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 Cant Do It - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By sacopaddler - July 29 - 1:03 pm

  This vehicle is a danger to the driver, passenger, and anyone else on the road that is near it. My Jeep has stalled repeatedly, even after the "Recall Notice" and was repaired. Cant drive with kids in the car and really shouldnt drive with me in the car. Have to fight Chrysler for it to be returned. Really too bad!!!! I have always wanted a Jeep. :-( A very big let down.

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  Happy Diesel Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By davez - July 29 - 9:10 am

  I know have 42000 miles on this vehicle and except for the replacement of the ERG sensor at 8000, I have had no problems with the Jeep. I have gotten as high as 31 mpg in the summer but in the winter time (Upstate NY) it typically gets around 21 mpg. Workmenship has been good but the original stock tires are garbage. I would not hesitate to buy this vehicle again.

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  Renegade Nation - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Jason - July 28 - 10:42 pm

  Great design, true jeep quality. Love the detachable roof get so many compliments on the Jungle Green Color!

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  weak Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joshua - July 28 - 12:10 pm

  While it has decent power, it gets HORRIBLE mpg. Not very spacious. Feels unstable in quick swerves to avoid traffic/animals. Not a true Jeep.

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  Rubi Red is Fun... a great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By vwnb99 - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  The Jeep is a blast. Rides much better than my 1990 SE. I am happy with the purchase, use it mostly to go to and from work (live in the country) and off road now and then. The ride is a bit jittery on secondary roads and require me to hold onto the wheel tight. The driving position is very uncomfortable. My left arm gets tired holding the wheel and I feel boxed in with the door right on my shoulder. The loop door handle is useless. The gas mileage is horrible (14.36 average), the 5 speed shifts like a old farm tractor. In 2nd to 3rd gear the motor is guttless. The 7 speaker stereo system is poor. But even with all these little annoyances, the RUBI is a blast to drive.

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  A Fine Automobile - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spencesdad - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We have loved our Jeep for 4 1/2 years. Our previous Jeeps had been virtually depreciation-proof, so we were shocked at this models depreciation. At 104k, we are apparently lucky to have had no tranny problems. Ate up several sets of Goodyears before we found Bridgestones which have been awesome. Been hard on front brake pads, but not excessively. Still runs and drives flawlessly, has the most comfortable and durable interior ever. Looks showroom new after six kids! Would love to keep the seats when we finally sell it! We love the way it handles, and handles anything.

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  A nice Jeep:) - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPLOVAH99 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Jeep Grand Cheerokee for our family just last summer. I had bought it used from the dealership. The person who had owned it before I had it out on a 3 year lease. I have been very pleased with its performance from bringing my family for Prince Edward Island and Back to Maine. It also has bought us down to Massachusettes many times to visit with relatives.

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  Capable Adolescent Design - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By anyoldalias - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Our Liberty has been generally tackling all of our transportation/cargo needs for the past 6 months. Gas mileage (20mpg hw) is unfortunate, but a known trade-off for heavy duty suspension. The vehicle sufferes from a handful of rather obnoxious details, most outlined below. Three cheers to Chrysler for designing a nice hybrid of suburban and off-road SUV traits. Three bronx cheers to Chrysler for overlooking so many silly, correctable details, and then leaving them uncorrected in 2003.

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  Engine shot? - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anti freeze guy - July 25 - 4:06 pm

  As one of the few I can say that brakes have not been my major complaint. Up until a few months ago I had no complaints at all. Sadly it now appears that at 47K I need a major engine overhaul. The coolant level warning light comes on once a month. Entire system has been inspected by dealer and no external leaks have been found. Leaving one possibility.

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  Its really a V-6 - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Reachin - July 25 - 12:39 pm

  I put over 1,000 miles on it the first week. Very good on the highway and not bad on city streets. Compared to my 92 Wrangler with over 350,000 on the odometer this vehicle is a Limo. I do find it odd that FCA left 2014 technology in the radio when even they step down vehicle Compass has the new radio.