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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  Excellent, tough truck. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By IronWagon - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Cherokees have always been a tough, reliable 4WD. After owning one for years and 120K miles, I agree. Luxurious, no. Many vehicles are more comfortable. Small, nimble, simple vehicles, yes. Very durable too. One turn signal switch has been replaced. All other items, tires, brakes, oil, etc., were maintenance items. This is a vehicle that has seen many offroad miles in the Southwestern deserts, and it seems to be just breaking in. Offroad, it will leave posuer 4x4s (Xterra, etc) behind, including very expensive ones. The 4.0L engine has more in common with a tractor, but theyll run past 300K with basic shadetree mechanic skills. A simple scan of the used Cherokees bears this out. A+

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  Its a Jeep! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ceramicmark - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Well Ive had to replace the ignition cylinder. The driver door power lock is acting up, and at 61,000 miles had to replace the engine (4.0). Thankfully it was covered under the extended warranty. Rear diff is noisy. They get you with style over reliability, but that should be well known by now.

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  Go Anywhere Do Anything... Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rileys Dad - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Grand and it by far is the best product yet. The HO engine can now only be surpassed by the new 2005 Hemi. It is a superb people mover and safe when it comes to moving little ones as well. I have changed the front rotors at 30000 and all is fine. Jeep has never put a large enough front rotor on any Grand. This is still managable. Love the body style and think it is superior to the newer 2005.

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  Good Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By george - August 24 - 8:23 am

  Ive 237,000 plus miles on this vehicle. Major repairs include clutch replacement (twice), fuel pump, radiator, water pump, air conditioning (freezes up intermittently, still does), and Ive replaced the battery harness once. Despite these repairs, its been a great utility truck for driving on construction job sites. I love power of base inline 6 engine. Ive gotten consistently 23 mpg. average city/hwy. If Jeep makes this vehicle again, I would buy another one. Its a classic.

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rescue Green - August 24 - 8:13 am

  This would be my 5th Wrangler, And it just keeps getting better. Even stock it handles great on and off road, I went with the bone stock Unlimited Sport model because i knew i was going Change the suspension and add bigger tires, So great value and warranty,

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  Just What I Need - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bradley Mullins - August 22 - 6:26 pm

  This is my first vehicle, and a great one at that. I drive a lot, and I usually get about 22 MPG with it. I can use it for hauling my friends or my "stuff" around. It was built tough; I rolled it last July, but had it repaired and it looks and drives like new again. A couple of things have been replaced, such as the tires, spark plugs, clock spring, and brakes. I bought it at 83,000 miles, and at 142,000 its still going strong. Great vehicle!

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  V8 Laredo - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JT Jones - August 22 - 4:43 pm

  This is our second Grand Cherokee. We test drove several other SUVs before buying another Jeep, and decided that the Jeep is just hands down better. We drove an 2003 Olds Bravada, a 2003 Isuzu Axiom, a 2004 Ford Escape, and a 2003 Jeep Liberty, but none of them compared to the ride of the Grand Cherokee. Weve had it for 2 months now and have had no problems. Great SUV.

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  Love my Jeep - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rebecca McNeely - August 22 - 12:51 pm

  The only issues that Ive had are several cracked windshields from driving on the interstate to work. It seems any tiny chip resulted in a huge crack along the entire windshield. Replaced once on a Friday and was cracked again the following Monday. The DVD player that I was so excited about will only play sound when the vehicle is in motion. I realized this when I tried to play a movie for a fussy toddler during a long trip. :( I mean who is gonna park and watch a movie while your vehicle is running??

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  2004 grand cherokee ltd V8 HO - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nz - August 22 - 3:26 am

  I purchased my vehicle at 30,000 miles as a one owner lease return. Ive absolutely loved this vehicle, the interior is very comfortable, the engine has tremendous power (which I love) and its been the picture of reliability. I have several colleagues who all have jeeps during this bodystyle and most if not all of them have had only limited even standard maintenance. Several have over 130k with no new engines, transmissions, nothing beyond routine maintenance. The four wheel drive (mine is always on) feels amazing, and during cold weather I pity the other White-knuckled drivers on the road.

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  Love It - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - August 21 - 1:00 pm

  We LOVE our 2003 Liberty. We bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and have added 60,000 to it and only replaced the belt and belt tensioner. (plus brakes and tires) I replaced the original tires at 70,000 only because I was worried about them being so old. They still had 1/2 tread. When our son turned 16 last month, we gave him the 2003 and went and bought a 2008 Liberty. Like it even more and its hard to believe but the 2008 is even faster. These things are rocket ships. The seats in the 2003 are a bit uncomfortable but the 2008 has that fixed. You could nap in those puppies. And the new sky-slider roof is just about the coolest feature on any car anywhere.