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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  Wonderful Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By E. Woody - August 11 - 10:16 am

  I have enjoyed ownership of my 1998 Grand Cherokee. It has a wonderful ride. The seats are as comfortable as a recliner. It has been almost problem- free. The cost of ownership has been approximately $250 above the purchase price and maintenance. Fuel economy has been 15/24 mpg with an average highway mileage of 22.5 mpg. This is my second Cherokee. I plan to purchase another soon.

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  Love it - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CLK - August 11 - 7:16 am

  So far, love the SUV. Went from a Toyota car to an SUV, rides better! One has to remember it is a truck/SUV and therefore the fuel efficiency is lower than a car. Love the 4X4. The Limited has many extras!

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  Cant believe how much I love this ride! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gina - August 10 - 2:06 am

  After owning Mazdas for the better half of my driving history, I decided to trade in my very sporty 3s for a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. To my complete surprise, I dont miss my Mazda AT ALL! I did not realize how well built these vehicles really are and how comfortable and fun to drive it is. I just love everything about this Jeep. Handles wonderfully off road and street driving is quiet, controlled and sturdy like a luxury vehicle. I can only hope this Jeep will give me many years of reliability just like I know the Mazda would have. Drove over my first snow bank yesterday. Ok, it was only about 18 inches high, but nevertheless, fun as heck. Now I know the Mazda couldnt have done that! Only in a Jeep!

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  Just buy it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By new2diesel - August 9 - 8:46 am

  I have been driving Toyotas for years and have been pleasantly surprised by the quality, ride, power and economy of my CRD. I bought the Sport CRD with Tow package for $22,600 - brand new - what a bargain. Toyota cant touch that price. I get 23 - 28.5 mpg which is incredible for a true 4x4. So far so good!

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  Second Time Around - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Tycho - August 8 - 6:00 pm

  This is my second Liberty. I traded a 2004 Limited up for a fully loaded 2007 Limited. The incentives were great, and so was the trade. The new car has improved gas mileage, and greater creature comforts than my 2004 model: these include 6-disc CD player, Sirius radio, leather seats, sun roof, on the wheel radio controls. It is comfortable on good roads and on bad roads. Handling is easy. Seems a bit higher off the road than the 2004 model, and the back seats now go down flat so as to open up the rear for more cargo (which for me includes a 75 pound dog). Plenty of space in the cargo area with the seats down. Great car.

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  Should Have Done it Sooner! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry Clifton - August 8 - 1:13 pm

  I had a Suburban that had close to 200k. I had been looking for something smaller, yet could tow 3000 lbs. I was really not considering Jeep. I went to the dealer on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by the Liberty. I have towed 3500 with it so far, and it is smoother that the Suburban! It will seat five average perosns comfortably.

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  Love This SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By EGB - August 6 - 8:56 am

  I have a 2007 Commander Limited with the 5.7L HEMI. I have driven it 2500+ miles so far. Mileage is better than what I expected based on other reviewers. I took a 250 mile trip and averaged 20.1 mpg using the cruise control set at 70 mph. I calculated this manually and the onboard computer confirmed it. Overall, Im averaging 16.5 mpg on combined city/highway (25%/75%) driving. The ride is very smooth and it handles like a smaller vehicle. The torque/acceleration with the HEMI brings a big smile to my face. My favorite SUV so far (had Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX330). The seats are comfortable and 2nd row leg room is better than advertised (stadium seating makes this row sit higher).

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  Jeep Lover - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Lover - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but a pleasure to drive, All of you who did not like it must have gotten lemons. No mechanical or other problems

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  Satisfied - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chipshot - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased a 2003 after owning a 96 Cherokee that was very reliable so reliable we gave itto our son it is still in great condition visually and mechanically with 75K miles on it.... The 03 really is a nice ride and has great styling and a very solid feel are 96 sold us on the 03...

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Corey - August 3 - 3:00 pm

  What an awesome SUV! I never knew Jeeps were so awesome; driving feels both like driving a luxury SUV and a sport SUV all in one. I think Im hooked.