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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  diesel - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nevin - June 7 - 10:40 pm

  Love this Jeep, Traded Dodge 2500 diesel for this. Upset with Jeep with Std. Features. When you get Diesel engine, Jeep takes out many Std. Options, Remote start, wood gear shifter,power remote mirrows. Had torn sun visor from factory. Diesel has great pickup, quite. Evertime I fill up @ pumps, people tell me I cant put Diesel in Jeep. This is a fun driver. GPS is old School, wish it had new My Gig.

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  In the shop after 3 days - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mike - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my JGC used w/28,000 miles on it. A couple days later engine light comes on. Dealer replace 02 sensor and on the way home it goes on again. Its been in the shop going on day #3 and now they say computer is shot. I dont think they no whats wrong with it. Im starting to think this was a bad purchase. At least it looks good.

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  versitle car - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Rick - June 1 - 1:19 am

  I bought this Jeep new in 2010. It now has 76k on it. The tires lasted 60k miles. Mostly routine maintenance. I still enjoy driving this vehicle and take it on long trips in comfort. Because of the miles ,year and good resale value I will probably get a new one.. I think this car has the best bang for the buck in its class.

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  Jeep allows you to pay for what you value - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Greg - May 31 - 2:45 pm

  The 2016 Patriot is a decent value. Dont rely solely on professional reviews, drive one yourself. What you get: 4WD, air conditioning, satellite radio,roof rack, auto dimming rear view mirror and Bluetooth for $17,000. For that price it comes with steel wheels, manual locks, windows, side view mirrors and a manual 5-spd transmission. I chose Jeep because it let me pay for features I value instead of having to pay for automatic conveniences that I dont need. The seats are comfortable, the heat and A/C work great, the transmission shifts just fine for a non-performance application and highway mileage tops 30 mpg. The sound system is more than adequate (for a middle aged man). Seriously , how much volume does one need for Fox Business? Jeep lowered its powertrain warranty to 3 years/36,000 miles. Resale value is soft for the manual trans models. Crash test scores arent impressive. I like driving the 5-spd manual and appreciate the hill assist feature. A decent vehicle for the money.

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  Wrangler - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By rwdc - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had the opportunity to get a low milage older model Wrangler. I have had no problems with it and would highly reccommend it to anyone without a family.

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  Driving for the fun of it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Purcell - May 28 - 11:03 am

  I have enjoyed driving my 2004 Jeep Liberty more than any automobile I have owned. It handles well and has just the right power with the 3.7. The only thing is fuel consumption. Not very good on mileage city or highway.

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  Great 3rd Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ragarver - May 27 - 5:10 am

  This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive. Pull the doors and roof off and enjoy the sun and beach. This is a well built and very reliable vehicle. Keep in mind, this vehicle has a very short wheel base and will wear you out on a long drive. The original Jeep has limited storage space and but is great for just enjoying a day of sun and fun. Words to the wise, opt. for the larger "Unlimited" or 4DR if this will be your daily driver.

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  Get what you pay for (if you buy used) - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 2 time jeep owner - May 26 - 11:33 am

  Used jeep GCs can be a great deal for the do it yourself mechanic. Sorry to those who bought new. I replaced blend doors at 85K miles with do it yourself kit for $200 through glove box, works perfectly. Rust started to creep through rear fender wells, poor factory paint job did not cover inside of wheel wells. Needed to change battery at 90k miles. Running strong with 100k miles on it. Bought it for $7200 with 80k miles on it in 2009, great deal versus other options for the money but I know how to fix minor issues and those issues are reflected in the lower resale value of this vehicle.

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  Why buy or even build the Grand Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jeep SantaBarbara - May 25 - 11:50 pm

  The Jeep Commander is a really fine SUV. I shopped the Expdetion, Tahoe, Armada and Sequoia. Finally decided on the Jeep. The overland has a lot of features for the money with the incentives Jeep offers: Bluetooth, NAV, rear DVD, 3rd row, rear sensors, heated seats, auto high beams, sunroof, tow package, tons of airbags and more. It is a little small for the price when compared to the true full-size utes like the Tahoe, but usually is adequate and the smaller size comes in handy in most daily tasks. But my point is with the new 2008 Liberty in the line why does Jeep still offer the Grand Cherokee? The Commander is the better buy and much closer to the cool/trendy Grand Wagoneer.

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  Jeep Libertys are fun! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Marianne Smith - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Jeep Liberty Sport in 2002 for travel in the snow. It has shown me that not only does it handle well in snow, but in rain, sun, hard ground, and other situations as well. I never have to worry about where Im going or if I break down...its never happened. It feels great to drive and is very easy to handle. The cargo space is every womans dream and the rear door made for easy access to it. The only sown side to the viechle is that when the rear windows are open it causes a loud wind tunnel sound that occ. hurts your ears...but the A/C helps. I have truly enjoyed my experience with it and plan to buy again in the future!