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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  Typical Domestic - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thebobbiejeep - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Jeep w/88,000 miles on it. After owning several foreign 4x4s I was astonished at how well it was holding up and it has been a great vehicle till it hit that 130,000 mile mark and, just like all domestic vehicles it began to literally fall apart. $$$$$$! So much for comparing it to my toyotas that went nearly 300,000 miles w/no problems.

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  Please stay away! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Islander - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Stay away from this vehicle. Wonderful lemon.

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  My first JGC - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iamdenistoyou - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Hi there, i really like this vehicle. I test drove several other trucks and SUVs. This one is fun to drive, I dont have to worry about hitting a curb and damaging something. Jeeps are also pretty tough. I dont know about previous years but this vehicle has not had any problems.

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  Nothing better to drive! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By YSIC jeff - August 26 - 2:00 am

  There truly is nothing better to drive than a Jeep Wrangler. I have a 02 Wrangler Sport 4.0L with 5-speed manual and you cannot beat the power and ability of this vehicle for its class. Interior / Exterior and everything about it sells me on the fact that I wont drive anything else. In fact my wife have one too if she wouldnt have already bought a Durango (Another Chrysler product of greatness)The only people that care that much about interior changes dont truly DRIVE a Jeep Wrangler. They just sit in it while its rolling.

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  Hurst - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Taylor Hurst - August 25 - 9:16 am

  No power steering but very good off road. I think it is good for someone who likes to off road because it has a lift kit and spotlights.

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  dont buy Jeep - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By grammielil5 - August 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought one and had to sell it back within 3 months due to seal of driver side window/door doesnt seal. In service X 3 and Jeep notified by me.......Now I see everywhere on internet numerous compaints! I just got subaru outback and its great and made all in America

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  Our Third Grand Cherokee could be better - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bear - August 24 - 5:20 pm

  This is our 3rd Jeep 4X4 Grand Cherokee We both love the car but theres room for improvement. The Seats sit to high for me Im 61 my head touches the roof with the seat all the way down. Interior is not as good as the 1999. The 1999 Had a much better interior a less plastic feel. The 1999 felt like you were in a sports car. The 99 got 17 MPG all the time and It was the bigger 5.7 V8. So far with the 4.7 V8 and 4,000 miles on this one we are getting only 13.7 adverage MPG the it does offer flex fuel but none is avaliable here in Texas so its a useless add. I miss our older better mileage more powerful Jeep. But I still love the Grand Cherokees

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  08 OVERLAND - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By ANTHONY DEFRANCESCO - August 24 - 3:03 pm

  After owning about 8 new jeeps over the past 16 years i was very impressed with the commander. My prior 06 commander had the 4.7 V8 and was underpowered. The HEMI is just right. I purchased a loaded overland model as it is truly the ultimate Jeep. The rear camera is helpful especially when using the third seat. It is a very solid vehicle. I like the styling as it reminds me of my first 1993 jeep cherokee country. I average 16mpg and on a round trip to Cleveland from Albany NY my average was 18. I drove around 70 mph. I really dont know why the press beats upon Jeep products so much. I have found Jeeps to be very reliable, safe, and fun to drive.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CheeksWils - August 24 - 10:16 am

  This is the second Grand Cherokee Ive owned and couldnt be happier. I went from a 1999 Laredo with leather, sunroof, and 10 disc CD to a base 2005 Laredo with cloth and few options but didnt feel like I was stepping down. The new model is so much better in ride, handling, and comfort. It drives much smoother and quieter than the old model and definitely better than the Explorer or TrailBlazer I test drove. Im not sure why I even drove them because Jeep is always where my heart will lie.

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  06 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By wildbill - August 24 - 10:06 am

  This is a very fun vehicle to drive and own. Lot smoother ride than the 95 wrangler I used to own. It rides as smooth as my wifeÂ’s Nissan murano. No problems yet. I have 3,200 miles and am looking forward to getting a hitch since the towing capacity has been increased from 1,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. thanks to the added length and an extra crossmember in the frame. IÂ’ll now be able to tow my tent trailer with no problem.