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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  Go Anywhere - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rocking - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Besides my 04 Rubicon I also have a 2000 Sport 5m. Both have dual tops. The 2000 gets 17 mpg the Rubicon gets 12 MPG. I drive both the same. Its time to bring out the turbo diesel 4 cyl and see what it can do. Dont get me wrong I would buy it again. But like others my 3/4 ton chevy 4X4 gets 17 mpg. I am headed to Moab next week Ill see how it holds up.

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  Jeep Overland Rocks - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cody Oh - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I never even considered a Jeep until this year. I been strictly a Chevy man driving Blazers and Tahoes. But a salesman at a Jeep dealer challenged me to just try one. I had already made up my mind a Grand Cherokee was junk. That is until I drove it. WOW!!! This Overland rode like a dream, handled very well and accelerated like a rocket. I thought the 5.7 vortec in my hoe was peppy. But the 4.7 high output v8 in this Overland blows it away. Itll be a long time before I ever buy another over priced, over rated, GM.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JIMRX - May 9 - 4:30 am

  Good-looking truck and easy to drive. Lousy gas mileage and not comfortable for a six-foot male. However, my 16 year-old enjoys driving it around town. Fun to drive.

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  Cherokee worthy, love the new look - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By tbone - May 7 - 11:20 am

  Although we just drove it home last week, we have been able to take it out and test it in true Colorado fashion. The jeep name holds true with the 08 Liberty... Very impressed with how quite the ride is on the interstate as well. Going to enjoy this jeep for years to come...

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  personal experience - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cathy - May 7 - 5:46 am

  I bought a 05 Grand Cherokee after driving a 04 4Runner Sport v8. I have to say that I like the options that you can get on the Laredo. The auto stick was the best thing that ever happened to the SUV buyers. It does wonderful on and off road and awesome when needing to pick up speed. And comes in very handy when driving in snowy weather. Gives you control of your SUV. I have never had problems with the engine light, but then I never let my gas run down to the reserve. Anyone knows that if you do that and it gets lower - the light will come on. Had an adjustment for the transmission in shop once - it needed a supplement fluid put in transmission for the auto stick use. I have never had any problems since.

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  99 jeep gr cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep Pirate - May 5 - 10:00 am

  i Love this truck ill never own anything but a jeep

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  Awesome, Dude! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By flyfishrjs - May 4 - 8:40 am

  I LOVE MY JEEP! This is the second Jeep Ive owned, and I am absolutely in love. The gas mileage stinks, but no surprise there. This is a great sized vehicle - bigger than a Grand Cherokee, but smaller than a Tahoe. Great for fishing, hunting, skiing, and getting around town. My black lab loves it too!

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  14yrs and counting - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By 14yrs and counting - May 3 - 4:03 am

  This was my dream car when I was 19. Now Im 33 with a kid, but I still have it since its paid for and runs well. Have driven this from WI to the beaches in Oregon, Key West, New Orleans and out to Baltimore. I promised my nephew when he was two he could have the car when he turned 16. Hes eight now, but has decided he would like a car that stays dry and is quiet. I would simply like cup holders, but thats why I unplug the drains and rinse out the car. I disliked the car while I went through a bad spell of mechanics, but I have Nick to fix it now. When my three year old is able he can fix my car for me!! I didnt think it was possible to have one car my whole life.

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  Never Go Back - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - April 30 - 2:10 pm

  I had always wanted a Wrangler and when I got one I was more than pleased. I was a little nervous to get one with all the problems I had heard about with the Cherokees, but, now that I have a Wrangler, I will never go back to another vehicle. I live in Alaska and the Jeep works great on and off the road. Heat is great even at - 40F, fuel economy is alright, very fun to drive. No problems so far even after I got in an accident. The only damage I had was a dented bumper. Other vehicle could not say the same. The only things I could complain about would be a better stereo package (hard to hear with the top down) and the amount of rust on the underside. Overall, an awesome reliable vehicle

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  Looks Good Runs Good Lots Of Problems - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan - April 30 - 5:03 am

  Purchased vehicle with 49k on it in 2005. Now has 78k on it and weve had to: Replace rotors and brakes, front and rear; rear axle seals and bearings; front drive shaft boot; passenger side window module; drivers side rear & passenger front locks; drivers side break light assembly (because of short in internal wiring/sautering); dash speakers keep blowing; fan clutch; hood struts; on date of purchase had a rear drive shaft seal replaced. Shortly after purchase transfer case/rear end started making a clunking noise from stop and go. Not a scratch on it, almost as clean as a new one. Jeep is garaged and full service every 3000 miles. Only driven to work and back with occational road trip.