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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  Love the Sahara - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - February 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my first Sahara in 1998. I Put 100,000 miles on it with no major problems. Just bought a 2009 2dr Sahara...absolutely LOVE IT! I must admit I test drove other SUVs before making my purchase. The others just dont compare. The Sahara is solid, rides great, is quiet (with hardtop) and is a very reliable, fun vehicle to own! (and, if you have to, you can go wherever you want!)

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  Favorite vehicle of all time - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carolina Jeeper - February 22 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep was a 40th birthday present to myself. Its a great vehicle. My favorite of all time. Has been reliable, is rugged, and there is no shortage of ways to upgrade and make it better.

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  Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By thennig - February 21 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle about five years ago and still enjoy driving it! The inline six is a tough and reliable engine (original AMC engine design with some Chrysler modern mortifications). The vehicle is truly a SUV, it’s nothing to brag about, it’s very thirsty, and it’s very versatile. What can I say, “It’s a Jeep!”

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  Trend Bucking Laredo Delivers 220K Before Giving Up the Ghost - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve_f1 - February 21 - 4:38 am

  I bought my GC new, in Aug, 2002. Its only options were side curtain airbags. Its finally giving up the ghost, as its turning over to 220,000 miles. Its been the image of reliability. Replaced: Starter - 175K, 1 rear wheel bearing - 130K, power steering hose - 165K, 1 ignition coil - 143K. It burned a quart of oil every 4K until about 180k, when it began going through a quart every 5-600. It still starts instantly. Brakes? Of course. They went rumbly 17K, but I then had them turned on the vehicle, and they were good for another 50. I upgraded them to the later style calipers, and added ATE grooved rotors at 126K. Sadly, its leaking and smoking badly now. New ride time.

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep Lover - February 19 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my Jeep on 2004. This is awesome. No major maintenance except normal wear and tear. The engine is awesome. I have 128,000 mile on it so far. Looks like my coolant is leaking but these things are fixable. The bottom line is Engine which is awesome. I love Inline 6. This is a little monster in the snow. I am not kidding. Its a part time 4 wheel drive. when it snows, put it to 4 wheel and there you go, you will fly leaving all the cars and SUVs behind.

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  mpg going down - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gasaholic - February 19 - 5:26 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I think it is a great vehicle. When I first got it the computer said I was getting 19.2 mpg. around town. Now my tail pipe is black with soot and the best I can get is 17 on the highway. Took it to the dealer; they told me it was the way I drive and I put cheap gas in it. There was nothing wrong. If the problem does not hit them in the head they will not look for it. Service department stinks just like most dealerships. I only have 2500 miles on it. The mpg should have gotten better. Outside of that I highly recommend the grand Cherokee. It is night and day over the 2004.

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  TOO MUCH FUN - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By P.T. - February 19 - 6:50 am

  Purchased a 2002 black Jeep Wrangler X in 2005. After 10,000 miles of pure fun, no problems at all. Take the top off in the summer and cruise down by the beach. In the winter go and rescue other drivers including over confident TRUCK drivers. No complaints.

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  Love my Jeep, but it is having problems with transmission already - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mahrissa18 - February 19 - 2:12 am

  Love my Jeep, but it is having problems with transmission already. Last night it would not go into park. I had to leave it in neutral in my garage over night with the e-brake on and Jeep powered off. When i woke up this morning the battery had died. AAA is here to bring it back to the dealership for the 2nd time, since i purchased it Dec. 19th. I get the message on the screen to "service trans" & literally it will not shift into park. It only has 500 miles on it. I am disappointed & frustrated. When i brought it in the 1st time they said it just needed a software update. Looks like they were wrong. It wont even take a jump so theyre towing it in right now. Other than this i LOVED my Jeep.

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  Jeep CEO Doesnt Respond - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Henris Hemi - February 17 - 9:46 pm

  54 year old Wash, DC granny loves power and stares of Steel Blue Hemi. Nav screen is huge and awesome! But should work as a front DVD too. Open front doors during rain to exit, allows water to pour onto control panel. I fear what thats gonna cost. 3rd row seat is a joke - leaving no room for even 2 grocery bags. Overland is the elitist of Jeeps and should come standard with mud guard mats to protect carpet year round. Suede seats should be optional. 3rd row head rests are too BIG and block 85% of back window so I ran into a Toyota while backing into a handicap space. Front slide moon roof is too small compared to my 1989. Back moon windows should open. Rear DVD cover always falls off.

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  Jeep-Head Jack - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep-Head Jack - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Jeep. I bought after my 1992 Cherokee Laredo finally gave up the ghost after 396,724 miles. Yes, Virginia, Jeeps DO last more than 30,000 miles. My wife has a 2001 60th Anniversary Edition Cherokee and loves it. Solid, rugged, fun to drive, reliable and popular - thats what has turned me and many of my friends into "Jeep-Heads". My next Jeep will be a Wrangler of some sort.