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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  Trouble free so far - but the nav sucks - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cageordie - September 16 - 5:03 am

  I have the diesel, other than significant turbo lag it is a great engine. Getting away fast is dawdling off the line then launching at about 10mph with a neck snapping jump, from there on the 8 speed is flawless. The interior is fine and the electronics are good, other than the useless and expensive nav. Where I was born they call this "spoiling the ship for a haporth of tar". Basically going cheap rate on one part and ruining the whole effect. The navigation sucks. They used to use Garmin, that worked well. They switched to Navteq, which is poor. But the navigation display is what I normally use, so I see it sucking a lot. The auto zooms idea of far is a couple of hundred yards.

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  Outdoor Family Wagon - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By OutdoorFam - September 15 - 8:03 pm

  Wonderful SUV with lots of room, off road rides really good, make sure you keep the maint on this car, the only thing is that why would Jeep build a Jeep that you couldnt put a lift on?

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  Liberty scores a home run - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dhmeieio - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 4wd Renegade for 3 months. This has included desert off- road and snowy mountain driving. Performance, reliability and fit/finish have been excellent. Gas mileage is not good (about 17.5 combined city/highway), but reflective of a fairly heavy vehicle with a strong engine.

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  Bad Rear Differential - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eric - September 14 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this drift-wood colored V8 Orvis at 55000mi, and have put 113000 more on it. Brakes are a bit weak. Careful driving helps a lot. I occasionally haul light utility trailer-loads and have replaced rear differential at 75 and 160 miles. A/C controller went at 150 miles. Lift gate sprung leaks, causing light/alarm problems. E-Brake very weak. Can drive easily with it engaged. Engine still strong. Tranny original. Body very good. Some interior screws work loose. One and 1/2 speakers blown. Rear wiper frozen forever. Good truck to 140,000. Fuel mileage 13 US city, 19 at 75 mph, measured. Paint/exterior holding up really well. exhaust and entire front- end original (one link replaced at 94)

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  Give it a shot - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By J Collins - September 13 - 11:23 pm

  Frankly, a lot of people (men) discount this car because of its cutesy looks and its lack of a Trail Rated badge. Bottom line, if you dont need a hotrod, off roader, or a luxo-mobile, take a look at it. This car is agile, does great around town, and is well equipped. The ride is firm, but I prefer it to a cushy, unresponsive one. Its reliabe, not a single problem to date. Its no drag racer, but if you would rather save money in gas, the Compass will make you happy. 18 in wheels look great, and the stock all seasons have no problem with NE winters in the second hilliest city in the country. My wife loves the compliments from fellow young women and heated leather too.

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  2008 Patriot 2.0L - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ryan - September 12 - 2:43 pm

  This Jeep is an excellent example of American craftsmanship. I have put over 4 thousand miles on my Jeep and have owned it only five weeks. I plan to take it up to Michigan over July fourth weekend. I have the base model with the smaller engine. The Patriot is not fast, but handles nicely after about 20 mph. It is slow to start off the line. The CVT is neat, different is good. The engine does produce an incredible amount of noise, but only when driving aggressively. I can cruise in complete silence at 75 mph, but then the tires from the factory start screaming. Ive read that changing tires can eliminate the noise. This is my second new vehicle, and third vehicle over all and its the best.

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  Love everything but the gas... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By heather - September 12 - 11:00 am

  Absolutely love the Jeep! The ONLY thing I donÂ’t like about my Liberty is that is guzzles more gas than a bowl of chili can produce. Living in Texas and having a family of chili lovers, thatÂ’s saying a lot! I have to fill up normally twice a week. I only work 8 miles from home and donÂ’t do much traveling around as we tend to use my husbands Prius for everyday chores and still have a gad problem with the Liberty. I only get 14 miles to a gallon. NO LIEÂ… check my bank account. Lol Otherwise itÂ’s an excellent car. I have 45,500 miles on it and unless gas prices go down anytime soon (canÂ’t see filling up my 14-16 gal tank at 5 bucks a gallon in this lifetime) then I plan on keeping my Jeep.

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  Love My Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ApolloGenX - September 11 - 1:40 pm

  I got my 4d sport used and I absolutely love this SUV. I have wanted a nice SUV for years, and when my old car died, I saw my chance to get a really amazing SUV for a great price. I have had nothing but absolute fun driving every since. The interior has lots of room, which I have already used to move. The clearance is great and although the engine likes the gas, it has the power when I need it. The styling is awesome. All in all, I love everything about this car. The gas mileage could be a bit better, but other than that I love it!

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  Good bad and ugly - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By d strickland - September 9 - 11:30 pm

  Very well pleased with the car. It has 123k miles and still runs well. Rear end noise has been a constant problem. Several attempts to repair and did not help. Cockpit very well appointed but needs more room. Very crowded with 4 adults. The ride is comfortable and fun to drive. Exterior paint has held up very well. No serious maintenance problems other than rear end. Sound system is very good but speakers are cheapos.

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  Not for everyone. Thats how I like it! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By GrungeRockJeeper - September 9 - 5:53 pm

  Its slow, loud, heavy, gets horrible gas mileage and lousy on long trips. But I love this truck! After 3 CJS and 1 YJ this is my 5th Jeep. It looks great, will climb anything, pull anything, is great fun with the top and doors off and is apparently indestructible after hitting a concrete wall at 40+mph with only minimal damage then driving away!