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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  Several Problems - Water and Automatic Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ondago - December 24 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this vehicle brand new in the summer of 2007. The first ice storm that winter, I got water leaking in through the sun roof to the interior lights which then went all over the dashboard through the radio and electronics. Dealer took care of the problem under warranty. At only 125,000 kms (less than 3 years old) I had to replace the transmission. Dealer also took care of this even though the car wasnt under warranty - I paid the value of labor. Still the transmission slips on acceleration, not sure how long this one will last. Dealership has been fantastic but will admit the vehicle itself is a bit of a lemon but I love the brand Jeep. So very disappointed in this vehicle.

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  What a difference - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Janson - December 24 - 6:56 pm

  I owned a 95 wrangler,which I loved but what an improvement they have made. Better ride, no whistling through the windows and with the addition of the four doors, much easier entry. The passenger room in the back is better than most of the other suvs I looked at. If you get the stick sift make sure you get the 3.73 gear and not the 3.21 ratio the difference in performance is like night and day.

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  Great SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dmb499 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I got this jeep recently and i love it. i got it in the winter and it snowed the next day so i loved it. didnt slip once while i was in 4wd. its my first 4wd vehicle and i will never get a non 4wd car again. this thing rocks!

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  Love It!!!!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JoJosJeep - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my little Liberty! I have had it for 2 and 1/2 years and it has only been in the shop for routine oil changes and the recall for ball joint. No problems with heating, cooling or anything. I totally enjoy this vehicle. It could have a little more trunk space but then it wouldnt be the sporty little SUV that it is. I do have to say that I really dislike Daimler Chrysler for the customer no-service. The ball joint recall letter never arrived and the telephone folks are abysmal. Probably would think long and hard before I buy another one of their products. But I do love my Liberty and hopefully will continue too.

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  Fun for All - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kirbside - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Black Jeep Liberty Renagade in January of 2003. I have driven it for over a year and I am very pleased. It handles well, looks great and is fun to drive.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Green Side Up - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Seats are a little hard but otherwise, comfortable. Great visability and excellent turning radius.

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  Jeep Rocks!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lrpena - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After owning several other jeeps I thought on giving the liberty a try and have not been disappointed at all this is a true Jeep at heart. If you’re looking for a True SUV that doesn’t require truck driving skills look no further.

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  3 generations of Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donald1 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  A 2004 Overlander was purchased last year with only 1903 miles. My 1993 is still running strong with 178,500 miles and show no signs of faultering. I spent about 4,000 dollars at 103,000 miles to over haul miscellanous parts and tune-up from had to toe. The money was well spent, this truck will last at least another 5-6 years. The overlander is a nice truck, very fast,nimble and nice ride, the back seat is tight for 3 adults. No mechanical& electrical problems yet only the side Overlander emblems had to be replaced due to the plastic lamination started peeling back.

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  GrandCherokee is a good SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lisa c - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive, comfortable and manuverable. I think you get what you pay for with Jeep. If you are looking for a luxury model of the SUV, go with the Limited or Overland. And make it a V8. I got the V6 because I wanted to have a smaller gas bill and "pickup" and acceleration of the jeep arent important to me. They are nice, a classic sports, beach, family & friends, great for shopping, traveling & they are roomy. Just do your appraisal and look at all your options before making your decision

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  THE TRUE SUV WORK HORSE - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Benjamin B - December 23 - 3:00 am

  Aside from using it as a commuter car, it was used as a utility truck carrying anything from logs to pavers to furniture, etc. A transmission leak was noticed on the 7th year which was never really "fixed" by anyone=although it never gave u a big problem=no breakdowns. Additional minimal problems up until the AC conked out on its 10th year. Had the freon loaded just to get through the summer. After the winter of 2008, we traded it in for an import. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very reliable vehicle.