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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  Third ones a charm - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RIJEEPSTER - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Jeep Gr. Cherokee I have owned and it is by far the best. I test drove many other brands and could not find one better. It is fun to drive, comfortable on long drives and just an all around great vehicle. Today four years later I still get complements on its looks.

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  2011 Latitude 4x4 cvt - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rogatordriver - April 18 - 7:43 am

  I bought the 2011 Patriot as a program car in the spring of 2012. I have been pretty satisfied until now, it has 83,000 miles and I am replacing the first set of tires. noticed some wear issues and have been informed that it needs left and right front control arms and rear tow links....thats around $500 dollars in parts before labor. I am told this is very common for the Patriot, NAPA says they sell lots of these parts. This is my first Jeep and it may very well be my last. It gets good mileage,24-26.5 mph, it is driven 72 miles a day and babied for mileage. If I were trading vehicles today it would be a very uphill sale for Jeep.

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  Not What I Expected - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By T Tyler - April 16 - 5:03 am

  I got this 97" Jeep in 2006 with approx 60k on it... with in 6 months I had to have the Rear-End rebuilt... $1600 Water Pump replaced in 2009 for $450 Transmission Rebuilt 2010 for $1600 This Jeep has been leaking Oil from day 1 (Minor Dripping) The front end needs to be Rebuilt also.. but where I live there is no need for 4X4, so it will stay the way it is... I love the interior , look and overall ride.. Just too many issues with me even driving it rough. When I drive, I drive it with care.. Still it seems to not want to play fair and stay repair free... Why me... PS: The Infinity speakers seem to be blown... may be due to the age... oh well

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  nice jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By cwnaaa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This jeep is excellent for off road and climbing over 15inch rocks and then going down highway nice ride just the right automoble for living in New England. the anly thing is if you use reg. gas it get about 15 miles to a gallon if you put in super you get about 20 mpg. so I send a little more but get 30%better gas mileage

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  Oh what a feeling to Jeep~! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepLover03 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a great feeling when other cars cant cross the rain flooded roads and my Jeep just drive through, casually. I love the view/height of the Jeep gives me enough warnings on the trafic ahead. Wonderful "power-everything" in my "special edition" model...oooh la la. Why is my Jeep feels "heavier" when Im tired or early in the morning? RUST~! on the hood, not a good sign. And what are those squeeking noises~? Under the dash, in the front and back door panels, over head, everywhere~! Final words, Im gonna get rid of it after 6 months and get a newer Jeep Grand Cherokee, if not; well, Honda or Toyota people will be seeing me soon.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By harrison7 - April 10 - 11:32 pm

  Bought my Jeep about a year and a half ago. Before that had a 1998 grand. It was such a great car. Got over 300k miles on it before someone totaled it. But My 2006 Jeep is a good car. I love the look of the car, the hard lines and the awesome grille. Fun to drive, and the seats are so comfortable. But I do have mixed feelings about the jeep. I have all sorts of electrical problems. My dash lights flash constantly and my NAV stopped working. Dealer said it was the body control module that needs to be replaced. ($1,200)!!! Makes a grinding noise when I turn sharp in the parking lot. Have no idea what that is. And the thirsty hemi puts a dent in my wallet every time I fill up.

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  Four years and counting - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper Jim - April 8 - 11:46 am

  I love my TJ Rubi. Shes a gas to drive and be seen driving. You cant just cant beat top-down-doors-off Jeepn fun. Took her on the Rubicon Trail stock and she bottomed out a few times. A 4 inch lift kit and 33" MTRs and shell go anywhere. Gas mileage stinks but so what. Its a Jeep!

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  Huge Improvement - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepRepeat - April 6 - 6:46 pm

  This is our 3rd Grand Cherokee that weve leased. This 2006 Jeep is a huge improvement from our 1997 and 2000 Grand Cherokees. My kids said that our new Jeep rides better then my 2005 Nissan Maxima, which I only drive on nice days. Big improvement on engine and transmission, however the 3.7 liter is a bit sluggish around hilly areas. The handling is also greatly improved. No more leaning when going through the corners.

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  V8 Ltd. Best SUV - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tevon - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive been in other SUVs and trucks and nothing has been like this vehicle. I have truly enjoyed driving this SUV for the past several years and not had any major repairs or constant worries like you would have with other high mileage vehicles. I purchased the vehicle at 95K miles and in 3 years have added another 60K miles.

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  BA-A-AD BRAKES - GOOD LOOKS - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By impecunious - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks of the car. I am happy with the comfort level and the room and the safety of 4WD. I am most decidedly NOT happy with brake rotors that warp even before pads need to be replaced!! I mean, what is up with that?? All in all I would NOT buy another Jeep just because of the brakes.