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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  Finally got my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By rapsoda65 - January 22 - 9:53 pm

  Wanted a Jeep CJ back in the day, got married and never got one. Now shes gone and I got my Jeep. Most fun Ive ever had in a car. 2 weeks ago took it out with the top down for the first time, cant wait for summer. Comfy ride for a Jeep. Handles better than I expected for an SUV, and this is not my first SUV. Gas mileage is about what EPA rating says it is. Looks good outside and in, but interior needs a little work. Odd placement of window cranks and center dash console has too sharp an edge at the drivers knee. Center arm rest could be higher. Seating position and seats are comfortable.

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  Beware before Getting This Jeep!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By etravel - January 22 - 7:46 pm

  I bought this truck I loved it in the beginning. Its approx a little over a year and it has done nothing but given me problems. The first thing was the driver side window motor and regulator. That was $330 alone. A couple months later the coil pack was going bad (only four out of the eight) that was very pricey. Couple months later my steering wheel fluid was leaking. Next my radiator was leaking, had to replace that thermostat, etc. Then couple months later got a tune up thinking this would help mileage and help it drive somewhat better. The next day the truck shut off while in park. Thinking mite be fuel pump is why car keeps shutting off (due to bad gas months ago) way to much money for maintenance!

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael - January 22 - 9:10 am

  The Grand Cherokee is a good, solid SUV. It handles well and is fun to drive. It has good road manners and gives excellent feedback to the driver. It is a Jeep and rides a little stiffer than the competition but it is never an issue. The gas mileage is a little below the competitors but should not be a consideration when comparing SUVs.

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  I will never buy another Chrysler product again. - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joemags1 - January 22 - 4:35 am

  I made the mistake of purchasing a 2012 Jeep Overland in Colorado. This vehicle certainly falls short of that is it the most awarded SUV, as I now think that Chrysler hands out its own awards. With a hemi installed, expect to get an average of 17 miles per gallon city and highway combine. The NAV system is poor at best; I had trouble with it from day one as it would lose memory. I just had the radio replaced with no guarantee from the dealer that this will correct the issue. The one item that bugs me the most is the lack of quality of the exterior chrome, or should I say chrome coated plastic. With only 5000 miles on my truck, and after the very first exposure to the snow treated road

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  solid 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By twilliams - January 22 - 1:13 am

  Bought mine new w/only ac. Put 2"lift on & 32" tires. This gave much better handling due to 15% stiffer spring rate. 2.5l sucks gas but is heavy 4x4 for its size. If you put larger tires on u must change the axle diff. Ratios. This will give you better performance, better mileage, and less strain on drivetrain. For a 4 cyl. I was amazed at what it would do off road w/open diffs. Granted I was running 4:56 ratio in axles but still, this vehicle truly shines off road. It has the best turning radius of any vehicle I have owned. Sold it @ 58,000 miles and never had a problem with it- off roading and all. Plus, it has the highest resale value - period. Beats them all.

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  Sky slider from h*ll - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By CDigby - January 20 - 10:36 am

  Bought my Jeep Liberty Dec. 2007 when sky slider had had just come out and I knew I had to have one! Only one on the lot was fully loaded and I paid almost $35k. Since I bought it Ive brought it to the dealership at least 7 times for problems with the Sky Slider LEAKING! Each time they say they dont know why its doing that and each time they tell me its fixed when I leave but now Im continuing to have problems with it leaking! Now that it has permanently ruined my interior roof cloth I am going to pursue Chrysler to take this nightmare of a car back because this was the biggest waste of money to have to worry every time it rains how wet the interior will get!

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Rich Reed - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  Ive had the Compass for 15 mos., and have not gone back to the dealer for anything. I have the 5 spd. manual, as I prefer that with a 4 cylinder. Long trips give me 28-30 mpgs, while my "rural" driving returns 27 mpgs. Seldom do city driving. I use the Compass for errands, fishing, and hunting, (with dog). Therefore, the "cheap" plastic interior is just fine, and easy to keep clean. No regrets buying the Compass!

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  nice ride - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tom0629 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep for about a year now and although i have seen people on here dog them, i have been nothing but happy. I have almost 60000.00 on the jeep and still havent had to replace the brakes. The stereo is nice. My wife loves the heated leather seats. V8 has some good low end power. I had my friend look at the brakes and he says they look good.

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  My 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chuck Harkness - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Jeep, 1st Grand Cherokee and I do use them off road. The vehicle works excellent off road and has been very reliable, no problems at all, great car!

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  Nice Fun Buy - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By blacksan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Flew Up to Maryland, Picked it up, Drove it back to Georgia. Went through 5:00pm D.C. Traffic, Cut Throat Mall Parking, Sloppy Highway Construction, Bored Trucked Drivers, High Speed swarm of Crotch-Rockets. and Muddy Virgina Gas Stations. To Sum it up, I LOVED it. The Renegade drives nice in all types of weather. Slammed on breaks a lot due to the non-jeep drivers not paying attention. The Normal 12 hours trip took over 23.5 hours because I was having fun. I would recommend ANYONE who thinks that a 2003 Toyota RAV4 is a better Buy should try out any Renegade. It feels safe, it feels heavy not plastic, and the seats are high off the ground.