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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  I love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - January 17 - 2:16 am

  I had my Jeep for over 2 years and I still love my vehicle. Its fun to drive and very powerful. I like the way it looks and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Excellent SUV for the price! - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chicagofan00 - January 14 - 8:00 pm

  Picked up a JGC Overland Summit edition just last week. This is probably one of the best SUVs for the price in its class. The Overland Summit trim level is fully loaded with all kinds of technology and features and competes with the likes of the BMW X5, Merc M class, and the Audi Q7 all for several thousands less. The fit and finish both inside and out is perfect, the ride quality is great especially with the quadra lift air suspension, the tech inside competes with the luxury foreign brands although the UConnect interface does look a bit date but very easy to use. The 5.7L V8 engine has plenty of power for this beast but is very thirsty and Im only averaging about 13.8 MPG.

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  Bulletproof- buy again in a heartbeat - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dew - January 14 - 6:03 am

  First new in 2000-absolutely bulletproof. Very practical w/ generous cargo space. tow hitch bike rack & ski roof rack. Easily handles class IV roads w/ plenty of gear, blasted through 1ft+ snow & rain deluges. Pulled a few stumps out & a stuck car. Fun at drive in with the hatch lid open to the screen. Knuckleheads t-boned it from both sides of the front wheel wells, but kept rolling. ReqÂ’d minor repair work, but takes a punch. Decent mpg (~20 mpg) for utility. Great acceleration. Can be bumpy at times, but swallows potholes w/o problems. No major problems beyond routine maintenance. Quality keeps up against any other domestic or import. Jeep, why did you ever stop making these?

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  Outstanding mountain vehicle - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ocular2 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Theres a reason you see so many JGCs in Colorado. They work well in the city, cruise comfortable on the highway at 90 mph, but they excel off- road. Off-road capabilities place it in an elite class including the Land Cruiser, the Range Rover and G-wagon. I have had mine for a year and have not had a reason to go back to the dealer other than for oil changes, tire rotations, and adding additional skid plates.

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  My First Jeep - I love it! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By anjohsen - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I always loved the way the Grand Cherokee looked, but was a little nervous about the reliabilty rating. I got a great deal and after over a year Ive had no problems at all. I just love driving it and will definitely buy another next time (except Ill probably spring for the 4WD).

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  Theres Only One - In my Garage - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Fudgebot - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Like many of you out there, I love my Jeep Cherokee. My Cherokee is loaded. For the money, you really cant do much better. I added a custom stereo, turning the back storage into a sub box, but still can use it for storage. I also added a remote starter and alarm, waterproof seat covers and Husky floor liners. It handles very well, passes with all the snot anyone could want in a 4WD station wagon, and is easy to maintain. I highly reccommend this vehicle over any others in the class. After all, it is a Jeep!

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  95 Grand Cherokee Ltd. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian S. - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best SUV of the early to mid 90s. Anyone who has any knowledge of driving excellence would agree. Comparing its performance with the Explorer ( its biggest competitor ) is like comparing a Corvette with a Thunderbird ..... there is no comparison. The Grand Cherokee is a thrill to drive, from its firm suspension ( allowing unbelievable handling for an SUV ) to its very strong V8 ( a highly recommended option ) and to top it off, its sporty looks, this is the SUV to buy. Before I decided on the Jeep, I test drove the Explorer only to find that it handled like a 1976 Country Squire ...... not too impressive.

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  2000 Cherokee Sport 4 X 4 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By mhall02 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for about 2.5 years now and put 51000 miles on it and it has been great. Joy to drive and just a few small repairs. Gas milage is right at what the sticker says and lots of pep out of the 4.0 six. Havent used the 4 wheel drive much, just for a few snow storms, but it worked great.

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  Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By RC - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the only Vehicle I will ever Buy

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  awesome!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bk - January 12 - 2:00 am

  great car