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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  Question - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Barb Plante - April 19 - 6:49 am

  My Husband is having trouble seeing out of the windows because of the wide panels from front windshield to window. Is anyone else having this problem? Thanks Barb

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  Mine is sluggish - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By artyitalian - April 18 - 7:11 pm

  After driving 30 or so miles continuously, the jeep will not accelerate properly. It "bucks" and skips after coming to a complete stop, then pressing on the gas ped. It does this for about 300 feet, then something catches and it starts driving ok again. I brought the to the Jeep dealership in Brandon Florida, and they say that unless they can re-create the event, theres nothing they can do. The car is narrow, not roomy or comfortable. There are a few unsafe blind spots from the drivers view. Specifically front left. Be careful driving through a crowded parking lot, as this blind spot can block out a complete person. The exterior design is cute. The mpg is more like 19 city and 22 hwy.

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  True Trail Ready Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By ldmpam - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The only reasonable priced serious off road vehicle that can be used as is for both street and trails with out concern. It is built tough and reliable, you can get an auto transmission and airconditing with cruse control. But the basic jeep has real tough drive train that you can get factory airlockers front & rear with a heavy duty transfer case and full 7 year 70k mile warrentee for worry free off/on road uses.

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  Crims Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Linda - April 16 - 9:13 pm

  Bought this Jeep in March of this year with 184k miles on it. Great in rain or snow. Very good brakes for size of vehicle. I love being able to stop it on a dime. So far reliable. Recomend this year to anyone

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  my 1999 jeep grand cherokee 16 year review - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TJF - April 14 - 12:29 pm

  after 16 years of ownership, heres my take on my 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo V8 4.7L AUTO/PS/PB/AC/etc. THE GOOD: exterior paint job is EXCELLENT and shows 0 signs of wear ... hats of to the paint department at chrysler on this one ... the interior ... excellent shape (no leather seats, just fabric) ... dash board - not 1 crack ... no weathering ... the interior has held up over the years and is in EXCELLENT shape. 4.7V8 Engine ... good power, been very reliable (1 exhaust manifold replaced), transmission solid ... just a sensor that went that made it shifting from 2-3 gear slip ... of course ive ALWAY ALWAYS ALWAYS changed my oil at 3,500 miles and done the tranny FLUSH on scheduled basis. visibility is awesome, some you CANNOT find today except in a subaru forester. towing is awesome. the size (particularly the length) is spot-on at 181" ... todays mid-sized SUVs routinely occupy the 190+" range ... seats are COMFORTABLE and still hold up - not great on LONG journeys though (500+ mile days). fuel economy is low, but not different than what i expected and it runs on 85 octane. THE BAD: electrical, sensors, water pump, radiator split, CV boots, leaking axles, AC, oil pump sensor, PCM - 3 times thus far and counting ... cannot but an OEM PC M must buy it remanufactored from less than reputable 3rd party suppliers, electrical wires between door jams fail/frayed, sensors, sensors, sensors. all these failures started occuring around the 90k mile mark ... and have consistently nickel and dimed me all the way to the 141k mark (where im currently at). i cannot trust the jeep to go anywhere other than locally in town ... and having paid close attention to the tranny and electrical issues on the 14 JGC (and the fact that chrysler corporate fatcat execs elimanated the rear flip window, something i use EVERY DAY), ill be running with the 2017 4runner when it comes in december 16 ... overall, the jeep has met my needs, but for people who keep their vehicles for a LONG time, dependability/reliability/durability is lacking.

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  Risky buy! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pa350z2006 - April 14 - 3:08 am

  Well I went from foreign to American after 20 years with some good and bad news here for you all. Make sure you do your research and test things with this Jeep. List of my bads: 1. HVAC is horrible watch my video here. Tons of folks complaining about this horrible system! OK this site wont let you post links, go to youtube and search for 2014 jeep grand cherokee hvac issues, mine has a thermometer on the screen. Google-jeep garage heat issues to read all the complaints on that forum 2. Trans in eco sucks, only way to get close to sticker MPG, otherwise getting 20 on the highway out of eco.

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  A dream with a hemi 5.7L - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joretta - April 13 - 6:08 pm

  I still love her but the interior door handles have fallen in on the floor. I had to replace the entire driver door panel so i can get out of her. She still runs like a dream!!

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  I love it! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By erin - April 13 - 12:40 pm

  When I was looking for an SUV I was only looking at the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5. My husband had me try the Jeep and I fell in love. I have every available option, bluetooth, Sirius radio, nav., auto dimming lights, rain sensor wipers and on and on. I have over 60K miles and have yet to have a single problem with this vehicle. I sell real estate so I am in my car all the time and taking clients around. They are always impressed with the interior and are suprised its a Jeep. We will be selling it soon because I need something bigger with two kids in carseats but I will buy a Dodge/Chrysler product again in a heartbeat.

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  The Real Thing - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By DenverLoDo - April 13 - 6:06 am

  I bought it new. Dual top. Dana 44. Biggest wheels. I only added the wench and towing package. It was the smoothest ever small Jeep at the time (dont buy a Jeep if you cant take the ride). There have only been 2 hiccups (they changed the bad part in less than a day each time). Other than that I have seen snow, ice, mud, mountains, 11,000+ ft, pulling, wenching, and she still looks new. I still go to the dealership for anything, and they DROOL over her. I think Ill keep her another 10 years, or more. A jewel.

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  WILL NEVER OWN ANYTHING ELSE BUT A JEEP - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lauramarie Stuart - April 11 - 2:50 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Wrangler X 3 days ago. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! I always owned trucks but NEVER drove anything like this. It rides like a dream, handles beautifully a REAL looker. My boyfriend took over my 2008 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Hemi...I dont even miss driving the truck. I get high 18