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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  A LOT o BANG FOR THE BUCK ! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepinspence - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my second "Tj" model Jeep Wrangler in a row, and they just keep getting better! While mine is a "base" model SE it came with a ton of upgrades to make it a very liveable unit! Mine came with a the premium sound system and sub woofer option as well as the new 4ply soft top for better sound and climate insulation. I also bought mine with the automatic transmission and upgraded grizzly aluminum rims. All in all in makes for a very nice looking package in Stone White paint with black top and trim! The only option I regret NOT getting is AC...dont fall into the old trap of "its a convertible , you dont need ac!"

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  2007 Wrangler X Std - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frank - March 24 - 8:26 pm

  Drive up and down mountain roads in So. CA. Handles very well in the curves and plenty of power climbing hills. In the snow is very stable.

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  Works for us - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By timmcd75 - March 24 - 4:50 am

  Buy this vehicle: If you need temporary 3rd row seating for smaller kids only. Dont buy this vehicle: if youre looking for large interior capacity and 3 roomy rows of seats. We traded in our 08 Grand Cherokee for a 2010 Commander. The same 3.7L V6 is in both. It is under powered but it doesnt bother us. We can easily get on the freeway and up to speed. Towing or driving in the mountains is where youd notice the lack of power the most I think. We traded up to get the 3rd row to throw our kids in the back when my parents visit so we dont have to take 2 cars. We didnt have to rearrange our garage either to make it fit.

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  Its good for me... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ramblerman - March 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this Jeep with 117,000 miles on it. I had to rebuild the steering and put tires on it. The exhaust manifold was broken (a common problem on the 4.0L Jeep motors), but I replaced it with a lifetime guaranteed manifold from Gale Banks Engineering. It runs great and has no problem merging with traffic getting on the Interstate highways. It has the leather seats and I may install seat heaters because of that. It seems a little more cramped inside than my 86 Cherokee, but its still not too bad to drive three hours to work.

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  Still runs like a champ! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By RedRagtopYJ - March 22 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Wrangler brand spankn new. I wanted it so bad, when the dealership called me to say my order was in, I made my girlfriend take me up there to look at it all wrapped up! The Jeep Wrangler/CJ is the only vehicle that makes me get excited like some silly kid. Ive done some off-roading, but nothing extreme. Ive NEVER been stuck off-road, nor in the snow. Its been a pleasure to drive daily for the past 13 years. Its not perfect, by any means, but something Ive cherished. Getting almost 170,000 miles on it now, the 4.0 inline 6 is tickidy, but keeps on going. From talking to others, this engine is good for 250,000 or better. And you thought only Hondas got that kinda life.

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  Rubicon or nothing!!! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By webou812 - March 21 - 3:53 am

  Starting it up the first time,and driving off was awesome! Turned the first corner and hopped off road! Incredible!! on or ff road. Ive owned lots of 4x4s including other jeeps, and this years 2008 jeep Rubicon has them all beat, hands down! If you can afford the Rubicon, get it with some of the new whistles and bells, power windows/locks in a jeep too cool! The new hardtop is a must it provides security, much warmer in the cold months, and best of all it comes apart in 3 pieces! I highly recommend this Jeep Rubicon!! Love the wheels too. All in all its hands down the best jeep Ive ever seen, and the best 4x4 Ive ever had! Dont forget to wave, Its a jeep thing!!!

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  Guess I got lucky - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David - March 21 - 2:20 am

  I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has over 162K on it and still runs great. I have to replace the brake rotors too often but other than that its been very reliable. It failed to get me to my destination only twice. Once, with about 20K miles, the float in the gas tank failed, resulting in an inaccurate gas tank reading. Consequently I ran out of gas. Then at about 155K the ignition switch failed so it wouldnt start. Im going to keep it until it dies! I do some minor off roading, nothing too tough - more ruts and rocks than anything else. I have the V6, and it gets 17-19 MPG.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Kelly - March 20 - 6:03 am

  I bought this car after a Liberty because I was trying to save on gas. Saved there lost elsewhere. I am 510 and this car is NOT for tall people. The roof is not like other cars and when I pull up to stop lights (on the white line) I have to duck my head to see what color the light is. I do like how it whips around corners and handles great. However, after having this car for a week, I am in the process of returning it. I wish the roof was better and didnt have the extra material by the windshield. Jeep struck out with this one for tall people.

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  its fun - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By red - March 19 - 3:00 pm

  love it. had it a month now, its been to the dessert and was awesome. climbing power and stable.out of our group the jeeps pulled the sand rail home lol

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  Wifes Toy - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By moneypit - March 15 - 2:00 am

  S far so good. Wife cant log enough miles. Interior very roomy for small vehicle. Ride a lot smoother than expected and tinted windows a must. Only complaint to date is fuel mileage.