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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  Never Again - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - October 4 - 10:13 am

  I bought this Jeep to downsize from a Chevy Suburban, not to go lower quality. Brake rotors replace within 6 months. Differentials are LOUD all the time. Heating and Air selector sometimes switches to different zones, sometimes doesnt. Three water pump replacements in 2 years. Warning light came on yesterday "Low Coolant" - so this is never going to end. The transmission hesitates from 2nd to 3rd gear, I dont even want to talk about the trouble of going to 4WD and back. I have to make sure I have a clear area before switching 4WD/2WD. However, I like the looks, I love the interior driving position and center console. The engine is still strong and torquey.

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  2000 GCherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmh2603 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have over 100,000 miles on my GCherokee. Biggest maintenance was replacement of the water pump. No oil buring, runs great on highway. Secret of longevity is probably the basic in- line six cylinder engine. Its bullet proof.

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  These things are great !!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean7373 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned cherokees, grand cherokees and my girlfriend owns a liberty and this is by far the most fun and versitle vehicle I have ever owned.You cant beat a convertable in the summer and the best four wheel drive system to get you through winter.

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By digifine - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently moved to colorado and participate in a number of active sports. This vehicle has been the perfect match. I knew what I was getting into buying this, and frankly I expected a much cruder and unrefined vehicle. I have had numerous passengers comment on how nice the ride is compared to older jeeps. But who cares about that? Offroad is where this thing shines, wheter it be a technical 4x4 trail or the deep colorado snow, it handels it in stride. Built very solid, strong engine, can you say torque? Hasnt had a single mechanical problem- Im good with maintainace, but am not shy about flogging it on the trail.

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  Good, inexpensive 4WD wagon - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By x_defector - October 3 - 10:28 pm

  My Patriot is a 2.4 Latitude 4x4 but with a manual trans and not a CVT (something the Jeep site says shouldnt exist). There is lots to like here: the size is right, the price is low, the feature content is high for the price, the interior is roomy and comfortable, visibility is excellent, its quiet, the seats are great, the ride and handling balance is very good, and the 4WD system works well and has a locking center diff. I love the simplicity of the interior although the materials could be better, but they look long-wearing. Plenty of cargo room in reality. Looks far better than the soap-bar competetion and remains a true 4WD station wagon. For someone like me, a solid choice.

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  Overall Good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet Lynn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had mine since March 2004. There are some features that take some getting use too. One is that the window controls are in the center not on the door. Two- the headlight stay on for a few minutes after you turn them off. The first couple of times I thought I left my lights on. The front of my vehicle got hit by a tailgate of a truck the front grill just cracked and one of the headlight broke. There are many good points. It has quit of bit of pick up.It is generally fun to drive

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  Patriot 2007 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Adolfo Gracia - September 27 - 7:03 pm

  Not good: Interior finish. Reworks and mold flaws can be found in plastic parts. Ceiling or door noise during vibe roads. Noisy front seats. Good: Fuel economy. Suspension comfort. Exterior Jeep look.

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  2001 Gran Cherokee Laredo a class act - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wwwallywww - September 27 - 10:00 am

  What I expect after owning a 93 Gran Cherokee Laredo. Its still the best styled of all the SUVs out there. No real complaints about the interior. The ride is a huge improvement over the 1993. AC Compressor froze with about 16,000 miles on the car, dealer replaced under warrenty with no problem. 4.0 litre 6.

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  Jwaugaman review - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jwaugaman - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have put 85,000 miles on it in 3 and a half years and not had any major problems. It has excellent power (V8) and not unreasonable gas mileage.

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  Check your airbags! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Crash Test Dummy 101 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought a new Jeep 2002 Liberty Renegade and fell in love with it. For two months we were in SUV bliss. Then when we accidentally hit a curb the airbag went off and caused us to crash into a concrete column. The Jeep was totalled. This has been a really rough time for us. We have owned 3 Cherokees and this was our first and last Liberty. The airbag system needs a design overhaul - or - our Liberty was a lemon, I am not going to buy another one to find out. I guess this is what you get when you buy a 1.0 version of a new year run. The car only had 2000 miles on it.