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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  Poor design on window motor - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JAN HANEY - August 15 - 6:26 pm

  Love everything about this SUV except the issue with the window motor. Replaced the window motor on the drivers side at 60,000 miles; back passenger left side at 75,000 miles; sunroof motor went out at 100,000 miles, now the back passenger right side just went out at 130,000 miles. Refuse to have it repaired at $350, so Im currently looking to trade for a new car. Will not purchased a Jeep because of the window motor issues. With all the complaints about this problem, you would think Jeep would have recalled the cars to correct the problem. In the long run, they are losing a great deal of business by using choosing to look the other way.

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  Chrysler has changed me. - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ron - August 15 - 12:12 pm

  Plagued with headlights not working, they just shut off while driving.

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  Jeep Wranglers Are Fun! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pat - August 15 - 10:43 am

  Always wanted a Jeep. Now I have one! Pros: Easy to put the top up and down. One person can do this without a problem. The more you do it the faster it gets. After market parts just bolt on where the extra holes are. No pre-drilling. The 190 hp 4.0 V6 gets up and goes really fast. The 6 gears are great too. Love the 4 x 4. Should of gotten the one with cruise control for long trips though.

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  faithful classic cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By liberty stinks - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have not had one single major problem with my classic cherokee. When I compare this Jeep to other peoples driving experiences I feel very lucky because I have had far less problems with it than anyone I know. My cherokee has been more loyal to me than some friends of mine! I love my Cherokee, and I am saddened I wont be able to buy a new one when her time is up; but at the same time I am proud to know in a few years that my Jeep will be known as a real classic.

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  my first jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By c dartez - August 15 - 10:00 am

  very well pleased after 25000 miles on dry wet or snow pavement. excellent fit and finish,and i find it a quite vehicle, but drinks the gas

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  Not Bad - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ballpark3075 - August 14 - 6:40 pm

  I havent owned very long but so far so good. Bought it used. Ride is great. Looks sharp and the price was great, especially compared to other SUVs.

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  Overall great....but... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RANDY - August 14 - 1:03 pm

  Great vehicle, but for some reason it overheated at 750 miles (since new) after a brief gas stop on 250 mile trip home. It was flatbedded to the nearest dealership. They found nothing wrong! Strange, since now I wonder if it might happen again. Dealership not helpful in explaining how this could have occurred. Otherwise, my 6 month experience with this Jeep (5.7 L) has been great.

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  Second Jeep... will buy a third! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Adam - August 13 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my first Jeep in 1996. I liked it so much that I bought another one. My family liked my cars so much that my brother bought a 2000, and my dad just bought a 2005. I have heard that Jeeps have reliability issues, but at 71K I have only replaced tires, brakes, and a blower motor (within warranty). Jeeps have unparalleled off-road capability and the torque will beat just about any car on the road off the line. The car looks very classy inside and out. Definitely a head turner. I will drive this Jeep till the wheels fall off and then buy another one. I LOVE MY JEEP! p.s. definitely buy v8!

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  Luxury SUV with great features - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Banks 2000 - August 12 - 8:19 pm

  We are keeping this vehicle long tem because of the great features. It has auto wipers and lights. Plus the stadium seating and glass roof in the 2nd row. We are at 130,000 and I have replaced the normal wear and tear parts. Everything else send solid

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  Very Fun! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jaryd - August 12 - 3:00 am

  Im 17 and I was so lucky to get a Jeep Wrangler for my first car. They are so much fun to drive and one of the most versitile vehicles on the road. If its hot, just pop off the top and doors, and if its cold, Jeep heaters are second to none, it will fry you. But overall I wouldnt trade it for anything else. All my friends think its the coolest car. One reason is because of the sweet 33 by 30 inch tires I put on it with alloy rims. This SUV rocks!