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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  loving it - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jenna77 - May 18 - 3:51 am

  I always wanted a SUV and we had 2 paid off vehicles so didnt really want to go buy one. Then we wrecked our truck so we decided to replace it with an SUV. Not knowing Id be getting an SUV soon I just went test driving different SUVs. Bought this because I loved the ride. Ive had it 2 years now. It had kind of high miles when I got it but I work 1 mile from home so the miles are not adding up fast anymore. I love love love it. Ive had no problems whatsoever. Does great in our Utah snow.

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  wonderful - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Erikro - May 18 - 2:00 am

  there just a rocks hevy duty engines but to expensive toy. realy easy to work on, lots of space on the hood

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  Great vehicle with some exceptions... - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmh - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I am the orginal owner of my Jeep and after 150,000 miles it still looks and runs wonderful. The interior has generally held up but it rattles more than Id like it to, but this vehicle is 10 years old so its expected. Ive replaced the water pump, radiator and catalytic converter and had the trasnmission rebuilt at about 100k. These problems are typical over the years, however, the brakes have always been a nightmare. Other than that, I love this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years to come.

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  Solid Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep00 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 6 cyl version has the 190hp (before this was 180hp) engine which has good acceleration and excellent torque. This yr. also allows you to turn off the pass. side airbag. Overall, good engine reliability. Ave. mileage is 18 mpg. Had it back to the dealership 3X for a water leak which dripped down in the driver side area near the pedals. Still not fixed...

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee- Rocks Competition - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep FAN 2004 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The 4.7L V8 has handled every condition possible for the Northern VA/DC area. The powerful engine is amazing, and is awesome on hills. It can handle off- road, to a stroll in the neighborhood. The car has been built to meet great standards. Not only does the car look powerful, the Jeep is meticulously pieced together with strong, and reliable parts. When it all comes together, it is an agressive 4x4 that gives you the horsepower you love and luxury you need. Many people underestimate the capabilities of the Grand Cherokee, but they then learn that the SUV has one of the highest rated off-road suspensions in its class.

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  My Red Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By elvjeep - May 17 - 10:00 am

  To me, It,s important to have a vehicle that will preform in all types of weather...My jeep does this. To have a body style thats old fashion but not old, practicle with strong features.I can hardly identify all the new cars on the road today...but you know a jeep when you see one. I will buy another unless they radically change.[I,m 62 yrs old and I love my jeep]

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  jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By micscubby - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a very reliable jeep. The 6 cyl.4.0l engine has enough horsepower and love the 4 wd in wis

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  Great vehicle for all seasons and all reasons - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By brunobravo - May 17 - 7:55 am

  Bought it new and put 180K miles on it. Had it for 10 years. Had one repair on it. Hairline crack on exhaust manifold. Replaced it with a header for $140.00 + $60.00 to install. That was the only repair other than brakes, battery & tires. This Jeep never let me down and very dependable.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bimmermann88 - May 16 - 12:06 pm

  It is a fun and smooth ride. It is fun off road but does not feel like the rugged feel when youre off road

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  2007 Wrangler 2DR w/Freedom Top - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ros - May 15 - 7:13 pm

  Unable to use back seat due to poor design of Freedom Hard top and inability of passenger seat to fold forward far enough for easy access even for small dog. In my opinion, it would be almost impossible to get any passengers out in case of a crash.