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 Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By drwhkm - April 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport with 82K, and it was a great vehicle to own. Drove great through snow and mud, but also had a smooth highway ride. Engine provided plenty of power, however was also very thirsty. A very well-built, reliable Jeep.

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  Great value - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rakessler - April 27 - 4:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and my first SUV. It has been a pleasure to drive. I have only had one item that needed to be repaired and it was covered under warranty. The Liberty is a great highway cruiser, safe and steady, plus it can go off roading or up to the mountains without any chains or struggle.

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  No Problems - Only Fun - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By scottyindenver - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Jeep Ive not had any problems other than having to replace the windshield because of the rocks and crap on the roads in Colorado during the winter months. I have had to do brake maintenance more often than most do but I also drive 40 miles one way to work from Denver up into the Rockies 5000 feet (coming down that hill every night takes a toll on the brakes). It has been a lot of fun to own - definately glad I replaced my Chevy S- 10 Blazer with the Jeep.

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  freaking love it - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Corey - April 25 - 11:20 am

  I have wanted a Rubi ever since they came out of the factory. I owned an 88 Wrangler that I rebuilt from the frame up. Sad thing is that I built it almost exactly like what the Rubi has in it already. Ive taken it on quite a few road trips so far and I must say, it is one cool ride. Top down with the air flying through your hair or top on with the A/C; either way, provides plenty of power and head turning ability that make it a Jeep.

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  Great Car, Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Missy - April 25 - 4:00 am

  I have owned this now for three months and love the sportiness. However, the estimate of 16/22 mpg is way, way off base. I average 10-12 mpg. city and recently took a trip and averaged 13- 14 mpg highway! Not sure yet if this is worth the upsides of the vehicle. Only other complaint is no cargo nets when hauling groceries in back...stuff rolls out of gate when opened. Third row does block rear view and very little leg room when used. Fine for every day but not as comfortable and roomy for long trips.

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  More time at dealer then home - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerry - April 23 - 8:50 am

  First time Jeep owner, mpg city 10, mpg hwy 20. Big problems with trans. When its cold trys to take off in second then shifts hard in to first. Problems going into rev at times, goes in false neutral when stopping sometimes. Trans whines after it warms up. ABS actives when stopping uphill almost every day. I live on a hill. Problem with check engine light comes on and off. Dealer has no clue. What a suprise! I like the way the ext and int looks. For the most part it runs great, never no problems with the motor. I do all my own maintence so I havent found any leaks. Two times a year I take it to the Nevada desert and bomb through the sand no problems at all. From CA to NV avg 22mpg.

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  Dependable & Fun - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - April 22 - 2:40 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for over 5 years and have had no major problems. This is my primary work vehicle and I spend a lot of time working on the road. I also use it to pull an oversized boat and to go into the field hunting and fishing. It goes and comes back where others cant. 4x4 is easy to operate and totally dependable. The only weak points have been the electronic accessories: heated mirrors, photochromic rearview mirror and rear windshield wiper. Fuel mileage is very good considering its an SUV. I average 22 MPG highway and 16 MPG around town (according to the DIC). 6 cylinder layout is such that regular maintenance is easily accomplished by owner.

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  Window regulators - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By blue01 - April 16 - 10:16 pm

  Oh my God, what do we have to do for Chrysler to recall these window regulators. I have a 2006 Jeep Liberty I bought used in 10-2008 and by 3-2009 my drivers side window went out and less then 1 week later the passenger back window went out. Just to find out that when the warranty company approved the regulators they would not approve the windows. Yes, the new regulator do not fit the old windows so they have to be replace too. After talking and complaning for a week they finally agreed to pay for the windows. Well lord and behold now my drivers side back window went out this weekend. How many more complaints will Chrysler need to recall these Window Regulators. (Frustrated)

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  LOVE THIS RIG - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yakamom - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and now it has 58,000 it runs better than ANY car I have ever had.

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  I like it! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MP - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what everyone is complaining about - I really like this SUV! We used to have a Pathfinder and that was definitely more refined inside and drove more like a car, but the Jeep is great too. It is a bit more "trucky" than the Pathfinder but it is a lot of fun and looks better in my opinion (less sporty, more classy).