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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  Jeep Overland review - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Reed Mueller - November 11 - 10:36 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Overland for the 2006 model. I have been very pleased. The performance and handling are far superior. The hemi has limitless power but sucks down the gas (10mpg in town and 17 on the highway). Off road ability is still exceptional. Rear trunk appears smaller than previous version but still works well for me. This Jeep is definitely wider that the previous version with less rocking side to side movement.

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  nice ride - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slupoman - November 11 - 6:13 am

  When I purchased this suv it was top-of-the line, nice. CanÂ’t find leather interior like this anymore, impressive! Handles real nice towing our 20 pontoon fishing boat. Overall love this ride...but nowadays you have to think about gas. Getting 16 mpg. Would like to get better mileage.

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  My Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cameron topliff - November 10 - 10:50 pm

  I love the all wheel drive! Snow, mud, water; just point and go. Plenty of power, not so good on the gas; basically it likes gas and loves to drink it. We take it snow boarding all the time and weve never had a problem.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WAnzik - November 10 - 3:16 pm

  I love my Jeep - its the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I am the third owner, bought it at 70,000 miles and have driven it over 45,000 miles without any major problems at all. I couldnt be more pleased. I was nervous reading some reviews that made them look like they just dropped dead at 100,000 miles. Well mine still runs smooth and strong. No engine, tranny or transfer case replacements ever needed. Could be because I and the previous owner ran full synthetics in it since around 50,000 miles.

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  Great car, poor quality - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dajeep - November 10 - 10:34 am

  Have had the car since April. Have had it back to the dealer 2x for issues with the 8.4 Uconnect system which only worked on occasion. After waiting 3 weeks for a new unit, I have had no problems. Overall the car is great, seats are not very comfortable though. As long as additional problems do not occur - I will be happy.

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  Professional car reviewers are worthless - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Larry - November 10 - 8:48 am

  Its a Jeep. I bought a 2016 and I really like it. I have owned a lot of new cars, I buy them for myself , my wife and my son. If you read the reviews you would think it is a terrible vehicle. But I test drive cars myself and I dont listen to what car snobs have to say. If you option it properly it is an unbelievable value. First, I bought a Sport with Freedom Dive 1 and the 2.4L motor with the 6 speed auto. This trim is not included in the drop down list for some reason. So my final cost was under 17K with discounts and rebates ( before taxes and license)- for a 4WD SUV. The interior is pretty basic but the seats are comfortable and the appearance is nice overall, I love the dash and the gauges. The visibility is great and I feel comfortable maneuvering in traffic. It has Blue tooth, AC , and a year of free satellite radio. Cargo capacity is really good. Steering in well connected and ride is pleasant. The motor is quiet but does transmit some vibration at idle, I dont really mind it as it is a minor issue. My last three cars were a BMW128 convertible, a Chevrolet Volt, and Jetta TDI. I have to say I like this one as much as the others. Apparently I am not alone as they sell a lot of them. As a last note my wife, who leases a new Range Rover Evoque. Drives it every chance she gets -

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  Shifty Transmission 04 Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Pace - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  Transmission always thumped shifting from 1st to 2nd. At 29,000 transmission failed and had to be replaced. Dealer support was great. At 30,000 the brakes are making noises. Transmission is starting to thump from 1st to 2nd again.

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  I love my Jeep!! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By navymomkym - November 9 - 1:03 am

  This is my first jeep, my brother had a Wrangler so that was my first experience! I love how it looks like a Jeep but feels comfortable! I had been driving a Kia Rio so the gas mileage on the Jeep is hard to get used to, but love being up high, I can see the road! I feel much safer and am very pleased that the Jeep handles so well; coming from a small vehicle I was kind of afraid it would be hard to park, etc. I just have to quit on the joyriding a bit with gas so high, but the vehicle is a joy for me to drive~tons of fun!!!

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  Keep the Jeep - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Barbara Broyles - November 8 - 4:10 am

  Holds value, 86,000 no problems at all.

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  Lots of fun - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By brehardt - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Jeep Wrangler for almost 3 years now. I have not had one problem with this vehicle and it has not had to go into the shop for anything other than routine maintenance. I feel that I can go just about anywhere with this vehicle. Can handle most any terrain. No worries about getting stuck. I would recommend a Wrangler to anyone. Things you have to know before purchasing: low gas mileage, noisy interior on the road, a bit of a rough ride. All these are to be expected though.