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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  Cant Top This - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stanley Jackson - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Not much to say; this is the third Grand Cherokee Ive owned. Except for regular maintenance, the last one never saw the the inside of the dealers garage. It was totally reliable and I got 15 MPG average over the four years I owned it.

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  The best Jeep ever! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By flyboy - December 16 - 10:23 pm

  Ok, I bought this great Jeep in 2004 and I have put on over 80,000 miles without anything more than wear and tear slowing me down. Extremely reliable, why did they get rid of this?

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By countryboyrmx - December 15 - 5:44 pm

  Whats broke on it so far: Cruise Control - Gets going over speed set going downhill. Set to 70mph and seen it go over 86mph. Radio - randomly duplicates mp3 files Radio - randomly freezes and reboots while driving. Engine - 17k miles and started leaking oil Broken fog light switch - shoved into dash. broken at factory Fuel door - freezes shut in winter and need hot water to open it Shifting - loud pops as it goes into gear at times and upshifts on hills and lugs down Shifter - Went to put it into gear and shifter broke

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  Love my Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rose - December 15 - 1:03 pm

  I am 6 tall - adequate head room and leg room (used to drive a Ford Explorer). Feel like I am in a larger SUV - can see above cars ahead. Nice handling. Little bit bumpy on rough road surfaces, but satisfactory or better. Buzzing noise obvious when front windows cracked, but back windows up. Have to open back windows a crack too. All in all, I love my Jeep Liberty and am a very happy owner!

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  Love it - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jackie - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Yes, I love it. Kicks ass in the snow! No major problems, just power windows were replaced. Always reliable and fun to drive. Has the feel of a car, but has the room of a wagon.

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  Jeep takes the cake! This Year! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fabio Costantini - December 15 - 8:40 am

  I bought a Jeep Limited 4.7L about one month ago. I so impressed by its good looks and its performance, Im getting a HEMI next!

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  I love it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By starz - December 15 - 12:56 am

  I originally ordered a 2007, but due to backlog at the factory, I was bumped to a 2008. I currently have 1200 miles in and I am getting 33.6mpg in a good mix of city and rural driving. Im very happy about that. I am also impressed by the spunk it has with the 2.4L VVT engine. More than enough for me. It rides extremely smooth and quiet and handles well. Interior is well put together although somewhat outdated in style. I have the manual 5spd and it is probably the smoothest shift I have ever experienced. I also love the idea of the lifetime powertrane warranty. I keep vehicles for at least 10 years.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By VSmith - December 14 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my 2 door Sahara in Dec 2007 and put about 6K on it annually. Ive been very satisfied with it, no problems or service needed beyond oil changes. Ive had good luck with Jeep products with respect to reliability.

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  Should I Buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Robert - December 14 - 2:20 pm

  Looking at tons of cars out there. Starting with Prius to expensive, Yaris and Scion XB. Test drove Patriot and loved it. Concerned about Jeep quality but cant touch Scion XB for under 18,000 out the door. Found Jeep Patriots for 11,999 with auto, air and full power in Los Angeles. Price is a major concern because I have to pay cash because of credit problems. Love the Orange Color.

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  Mopar haters may give em a second chance - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Victoria - December 14 - 10:36 am

  Just bought it, I was amazed at the quality of their new products (our 2010 ram Laramie and now our 2011 Jeep limited 5.7) this Jeep is a true luxury SUV .