave says it all. You are part of a family of out going people who just like having a good time enjoying life. Always changing to suit my needs because I enjoy buying things to make my Jeep a one off creation. Fun to drive, easy to park. Top up, top down, rear window out or all button up with the a/c on. Ever changing with my mood.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jj - November 22 - 12:26 am

  I was really apprehensive about buying a Jeep but looking at the Liberty with its features and price I decided to take the chance. Bought the 08 Liberty Sport 4x4 slightly used (2700 miles) and couldnt be happier. It was great on the snow this winter. Drove it 1700 miles cross-country. Comfortable drive even at 80 mph plus. Drove it off road on some of Arizonas most challenging roads. It performed well in all instances. No comments on reliability yet (still only have 6700 miles on it). But so far so good.

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  First-time Jeep Owner - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dpvdpv - November 21 - 10:00 am

  with $3K off the MSRP and another $3.5K off from incentives and a decent rate of 5.20% through Chrysler made this purchase a no-brainer - very worried I was making a mistake, but could not have been happier with the purchase - no other SUV with Leather, sun-roof, and inline 6 could be gotten for this price. And I got the 5/60K warranty for an extra $800.00

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  Problems - But Still Happy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Vince - November 21 - 8:36 am

  Ive owned my Liberty Diesel for ~ 4 months and its needed service twice already. The engine died due to a wiring harness short on day 2 of ownership and it recently developed an intercooler (turbo component) leak requiring service. Nevertheless, Im still pleased. Mileage has been 25+ MPG on the highway, ~ 23 combined city/highway. Towing a 3000 pound boat is absolutely effortless. Im hoping all the bugs are worked out because this Jeep is a blast to drive!

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  Running Fine - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CTODD92 - November 21 - 3:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for over 20K miles and have taken it to Iceland and Hawaii without incident. I had to replace the automatic rear hatch lock and the battery (both known problems). However, maintenance and parts was rather simple. The vehicle performs when I need a 4x4 but looks at home stylingwise in town. I am averaging 13.5 mpg in town. I wish that was a little better. I would suggest regular maintenance intervals be met and probably a front brake upgrade and airflow filter kit. Other than that, good used vehicle!