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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  nice jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jeeplover - December 15 - 10:50 am

  This jeep has a smooth ride. If you enjoy a small 4wd truck this is the answer.

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  2003 Liberty LTD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RWS - December 13 - 7:06 am

  I have had no problems with my 03 Liberty LTD. For the price it includes features I have never had in any other vehicle Ive owned.

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  mine is faster than yours...... - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sin69ful - December 13 - 6:36 am

  Seriously....This is a sick jeep...it amazes me in every way...i traded in a tahoe on "22s...the power in the SRT is outstanding and fun to drive every day....Ive had mine about 5 months and Ive put 12,000 miles on it...

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  Commander better than Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By enigma32 - December 12 - 12:56 am

  I purchased a Commander recently and after test driving the new Grand Cherokee, I was convinced. The Commander takes curves and turns better, looks better, is bigger but not too much bigger; in short, its just better. Its basically the same price and for a few dollars more, you get the added comfort. I love it, and getting the luxury package is the same as getting the Limited, so you might as well save some money and get the luxury package.

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  Fun but Issues - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bfolz - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  My Jeep is fun to drive and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it since I bought the vehicle in 10/01. It handles very well and can turn on a dime. The main issues I have had include rust around the middle of the wheels, which they said was due to water erosion, and a power steering rack that leaks power steering fluid. I have recently been told I have to replace the steering rack (54K miles) and it will cost $500 for the part and $500 for labor! Other garages have quoted me same. An extended warranty may of helped me but seems it should be covered anyways. I have also have a seat belt that seems to stick a bit. Overall happy with the vehicle but think the steering rack issue is a bit much.

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  Not your fathers Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sussexman - December 10 - 5:49 pm

  Traded in my Lincoln MKZ as I am a SUV man at heart. I like technology in my car and the Jeep has it. Not sure if this is the Mercedes influence but it has more technology then my Lincoln did. Ride is amazingly quiet for an SUV almost as quiet as the Lincoln. Motor has plenty of power for everyday driving and 8 gear transmission shifts smoothly even when you get on it. Seats are firm but comfortable with excellent lumbar support. The speech access system has its quirks I will elaborate in the suggested improvements section. The Jeep is 2 weeks old and I have 1300 miles on it currently getting 19 MPG overall.

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  Fun to drive; some repair issues - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jp - December 7 - 3:10 am

  Fun to own. Off-road capabilities are outstanding. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, as expected with 5.7L Hemi. Electrical issues with 4WD system have required repeated trips to the shop for repair. Park assist sensor and various other sensors/systems will show need for service but dealership will find nothing upon inspection. A/C will cease to blow cold air but will resume with shutoff/restart of engine. Second row lacks ample legroom for adult passengers. Despite the handful of issues Ive had with this vehicle, I dont regret purchasing it. Its a blast to take offroad and a joy to drive all the way around.

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  Work Horse - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HighMiles - December 5 - 3:26 am

  Bought the beast with 79k miles and now has 215k. Maintained every 3-4k and only major issues were front steering knuckles, sway bar links and most recently the exhaust manifold. 4.0L 6 cylinder engine is a workhorse.

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  Enjoyable Ride - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bduckett - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee new in 94. We took a drive the first month from North Carolina to Colorado... put 7,000+ miles on it right from the start. We just turned over 170,000 miles and are getting ready to purchase a new 2003 Grand Cherokee... This has been a wonderful vehicle for my wife, she loves the ride and the comfort. She is looking forward to a new Jeep, and hates to see this one go...

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  I hope the newer Jeeps are better! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blackjeep - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep with 47K miles and until recently its been great. I now have 100K miles and several problems. The tranny is poorly design because I now have slippage. The interior door panel are garbage due to the poor choice of material(it shrinks in heat). I have to replace the distributor next, after just replacing the ball joints. If the ratings for the newer models are as bad, Jeep will soon be out of business.