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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  High Altitude Diesel 4WD - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HI_on_DIESEL - December 22 - 12:31 am

  Love my vehicle! Have the white High Altitude Diesel 4WD with every option available(including a CD player). Gas mileage is amazing, I drove from LA to Vegas and back on 1 tank. The Jeep with this package is beautiful, it is always catching attention. I was skeptical about getting a Diesel because of the loud sound, but honestly inside is pretty quiet. Standing outside by the hood of course you will hear the loud engine. The Diesel engine is a turbo so taking off from a stand still is pretty amazing, Ive shocked a few people. Once you are driving though, it seems the Jeep takes a little bit of time to gain some speed. Safety and Fuel Economy were my top reasons for purchasing this vehicle. The forward collision warning with automatic braking, has saved my life many times. CD player I have never used, but the Uconnect system is very user friendly. The Adaptive Cruise Control allows for me to breeze through traffic allowing the Jeep to do all the braking and gas. The 19 speaker Harmon Kardon system is a serious beast! The air suspension allows for easy exit and entry for those who dont like to feel like they are climbing a tree to get in and jumping off a small cliff to get out.... This is my 2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee and first diesel and I am definitely happy with my decision to stick with the "Jeep cult."

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  Surprisingly capable Jeep - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By calid - December 21 - 10:06 pm

  I love my Patriot. It is true, there are many SUVs to choose from with more flash and flare, but do not let the professional reviews deter you. I bought a fully loaded Patriot Latitude, with the Sun/Sound Group, Bluetooth, Automatic rear view mirror, and the Freedom Drive II off road package for under 23k. It has been a year now and this Patriot has been an absolute joy to own. I bought it to explore and have fun. It has delivered.

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  Suba what? - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By idbackroads - December 21 - 7:19 pm

  I was intent on buying a Forester. I read all the professional reviews, talked to a friend who works for Subaru and even with the looming cost of Subaru oil changes, went to the lot to pick one up. I drove it and was less than impressed. The road noise was more than I expected, the ride felt "Jouncy" there was an irritating plastic on plastic rattle coming from the back and with the CVT it was much slower than I anticipated. My wife suggested we look at a Compass and I ended up buying a Patriot with a 5 speed. My best MPG is 29, it has far more features, rides better and is quieter than the Subaru for $3500 less. So far a perfect fit for Idaho roads including rutted USFS 2 tracks. Happy!

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  I THINK I WILL BE GOING BACK TO A PICKUP - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tammy Willis - December 21 - 6:28 pm

  I have had numerous electrical problems with this Jeep and a oil leak. The oil leak was within the first 6 months of owing it and it took the dealership over a week to get the part in to have my Jeep repaired. Now as far as the electrical problems, that is a different story, the first problem was, when my tire light would come on my door light would also come and, and they dealer did not know how to fix it, still not fixed to date and my Jeep is 2-1/2 years old, then my buttons on steering wheel were very hard to push, and when I would turn blinker on my interior lights would blink with the blinker, and my lights on the shifter never would light up, at this same time I complained how when it barely rains my Heep slides going around curve very slowly if I apply my brakes, and of course the dealer did not know how to fix that either, but did have to replace my blinker arm, and this fixed the buttons hard to push on steering wheel and the flashing overhead lights when blinker was one. Now it is going back in shop because my esc light keeps coming on and my jeep makes a funny noise if I turn to the left with my brakes applied. It seems like it is always something with the electronics on this Jeep, I am so glad I bought the extended warranty or I would not be able to afford all these so called repairs. I gave up my 1997 Chevy z71 to try a Jeep. Not for sure if this was the best idea. I always heard that Jeeps were tough and you dont have very many problems, so that I was convinced of so I purchased mine. I do love the looks of the 4 door Jeep Wrangler.

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  Leaking Sun Roof - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Tyrone Jefferson - December 21 - 1:39 pm

  I bought my 2007 used in 2012 with 80,000 miles. Since then it now has 155,000 miles it is relaible as longs as you keep up with maintance. My issue is with the sun roof. It leaks into the hand rails. I have taken it back to the dealer. They have cleaned but it is a continuous concern because we live in Florida and we have bad rain storms in the summer. I have to pay extra for a permenent fix. I think Jeep should have a recall for this. It is a design flaw. I am also having trouble with the right turning signal. It turns on and off on its own. I am not sure if this is because of the leaking sun roof.Also the drivers lock motor is making a loud noise and only unlocks with the key

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  Great if you know what your getting - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marc Harris - December 21 - 2:00 am

  The power, ride, and highway mileage actually surpass my stock 4Runner! There are tons of support groups out there for upgrades/repairs. Tows my Bayliner Cuddy (2000lb) and handles the ramp great. This is smooth as silk in comparison to the old kidney buster ride. Hands down, this thing can walk through almost any terrain. Biggest plus, there are many suppliers for upgrades so its easy to make it your own! As for storage, you have to add a rack on the tail or top. Behind the rear seat just holds a set of speakers, shovel, and tow strap. Ive seen these roll end over end (off road) and driven home. Indestructible!

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Julia Rhodes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I was a little girl I wanted a Jeep, actually a CJ-7. When I turned 20 I bought my Wrangler and I love it. I cant wait until the summer time so I can get that top off!

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  I Love my Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alan Young - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my Jeep Grand Cherokee. (except the gas milage, I get 17 mpg with the 6 cyl. The way my body fits the drivers seat, the way when I put my elbows on the center counsel glove box and the door panel while Im driving the balance of the positioning of my body is perfect. The use of the controls the visability are great. I love the braking system and I like how it steers. Most of all at every angle this jeep is beautiful to look at. I am proud to say I have never had a problem with my jeep and the dealership is 2nd to none. I hope your 05 is as good as your 03. Alan Young

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  My First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dewlix - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a Wrangler since I was 19 (now 44). Wish Id bought one sooner...more fun/exciting than any vehicle Ive owned. Mileage sucks, but worth the high fun-factor this vehicle has. Only drawback is the wife hates it!

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  My First SUV! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lindabird - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Always being a "small car" person, I was really nervous about buying a SUV because they all seemed to be way too much vehicle to handle. But not the case with my Liberty.. it is roomy and comfortable and drives like a limousine! My first, but definitely not, my last Jeep Liberty. I also get many compliments on how cute it is (I have the Sport model), which makes me feel even better when Im out on the roads competing with all the much higher priced, but not better-looking or better-riding SUVs.