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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dinos jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By dean daurizio - July 29 - 10:00 ammy experience to date is great,its rugged,rides high and has power. i am 65,if i wanted a smoth ride i would of bought a buick.we travel off road, and drive to fl. with it and this is what i wanted.
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overall good vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By delta mike - July 28 - 12:36 amFun to drive, extremely reliable, good looking SUV. Had problems with the brakes warping every 12000 miles.
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Great Vehicle - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By redjeepsrul - July 25 - 4:16 pmPurchased new and with regular oil changes every 4k and transmission oil changes very 30k, this has been one solid vehicle. Now with 181,000 miles and still running strong. I have maintained everything. Only significant repairs were water pump and radiator at 100k miles., idle air control valve at 110k, fuel pump at 120k, rear axle bearing at 157k and front balljoints at 170k. Has been great in snow. Mileage with the 5.2 V8 has been averaging about 17 mpg. Engine still meets emissions and has pep. Very well-engineered and reliable vehicle. Body still solid, no squeaks or rattles. Would buy another Grand Cherokee in a heartbeat.
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after a long line a jeeps, finally one. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
By Jim S - July 25 - 4:00 pmGenerally, I love my jeep. Its my 3rd, having had a 1991 Cherokee and a 1995 Grand Cherokee. I was initially sold only because of the warranty and features (the previous 2 had a lot of problems). Now, Im really happy with it. It rides well off roads, is amazing in snow and mud, and drives reasonably on the road. Its been reliable, even compared to more "reliable" cars a few of my friends purchased at about the same time. The gas mileage seems to be about the same as my 5.2L V8 Grand Cherokee while being a good bit smaller. Also, the ground clearance is limited compared to my previous jeeps. which are my only complaints. Some complain about window controls, but Ive had BMWs-same place :)
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Jury still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
By JimWalker - July 24 - 9:06 pmI have submitted an earlier rating, "My Jury is still out". That was with 1000 miles. My main concern was MPG in my new Diesel, about 20. Its gotten worse after 3000 miles, 18. I am a very conservative driver with 80% of of my driving highway. I am returning the car to the dealer with instructions to check out the engine and transmission. In order to shift into the top gear I have to run the car up to 65 and then coast back to the desired speed. I spend more time watching the tach than the speedo. I hope the dealer can do something because I enjoy driving the car. The main reason for me purchasing the diesel was for the fuel economy.
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Sport (2.4L 4-cyl, 4x4 CVT automatic) - 2010 Jeep Compass
By reegee - July 24 - 1:22 pmFirst, Edmunds doesnt even list my model. I bought a basic, bottom of the line compass. I even had to purchase, and install cruise control in the vehicle myself. It was an easy 20 minute job. The cruise unit, was plug-n-play! Rides great, very comfortable seats. Fit and finish of both the interior and exterior are great! Its my first American vehicle since 1984. I was pleasantly surprised of the quality. The price was fantastic compared to any other of the vehicles in its class!!! The back seat, when in the "up" position, really interferes with rear vision, so mine is always down. Combined mileage is a consistent 24MPG. HWY mileage varies between 27 and 29MPG.
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Jeep Lib Ltd 02 -review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
By Nocky54 - July 23 - 10:00 amExcellent first year production vehicle. Very German in feeling, esp steering. Quick response times both turning and accelerating. Has more power accelerating than braking, but brakes are very good when used hard- if the need arises. Comfortable interior. Great for long trips and fine around windy local New England roads as well. Requires some effort to jump up and into seat, esp with a skirt on- optional running boards would probably help solve that.
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Its Still A Chrysler Product - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Gary Ciborowski - July 23 - 10:00 amJeep is noted for recalls and this one has had a few already. While I love the apparent fit and finish, there are obvious design flaws in Jeeps year after year. Certainly overpriced when optioned out. I think Ill find a more affordable vehicle when this one wears out. If you own one for just a couple of years, you may avoid the expensive repairs, but for long-timers like me, they will get you well before 75,000 miles.
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Great Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By UncleSampson - July 23 - 3:00 amI love to drive this vehicle. It feels like a kid wanting to play. Hit the gas and youre off to a race track. Its got enough torque to sink you into the seat. Very fun to drive! Everybody has to realize that this is an SUV and it isnt supposed to corner like a race car. All in all I think it does just fine.
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"little tank" - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By Northern - July 19 - 12:03 pmI was sort of stuck with the purchase of the Patriot because of credit and wasnt sure if it was the "One for me" but it turns out its the best thing that I have ever bought. While the interior needs a bit of work (on the base model at least), I havent had any complaints. I live in the northern part of BC where we get massive amounts of snow every year and havent got stuck or spun out once. We have nicknamed it the little tank! We can literally go anywhere. I do agree with others that there is a lot of road noise but with 2 kids and a dog we hardly notice. When its time to trade her in I will be looking at Jeep again!
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Jeep Cherokee 744 Reviews
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Jeep Commander 455 Reviews
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Jeep Compass 317 Reviews
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Jeep Gladiator 1 Reviews
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Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,548 Reviews
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Jeep Liberty 1,937 Reviews
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Jeep Patriot 598 Reviews
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Jeep Renegade 36 Reviews
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Jeep Wrangler 1,723 Reviews