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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  Worth every dollar! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alexthejeep - September 15 - 10:00 am

  If you want to have FUN driving a vehicle with a relatively low cost, this is your vehicle! Forget all the luxuries, they dont really make a difference. This vehicle is RELIABLE, and can take a pounding, but with some XTRA care, they clean up beautifully! You will never be bored driving it!!!

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  Wonderful - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AndrewY - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many car brands over the years, from Japanese to German. This is my second Grand Cherokee since 1993 and I found both to be the most reliable vehicles that I have owned. My current Jeep performs terrifically in the city and on roadtrips. It is comfortable and stylish. The 4X4 is irreplacable in Massachusetts - I never have trouble getting around in the worst of snowstorms.

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  An honest opinion of the 2000 Gr. Cherok - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richp - September 14 - 2:00 am

  With every Jeep when you 1st get it you probably will have to bring it in at lesat 4x for warranty work in the 1st 6 months. However after that its ok.

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  CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Van - September 13 - 9:33 pm

  So far so good; the window controls seem to be a universal complaint. It would be nice if all the little extras were included: dead pedal, fog lights, storage, etc. Foreign makers seem to include these as a matter of course. The diesel mileage is OK (not spectacular) at 2000 miles. The inclusion of ABS, steering control, etc. is great. Diesel is a little noisy (not like past diesels); so far no smoke or smell. One recall for steering.

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  Impresed - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By House of Fun - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  I was a bit doubtful that the Jeep would work as good as it looks. Im very impressed with the ride, handling, quality and surprisingly, the gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are very weak, its like no one actually sat in one before okaying it for production. So far Ive had 2 odd occurrences: A one time puddle of gear oil under the rear end and I was driving down the highway and the dash lights came on, the windshield wipers wiped once and it never happened again. Summary: I love it

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  99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris - September 10 - 6:06 pm

  I havent had this car too long, but long enough to "rate it." Its a great SUV, comfortable, not too bad on gas but right now its in the shop for the crankshaft sensor, a part recalled in 2004 and the dealership isnt honoring it. I havent had any real problems other than a speed sensor about two months ago when I first bought it. My sunroof tends to leak and it is really annoying. Other than that I love my Jeep and I wouldnt choose anything else. I also have a noise in the front left tire area, Im thinking maybe the control arm or a ball joint, but its expected, it has 86,000 miles on it and I only paid $8,500 for it. Its a Limited, fully loaded with EVERY option and accessory.

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  KEEP ROLLING!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ron T - September 9 - 5:37 pm

  Brought mine at 60,000 from Mancari now at 306,000 miles only replaced water pump ,blend door fix ,radiator and normal replacement items. So far no major engine or transmission work ,just oil changes, muffler system and I think with the oil cooler for trans the reason transmission is smoothly .Body great shape hopefully no major work or will retire it and purchase another jeep ,already have a 2009 limited with 131,000 and also running great now at 318,000 ,only going to now start looking at 2014-2016 grand Cherokee limited ,retiring 99 if any major issues occurs. Body excellent shape but time to move on

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  Replaced too many parts in the 1.5 years - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RENELOU - September 8 - 10:00 am

  So far I have replaced Water pump, 2 window motors, brakes and air conditioner compressor. Mechanic says these are all known bad parts!! Jeep should reacall some of these if they are know to have bad parts. WOULD NEVER BUY A JEEP AGAIN!!!

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  Commander is a Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jshuss - September 7 - 6:06 am

  I have had my Commander for a few months now and have put it through rush hour and trips across the mountains in Colorado and i have been pleased and comfortable the whole time. It has enough power to push me up the mountains on onto the freeway. Yes, it does not throw into my seat when I press on the gas, but I did not expect that from a two and a half ton giant. A little squat in my seat makes me happy, nonetheless. The ride is smooth and quiet and things seem put together well. I have been in older Chrysler products and this one is truly a HUGE improvement. Overall, I am happy with my Commander, bring on more snow!

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  Loud and bumpy ride - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By ksboehm - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, its a fun SUV to drive, but the quality of the ride leaves a lot to be desired. Interior is very basic- no perks. There is a lot of wind noise once you exceed about 40-50 mph and engine is also loud. Overall, I found it to be uncomfortable to drive for more than just short trips around town. The ride is very bumpy, so if youre looking for a somewhat smooth ride, this is definitely not the vehicle for you.