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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  60th Anniversary Edition - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burago47 - October 14 - 9:30 am

  I leased this vehicle new in 2001 with 6 miles on it. Liked it because it had two tone interior, rather than the one color (dark grey) fits all that most new cars use in the interior. Now has 57K with no major problems, other than brake rotors once at 30K, repaired under warranty, and leak in the sunroof, also repaired under warranty. Still looks as good as the day I got it, inside and out, and it has been left outside in the Northeast. Will be coming off lease in April and I plan to buy it. I dont like the looks of the 05 Grand Cherokee, but it does ride and handle better than the old model. The old Jeep has classic styling that Im afraid we will not see again.

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  One year and loving it. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Craig04 - October 14 - 1:40 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now and have loved every minute of it. It is an absolute blast to drive. At this point in time, I have no complaints. Fun, fun, fun to drive. I traded tires and now have BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As. The Jeep was great in the snow. What a mountain goat!

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By citadelfox - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  Great Engine! The only reason I bought a Jeep. Wouldnt have even considered one of the other gas hogs they make. Looking forward to more info on whether or not we can run 50% or 100% biodiesel in the CRD safely (and without voiding the warranty). Had to replace the EGR valve already. They should really do something about that! Had a few engine lights come on, but aside from the EGR, they were not serious. Best MPG was 27.5 on a trip from UP to Milwaukee.

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  Used 2005 JGC Owner in GA - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By custombuilt53 - October 13 - 4:26 am

  I love the feel of this Jeep. I owned a 2002 Laredo I purchased new, and it started with problems and a rougher ride. This 2005 was purchased with 34,000 miles. The ride is very smooth. Hopefully the first owner has already gotten the heavy hitting problems taken care of.

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  Awesome Little SUV - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By JDA - October 10 - 3:20 am

  My wife and I just had a baby and realized that my car just wasnt big enough anymore. I didnt want a gas guzzler, so we test drove this Patriot. Chryslers current incentives (employee price, cash back 0% APR) couldnt be beat. I really enjoyed the test drive and after about a month it has performed great. Ive gotten about 24 MPG in mixed driving with the CVT. It just takes a little getting used to. It handles great and is so much easier to park than my sedan did. The new interior looks much better than the previous models did. The soft plastics feel good and dont shock me the way having cloth everyone tends to.

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  Jeep Cherokee Laredo the best - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roadbeagle - October 8 - 1:30 am

  Best small SUV on the market - it will actually go off road and climb hills, handles gravel roads great! It is also quite smooth on the interstate. A true SUV for all situations. Only wish the mileage was better, but you pay for a V- 8 motor.

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  LOVE my Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jen - October 7 - 3:03 am

  I have never felt so safe in any vehicle! This Jeep has handled any weather we have had in a year and a half. I live in NW PA so we see a lot of severe weather. We had a small issue with the passenger window, but the warranty took care of that. I have had to replace the windshield 3 times since I bought it. Every time a rock hits it, it cracks! Only 2 complaints. The gas mileage is typical for an SUV (13 city/18 hwy) and room in the back (or lack of room). My whole family is tall (Husband, Wife & 2 girls) from 57" to 64". Unless my husband is driving, it is very uncomfortable for him. And although I appreciate that 3rd row is an option, we dont need it as much as we need the room.

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  So far... so good. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chad Adams - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Have owned for 6 months now. Bought with 40,000 on vehicle... now at 52,000. No problems so far. Got the extended warranty in case, but at this point, unsure if I will be using it at all. Love the way it looks, and with a few minor engine upgrades (headers, exhaust, etc.), the 4.7L really screams and turns heads.

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  Bought as is from a used car lot. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terjej - October 4 - 10:51 am

  Step daughter wanted a Wrangler but we talked her into a Cherokee. This vehicle was found on Craigslist and is white with gold trim. It has dark grey leather interior and a lot of extras. Had a lot of issues with the jeep in the beginning. Radiator sprang a leak and had to be replaced, then the water pump and thermostat soon went out. The jeep then had a problem with shutting down when driving and was totally unreliable. Had to replace the crankshaft and cam shaft position sensors before that problem went away. Changed out the battery for a heavy duty one. Replaced the rotor, distributor cap and spark plug wires. Changed out the fuel filter and worked on the shift cable.

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  Successful Downsize - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MBT - October 4 - 10:00 am

  After four Acura MDXs and less kids living at home, I was looking to downsize. Drove the Audi Q5, Nissan Murano, Acura RDX, as well as a few others. All were either too small or drove like a minivan. I Stopped by the Jeep dealer on a whim and drove the 11 GC. I was pleasantly surprised; Jeep has definitely gotten it right this time. Power is as responsive as our 08 MDX, steering is not as heavy, and ride is quite smooth. Cabin is beautiful with all the right tech features. I would highly recommend shopping the Jeep against all the midsized imports. You will not be disappointed and it certainly is the most bang for your buck!