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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  CDL - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By bill given - November 25 - 7:40 am

  In the first week it had to be towed in due to a computer glitch. In the second week the gas gauge failed.The third week brought 3 pieces of trim falling off. The 4 th week brought an air conditioner failure. After owning 4 Grand Cherokees, the Liberty is a real disappointment. The drivers seat is too high to see out the front window if you are six feet tall. In the first month of ownership and 3300 miles of driving, I have come to dislike my new car. I will just look forward to a year down the road and a trade.

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  Trouble Free Fun - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Coffaqcof - November 25 - 1:40 am

  Ive driven cross country twice, its my daily driver, trail rig, and family mover. My Jeep has done everything Ive asked of it without a single maintenance issue to date. Ive ridden trails from IL, OK, TX, NM, AZ, CO & UT, and the QDII system is hands down the best 4WD system available on the market. Front, rear, center ELSDs provide a sure-footedness I never experienced in my other 4X4s. The luxury is top shelf. Every gizmo I could want, MyGig, HIDs, 4 seat warmers, nav system. All work together to provide an incredible driving experience. And it always looks sharp, aggressive, and ready to go.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepdude - November 24 - 7:13 pm

  I went back and forth, and finally decided on the Jeep. No problems so far, except I think the transmission needs a little work ... seems to jump around 40mph and 60mph. Other than that the only problem I had was a rattling sound that I think is coming from the emergency brake hitting the console. Overall I really love my Jeep and everyone that has seen it has like it as well. Good SUV for the city!

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  Maybe Im Lucky - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alanbala - November 23 - 7:28 am

  I bought 2014 GC Limited 4x4 in October, and have just under 3,000 miles on it. It works fine. No trips to dealer about anything. Ive read all the negative reviews, and Im sure if there were problems, theyd have shown up already, so I guess Im lucky. Only complaint is no CD player, except at optional outrageous cost. Knew that when I bought it, so having no CD player wasnt a deal breaker. The GC really paid off in December and January with this crazy, snowy weather. One idiosyncrasy--when I clean touchscreen (and vehicle is completely "Off"), temp. resets to "Low" setting. Must be residual electric charge in screen even when "Off".

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  A good Decision - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By mohamed K - November 23 - 1:40 am

  The car definitely performs better on bumpy roads and offroad than paved roads. Long driving hours could be a little bit annoying but tolerable. The interior is very roomy and alot better than older models. I loved the arm rest space and the multifunction steering wheel. The on display parking assist visual aid and computer trip in dashboard seemed very appealing. I have no general complains from the car, but it can be a little squeaky on a bumpy ride.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amazed - November 22 - 3:23 pm

  I am amazed at reading comments that say there are blind spots, or cheap plastic trim, or low windshields or uncomfortable seats etc etc. Youd think none of these owners, ever test drove their vehicles before buying them. If youre fat or short or tall, a Jeep is never the right purchase - simply not enough adjustibility. Its made for the average buyer at an average price and has average reliability, fuel economy and comfort. Some seem to think that buying a US car means something more than mediocrity. It doesnt. So either buy a decent car at a decent price, or wake up about what a Jeep is all about.

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  What Fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim Simmons - November 22 - 12:20 pm

  The Sahara is undisputed among the 4 wheel drives. It is one of the funnist vehicles Ive ever driven. It handles sand, mud, dirt and rock like no other vehicle. One downfall to it is the gas mileage, the the power of the 4 litre motor makes up for the poor mileage.

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  It just keeps going - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr.Jeep - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Gr. Cherokee brand new and have loved it until today. The V-8 engine is great and is needed on the car. The heated seats are also a great feature.Now after 7 years we have 98000 miles on the Jeep and it still runs great.

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  jeep liberty review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mnshilling@aol.com - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when I found out I was to have my first child. It is a fun car and drive and an easy transition from a small compact car to an SUV. It did not feel like I was driving a truck. Interior is stylish and fun, head room is very spacious, and I like that is sits up high so you can see much more ahead of you while driving. The only two things I could complain about is the trunk size, which barely fits my large stroller, and the gas mileage. I would have to upgrade to a larger vehicle with a larger trunk if I ever plan on having another child just to fit the bigger stroller. But I love my jeep!!

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  AWESOME Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LynnB - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Best car ever. Awesome styling, comfort is GREAT, ride is GREAT, handling is GREAT. What a FUN vehicle to own and drive.