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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What I think of My Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By Greg S. - November 3 - 10:00 amI have had my jeep Cherokee for about a year now and I love it. It; accelerates good, has power you can feel, handles really good with almost no body role, breakes extremely well, gets good gas milage, and is very comfortable to drive. I also love taking it offroad. I am huge offroader and I have yet to get this thing stuck. It has one of the best 4-wheel drive systems on the m,arket. It can go anywhere and do anything as is, with no modifications and even without allterain tires like mine(although allterain tires are recomended for all vehicles going off road). The only complaint I have about the Cherokee is that the center counsel/jocky box is a litle small.
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Ho-hum... probably my last Jeep. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
By mono - November 3 - 10:00 amI bought my Cherokee with 37k miles on it and it now has about 52k miles. Since purchasing it, Ive had to replace: cracked exhaust manifold, rear hatch, exhaust hanger, window controls on the passenger side, serpentine belt, the fuel filler, the transfer case, and the injectors were overly covered in carbon (so said the dealer). I also have a vibration in the front end between 65-75 MPH that two different Jeep dealers have not been able to figure out. Other than the consistant problems and low low low gas mileage, I dig my Jeep. I wouldnt suggest a Cherokee to anyone, but I wouldnt turn you away from one either. Buyer beware I guess.
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Never Again!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By tries - November 3 - 10:00 amI bought my 99 Jeep used a couple years ago and I doubt Ill ever buy another. If it wasnt for the extended warranty Id be in the poor house. The a/c went out three times and the heat twice. The entire rear-end has been replaced twice. Im finding it almost impossible to sell or trade.
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Jeeps are Super Nice SUVs - 2004 Jeep Liberty
By JeepGurl - November 3 - 2:10 amMy Jeep Liberty has been a fantastic vehicle for work, road trips, and off-roading!
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noisy like a jet - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
By Russell Gu - November 2 - 7:59 amAt speed above 40mph, the car sounds like a jet plane! Very distractive.
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Its About Time - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
By Back 2basics - November 2 - 3:36 amI purchased my first jeep 18 years ago. Since then this is my 4th. As a prior jeep owner, I can say wow! This vehicle has made leaps and bounds since then. The ride is smooth and the handling is tight. Mostly everything that I used to say would improve the jeep has been addressed in the newer design. The front section of the Freedom Top is effortless to remove while the interior design is a drastic improvement. I hope the longevity of the 3.8 v6 is that of the old 4.0 straight 6.
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Hate to part w/my Jeep Gr. Cherokee Ltd. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By brady - November 2 - 12:33 amI truly hate to get rid of our Jeep, but it is getting up in miles and we needed more room due to amount of traveling we do w/our 3 dogs. It has a great secure feeling on the road, is "easy" to drive and has great pick-up, which Im really missing in my new vechicle! Ive always thought it is a super-sharp truck, performs great in snow and ice/off-road. Gas mileage was quite respectable for its class.
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Nice Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
By Big D - November 1 - 7:53 pmThe Jeep Liberty is comfortable, unique, quick, reliable and fun to drive. The short turning radius is great for around town and that is how its driven mostly.
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Window Regulator - 2006 Jeep Liberty
By John Pullano - November 1 - 10:00 amSo, I took my 2006 Jeep Liberty to the dealer on 09/09/2010 because the front drivers side window regulator is shot. Cost me $595 to repair a problem that Jeep knows about. In fact, I was told they redesigned the regulator, and they put the newly- designed regulator in my Jeep. Why do I have to pay for something that Jeep knows was improperly designed? Jeep will not recall the vehicles because the regulator is not a "safety issue". Im now waiting to hear from Jeeps customer service as to whether Im going to get reimbursed. This is very poor customer relations at the least. Jeep should be replacing these regulators for free.
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Great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
By Aremee - November 1 - 10:00 amBought this new with hesitation in 2007 my wife had to have it. I love this vehicle! Fun to drive very good build quality. I have had 45k miles of trouble free driving.
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