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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  ? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LoveMyJeepie - July 18 - 4:16 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I absolutely adore my Jeep. I love how it drives, looks, and all the features. It has been my favorite car so far, BUT it has SO many problems!! The sunroof leaks, the dust cover around the shifter broke, windshield washer fluid squirter broke off, the button to open the back hatch glass broke, and it sounds like the transmission is having problems!! for only being 4 years old I had assumed i bought a lemon! Also it seems that there is hardly any room in the back seat.

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  Love it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By vsmustang02 - July 17 - 11:16 pm

  So i just bought a 06 Commander used. Its the 3.7L. I love it, except for the gas mileage. My co-worker has the 4.7L and gets better gas mileage. I think part of the reason is because it takes a lot less effort for the V8 to move the vehicle then it does he V6. If i could buy again I would get the V8. Otherwise, I love it

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  Worthy 3 Years - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Indypoint OView - July 17 - 12:43 pm

  I leased my Grand Cherokee Ltd AWD in 2006 and I havent had any mechanical problems during my lease. The only thing I spent more than a few hundred bucks on was new tires, after 45k miles, so not bad at all. I drive 42 miles each way to work over mountains, country roads, highway and city driving and it handles great. Excellent in the snow as I live in the white Northeast. Crappy gas mileage - I average 17 combined MPG, have gotten 20 on HWY. It has an 18 gallon tank, which is smaller than other SUVs, but its a pain to fill up every 4 days. Great for hauling, powerful engine, great stereo, comfortable, sharp looking.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By I love this Jeep - July 17 - 3:03 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee. I have owned this vehicle for over one year, no problems at all. The only time it sees the service department is for the oil change and tire rotation. This has a great new look and all the comforts one could expect. I love, love it, get lots of compliments. I have the Hemi and as long as I do not gun the engine too often I get 17 mpg in town and about 19 mpg on the road, not bad for a car with so much power. If you like the Jeep, you will love this one.

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  A Nice drive. Liberty 2003 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By PaulMason - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Got my Liberty Sport 2wd. in June. Handles great. Of course like everyone says, sucks gas like it was going out of style.

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  First NEW vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Korruptor - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep 2 weeks ago. Its incredible. Ive driven trucks and other SUVs before but this is so much better. The ride is a bit rough but I expect that from a Jeep. Its built on a chassis designed for it unlike some other SUVs that are built on car chassis. I find the exhaust note to sound great, the steering is adaquate, the seats are supportive and comfortable and theres room for passengers and cargo.

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  Hasta (get me there and get me home) - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Harmony - July 15 - 4:36 am

  With 116,000 miles its time to consider a new vehicle although it has more than served us well for 7 years. Just required regular maintenance and expected parts to need replacing after 100,000 miles. Hate to part with this friend.

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  Around town - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bill - July 14 - 11:13 am

  Can not say it is a full 4X4 but as a get around town all weather shopping kart it is the best. Great in snow and ice and good MPG

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  What can I say, its a Jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By brillo2 - July 14 - 9:53 am

  An everyday experience. This Jeep is the best to get in and around traffic. Handled the recent ice storm we had in Maryland. Never needed to use the 4-wheel drive. The greatest heater ever.

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  Fun to drive - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By david - July 13 - 9:30 am

  I bought a used Grand Cherokee about 3 months ago and have had absolutely no problems with it. I bought the V8 and only get about 18 MPG but sold my 3/4 ton suburban for it so the gas mileage is great! Very fast with the V8, have gotten up to 115 in this with virtually no shaking or noises of any kind. I needed a mountain goat for the winter so I can get up the mountain for Skiing and have no concerns with powering through feet of fresh powder.