Jeep Cars | Used Cars, Motorbikes, Vans & Other Vehicles

The origin of the word, "Jeep", in association with the � now world famous � motor vehicle is unclear. It possibly dates back to World War I, when any vehicle received for testing, by U.S. army mechanics was apparently referred to as a "jeep", or it may have something to do with the ingenious "Eugene the Jeep" character, who first appeared in "Popeye" cartoon strips in the 1930s. In any case, the name, "Jeep", today, has become synonymous with engineering excellence, coupled with classic styling and practicality.

About Jeep
The first Jeep was the result of the combined efforts of the Bantam Car Company, Willys-Overland and Ford, in response to a request from the U.S. army, during World War II. Willys-Overland manufactured more than 300,000 individual Jeep units during World War II, and the potential of the Jeep as a civilian, as well as a military, vehicle was recognised well before the end of the war. The "Jeep" trademark was first registered by Willys-Overland, in 1950, and its ownership has since passed to Henry Kaiser, in 1953, the American Motors Corporation, in 1970, and, most recently to the Chrysler Corporation. The introduction of the Jeep Wagoneer, during the Kaiser years, paved the way for the more recent Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and the Jeep Wrangler was originally launched, by American Motors, in 1987. The development of right-hand drive models, in the 1990s, opened up new possibilities for export to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

Some Current Jeep Models
The Jeep Wrangler is essentially an off-road vehicle, as is very much designed as such. Its appearance is that of an authentic, direct descendent of a Willys-Overland Jeep, and it is equipped with a removable top, a folding windscreen, and drain holes in the floor, for cleaning, should that be necessary. New models are available in a choice of 2, or 4, doors, and feature a 2.8 litre common rail diesel engine. Older models are available in 2.5 litre � although this was discontinued in 2000 � and 4.0 litre, versions, but while off-road performance is good, the Jeep Wrangler fares less well on the road, where its is considered to be noisy and unpleasant, particularly for motorway driving. Fuel consumption is also limited, to 25 miles per gallon, or less, depending on the type of driving that you do.

The Jeep Cherokee is available in 2.8 litre, and 5.0 litre, common rail diesel versions, with the option of a six-speed manual, or automatic, gearbox. Either is also available in so-called "Sport", or "Limited", versions, which feature, for example, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches. If you considering the purchase of a used Jeep Cherokee, remember that the oil in a turbo diesel version needs to be changed more frequently than in a petrol version, so it is worth obtaining, and checking, the service history.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is similarly available in a choice of engine types and capacities, this time a 4.0 litre, and a 4.7 litre, V8 petrol engine, and a 2.7 litre V6 common rail diesel engine. Once again, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is robust enough, and has sufficient ground clearance, to tackle just about any off-road terrain. On the road, however, it is not renowned for its handling, although its light steering does allow it to be manoeuvred into tight parking spaces with comparative ease.

The Jeep Patriot features typical "boxy" design, and a recognisable Jeep grille, but is also equipped with large bumpers, and 17 inch alloy wheels, giving it, perhaps, a slightly more "sporty" appearance than some other Jeep models. Its 2.0 litre diesel engine delivers 138bhp, and, in combination with a six-speed gearbox, a top speed of 117 mph. The Jeep Patriot performs reasonably well on the road, where there is surprisingly little "play" in the suspension, for an essentially off-road vehicle.

Buying a Used Jeep
All Jeep enthusiasts, and anyone who, by necessity, needs a vehicle with off-road capability, would, of course, like to own a brand new Jeep. Brand new Jeeps, however, are not cheap � �16,000 for a new Jeep Patriot, up to over �40,000 for a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, is typical � and, given the reliability, and longevity of all Jeep models, purchasing second hand is a very popular option. Savings typically of between 25% and 80% on the price of a new Jeep can be made by buying used, and used Jeeps, generally, offer excellent value for money. You obviously need to match your chosen model to its intended use; off-road driving, for example, requires a robust, box type, body frame, which is not, necessarily, a requirement for driving on the road. If you are in any doubt about any aspect of a Jeep, there are numerous specifications, reviews and reports on the Internet, which may be able to provide you with the information that you are looking for. In addition, a "friendly" mechanic, at your local Jeep dealership, may be able you to provide you with an insight into lesson known Jeep features, and things to look out for. Look, too, at the how a Jeep sits on the road. It should sit squarely when viewed from the front, or the back, and be slightly higher at the back, when viewed from the side. Any deviation from this may suggest that a Jeep has been subjected to intensive use, and that something may be amiss.