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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  Completely Satisfied With Purchase! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By asearch - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for a new car to replace my 97 Blazer for about 3 months and couldnt find the right mix of amenities I wanted at the price I wanted to pay. On a friends advice I went to the Jeep dealer to check out the Grand Cherokee. I had seen them on the road but didnt like the grey side body moldings on Laredo and didnt want to spend up the extra for a Limited just for exterior aesthetics and get a bunch of options I didnt want. The 2004 SE was everyth I was looking for in a new car. Great ca...looking foward to the first snow storm this winter...what more can I say!

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  love our x - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By nelson - February 24 - 7:43 am

  This is the 6th Jeep Ive owned and the best, although the 47 cj2a was almost as fun to drive. The power to fuel economy ratio is fine for us. With a catback exhaust and k&n air filter we brought both up. By selecting the x with s pkg. Along with locking diff. And sway bar disconnect we have all the offroad guts we need without geting the more spendy Rubicon. Also Jeeps are for the most part made in the USA and by not retooling design every year are more eco friendly and less expensive. My only change would be a seperate swing away spare tie and drop down tailgate. (makes a fine bench) we expect to own our x for a long time so the lifetime drive warrenty is also Nice-----thanks

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  Very Nice for the Price - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - February 24 - 4:20 am

  I recently traded my old car in because I needed a vehicle with a trailer hitch. I had looked at many different vehicles, and none had everything I wanted. This Jeep is perfect for me. I got a well equipped Laredo 4WD model with the Red Rock Crystal Pearl paint, and black interior. The color is awesome! It drives smooth and it has a lot of power. The build quality feels very good. I love the sun and sound package which has a power sunroof and the 6 CD and satellite upgraded radio. Overall, for the decent price, it is a great car.

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  GREAT SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By MICHAEL NELSON SR - February 24 - 12:53 am

  I put this SUV through its paces and it just amazes me. Great look, reliability and performance for the Northeast. Too bad they discontinued this line and style. Im keeping this SUV until the sport Cherokee comes back.

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  Found my soulmate!!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AmysJeep05 - February 23 - 8:46 pm

  I bought a 2005 JGC about a year ago and fell in love as soon as I saw her. Bought and took her home that day (unusual for me). 2/4/10, some idiot on her cell phone rear ended me at 50mph and totaled my baby. Demolished 3 vehicles in accident including my jeep,but, everyone walked away unharmed. Being in the middle of a 3 car accident like that; if my family had been in one of our other two vehicles I dont think we would have had the same outcome. 4 people owe their lives to that truck and I will NEVER buy anything else. Purchasing an 05 Limited w/ 5.7L Hemi, tomorrow and I cant wait!!

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  So long Toyota - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By luvit - February 23 - 1:23 am

  I have had nothing but a Toyota for 20 plus years until now. After my last Toyota going back to dealer as a lemon, I picked up the Jeep and love. I did not think the ride would come close to a Toyota but it has, and in my view even a little better. I have not heard the so called screaming red line engine noise to get up to speed on the highway, in fact I feel a better performance than my Toyota did. Yes it has the Jeep look and interior, but really not that bad at all. It does feel safe on the road with a good view of what is around you, a problem I had with the Toyota blind spots to the side rear. All in all, I am glad I made the change.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By icetheis - February 21 - 9:46 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Weve had it for 6 yrs. and the repairs weve made are no where near the repairs other vehicles weve owned. Repairs are a little more pricey but thats what you get when you buy a quality vehicle, quality repair work. The gas mileage Im sure is comparable to any other mid-sized SUV. The luxuries are great. Handling is great. Its fun to drive. I cant say enough!

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  love it ? hell yeah !!! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 0llll0 - February 21 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this used 1997 Jeep wrangler se with the little 2.5 and a five speed man. Trans.. A little over 3 years ago the money was well spent. And I say that with a smile. Have put about 5 grand into it for the suspension and wheels soft top 33" tires with a 4" lift .. Have to remind myself its not a sports car and the gas mileage is Rather good. Will I buy another Jeep. Hell yes.

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  Good overall SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bearall - February 19 - 1:20 am

  Is a great vehicle if not for the window regulator issue. Windows can fail at any time especially in hot climates. Rides very well, little disappointed in gas economy but otherwise has been a great little SUV.

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  No Complaints - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pete1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine used with 52,000. Did brakes and serpentine belt. Had been offroad a fair amount per prior owner. Now have 64,000. Really have had no problems. Have heard the street talk about transmission failures but no problems with mine. Again, I think it matters quite a bit how theyre used (towing/offroad/overheating)and maintained.