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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  Great fun - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By rvdown - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this to anyone who has to drive it all the time (fuel economy and bumpy ride) but its great to take out every now and then. I love the convertible aspect, sitting high like a truck but whipping into parking spaces, and the noise (especially in 1st gear) makes me feel like I own the road.

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  Wish it were brand new - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jake - November 4 - 8:23 am

  Like the size and driver visibility. The features are good. The motor has a 180k miles on it and uses a qt of oil every 1500. Hoping to drive it for another 16 months and then buy something newer (or new).

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  Owner - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Doris Magan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It drives really wonderful, I really dont have any compliants.

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  Awesome rugged little beauty! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tiggitytony - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 2003 Liberty Sport. So far, I have enjoyed driving it. For all those thinking of buying a liberty, I suggest getting the V6. This engine has a lot of power, even with a full load in the back, you dont feel it struggling. The 4WD system is very easy to use, very little effort to engage. The interior is great, the layout of the dashboard is simple and easy to use. The seats are firm and provide comfort and support. The exterior does a good job of showing its ruggedness, whoever says this Jeep is cute deserves to be shot - go drive your weak CRV/RAV4.

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  Love It ! ! ! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By lorick - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride and handling. A pure joy to drive.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tom Gretz - November 3 - 7:50 am

  This SUV is vastly under rated. The ride is extremely smooth and the performance of the 4.7 V8 is perfect for this SUV. Jeep has done a superb job with the finish and quality. I like the heavy duty look of the interior and the location of the controls especially the location of the emergency brake lever. I also own a Honda Pilot and this SUV is actually a step above the Pilot in overall driving capabilities. Its about time Daimler Chrysler listens to what people want in a midsize SUV. By the way the third seat, although not really suited for large adults on long trips, is perfect for that emergency situation when an extra person or two arrive on the scene. Overall this SUV is great!

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  It is a truck afterall! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By John V - October 31 - 5:03 pm

  All the "experts" like KBB, Edmunds, Cars.com etc keep trying to compare the Liberty to the RAV4, CR-V and Outlander among others. Its a truck not a car. This is my 3rd Liberty and by far the best. Great, comfortable ride; features and safety equipment found only on more expensive SUVs. One knows going in that the mileage is not the greatest because its a Jeep thing.

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  Too Much Fun! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bert - October 31 - 3:23 pm

  Convertible sports car owners eat your heart out! The open air driving experience doesnt get any better than this...and you dont have to worry about getting a ticket racing anyone. It sure is nice not to worry about the road conditions limiting you when the outdoors call. I used to have to get friends with high clearance vehicles and 4x4s to take me to the hiking and biking trail heads. Not anymore, I am like a dog in the back of a pickup truck now days, smiling the whole time, and I go when I want. I have a Sahara with all of the bells and whistles because I liked the fenders the same as the body color. It is a great way to travel in a very capable vehicle in style.

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  disappointed on my2009 jeep - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By oliva1 - October 30 - 2:50 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Gand Cher. Laredo and have problems with it starting at about 6,000 miles. When I acclerate going into the highway it does nothing and than all of sudden it shoots out. It does not happen all the time, but it is dangerous when you have only a certain amount of time to acclerate before a car comes up on you behind. I have complained to the dealership for over a year and half and all they have told me is they cannt find anything wrong (the computer does not regester it). I have almost had 3 accidents because of this and yesterday I had to go the side of the road in order for a truck not to plow into my rear end as we were getting on the interstate. It is at the dealer

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  Family Member - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rod - October 30 - 9:46 am

  Bought as new and have 120K with nothing other than normal maintenance items and has been driven off-road. Original engine and tranny, still easily passes CA smog gets 25 mpg hwy and 16 city. Change oil every 3k - 4K miles. Paint in great condition but rear liftgate shocks are wearing out. No other complaints.