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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  My first SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Erin - July 5 - 1:10 am

  This is my first SUV and was kind of worried about the insurance and the gas, but after calling and found out that the insurance was half the price of my other car bad up for the 3mpg difference of what I was getting in my car. I drive 80 miles round trip to work and find it very comfortable. I bought this suv for myself, but my husband drives it more then me. I think it is time to buy him one now.

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  Jeep GC Overland - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By casey24 - July 4 - 8:30 pm

  Ive owned 1 wrangler,leased 3 GCs and 2 Libertys. I bought the Jeep Overland after comparing it with Land Rover, Benz and Audi. I was so impressed with Jeeps exterior,interior and price. I am a loyal Jeep guy and thought about the Land Rover, but the price was not worth the value. I love this truck and I am glad I stuck with Jeep. It is a head turner, very comfortable and the power is unreal. Every morning I look forward to driving to work because of the luxury and sound system and the ride. I know there is a new design out in 2011, but it will have to be drastic to get me out of this one.

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  Good entry SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By juggalonic - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  Overall I love my Liberty. For the money you can not find a better small SUV. The only negatives I have found: small-ish gas tank (roughly 300 miles to a tank); plastic trim pieces scratch easily (but are not too noticeable); sitting position takes getting used to in front seats (wide transmission tunnel, I heard that this actually better after the redesign). The exterior looks are aggressive and the 3.7 L engine has plenty of PEP. It did fine hauling 2 motos on a trailer also. The basic options are better than the competitors and the safety features are tops too. No small SUV holds value like a Jeep (and I am a Ford man!)

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  poor power - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepX - July 4 - 7:26 am

  If you want a beautiful convertible 4WD this is your option. But if you need power, you rather keep working other options.

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  great - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jack black - July 4 - 2:00 am

  amazing vehicle

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  This is one fun vehicle! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kayley - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any major problems with my Jeep - the only problem I have had (and still have after having it in to be fixed twice)is with the heater not working correctly - its a small price to pay for an otherwise reliable and fun vehicle!

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  Noting but trouble - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MBJ - July 4 - 2:00 am

  If you need a car to get you to work this is NOT your vehicle!! My Jeep has been in the garage 20 times in the last twenty two months for various problems. At 16,000 miles the engine blew, the alternator has gone, I have had four stereo speakers replaced, and the brakes need to be fixed every 5,000 miles. This is without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. Admittedly it is comfortable inside but I only have the car three weeks out of every month. To compound matters when it does break down the dealer feels it it fair to give me a subcompact as a replacement. If you are considering this vehicel I implore you to do your research!!!

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  2006 Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Miti - July 3 - 11:53 pm

  Its a nice driver. Power, though not great, is more than adequate. In town, its difficult to keep the speed down less than 40. Power windows on console took a while to get used to, but it works well. Good vision all around, and I like the solidity of the side view mirrors. I also like the versatility of the vehicle. The 60-40 rear seat is a good idea. So is the pop up rear window. Saves damage. All in all, its a good car, although Id like it if it were a bit more fuel efficient.

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  Fun for any age - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Big T - July 3 - 4:53 pm

  This is simply a fun vehicle! It has good room, comfort and good safety features. Cant wait for the warm to take the top off but the Atlanta inch of snow was pretty fun too. Nope, not a little Hummer.

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  Always Wanted an Overland - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blankster - July 3 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep; the prior ones were a 2001 Limited and a 2004 Limited. Each time I bought one there was general improvement in features, comfort and reliability. This 2007 Overland is a huge jump over the 2004. Ride and handling are much improved. The interior seems more spacious and quieter. The new features (backup camera & remote start) are now must haves on my list. The power of the 5.7 Hemi over the previous 4.7 is very noticeable. Fuel economy is in the same range as the 4.7 (still improving as I put more miles on it). Overall a much improved and refined vehicle - less truck like than the previous generation. Looking forward to going on a long trip with this one.