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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  love the looks, hate the handling - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By zmt214 - January 21 - 4:13 am

  This is my second wrangler, my first was an 01 sport automatic(this one is manual) that I had lifted and loved it, besides the acceleration. I recently lifted this jeep 4 inches and put some 35s on it. it looks great but rides terribly. my first jeep rode about 10 times better with the lift, but this one seems the exact opposite. well, it is worse but it wasnt great to start with. it is a very bouncy ride, riding on the interstate is almost terrifying especially when even a slight curve comes up, lousy acceleration and i HATE the death wobble. I havent had any mechanical issues yet with this vehicle but it is my daily driver and it couldnt be any worse of a choice in the way of comfort.

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  3rd Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jerry - January 21 - 4:03 am

  This is my third Jeep, I love them and my only complaint is that I waited so long to purchase one. I brought this one is 2007; I have not had any problems oil change regularly and it keeps me moving. I have to drive all over the Lancaster county for my job, I might start my day off at one end of the county and finish my day a the other end and my jeep always gets the job done no matter if I travel highways or dirt roads. Fuel is another story, but I am not willing to give up a car I love for money. Im looking forward to the 2011; they are changing the body again, it looks smooth.

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  Never Again... - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin - January 20 - 4:53 pm

  This was my 2nd JGCL. I previously owned a 2004 JGCL and loved it, never a problem. However I currently own the last Jeep Ill ever own. Bought new off the lot 19 mths ago and its been in the shop 4 times. First the windows would randomly roll down on their own. The back window gate latch will not catch, have to slam SEVERAL times to get it to catch. Several times a week it will stall around 20mph, no matter how hard you stomp the gas...was fixed, now a reoccurring problem. Now at 42,000 miles, I just got it out of the shop today due to the water pump, fan belt, and thermostat. Of course its still under the powertrain warranty, but its about to find itself another owner!

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  Do The Math...Buy it or Move On! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Curmudgeon - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Drove it for two weeks before signing the check to determine if this is what I want to live in for the next 72 months. I love it. Not happy about fuel eco, but it helps keep the mileage down! Recommend it highly. Jeep NEEDs to standardize its amenities. Never did get the package I wanted, but Im adding on and find it cheaper to do so post-sale.

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  Perfect for me, and what a deal! - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By philinla - January 19 - 9:06 pm

  I cant believe how nice this Compass is -- at least for me. I was expecting cheap and thrashy, and instead its smooth, quiet and very composed. Soaks up bumps. Firm, supportive seats. Interior is not nearly as cheap as some of the reviews would lead you to think. I mean, lighted cupholders, cruise control and Jeep floormats on a car I paid $13K for brand new! The plastics are soft enough in most places, a decent quality vibe.

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  Love this Jeep - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By FiremanLuke - January 19 - 6:20 pm

  We just bought this Jeep this month and have had so much fun already! It already had the nice add-ons like a suspension lift, 33" mud tires, rear luggage rack, swing-out rear gate, spare fuel cans, custom bumpers, grille guard, air-locker 4X4 and a 6 CD changer! It has only 70,600 miles on it and we look forward to many years of fun from this car.

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  GREAT TRUCK! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shaun - January 18 - 5:33 pm

  My second Jeep in two years. Better then the last one! Just went up to Big Bear California. Did great in the snow and rain, also took it out to Glamis Sand Dunes. Does well in the sand too! Rides great, looks great, new Boston Sound system is better the the old Infinity.

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  Wish they still made these. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DT-Jeep - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I ever drove. Fun, powerful yet small. My trip computer says Ive averaged 19.2 mpg including pulling a camper and daily driving.

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  A serious piece of junk - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By TimeLimitXceeded - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Compass 4x4 with 47,000 miles on 3/1/10. I bought it from a Jeep dealership thinking the car would be in good shape. I had the car checked out by my mechanic and uncle and they both gave the go ahead. On June 5th my Jeep kept on stalling every single time I would come to a stop. After doing tons of research, I found that the PCM needed flashed.Done, no problems sense (warranty repair 80k on PCM) On Sept 9th at 53,000 miles while going in for an inspection, I was told by my mechanic that the Jeep was unsafe. Both control arms, ball joints and sway bar links needed as they were literally falling out of place. These are parts that are supposed to last not crumble at 50k!

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  Not bad for the money, dont pay sticker though - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By himold1 - January 18 - 8:45 am

  My wife wanted it, I think its decent. Drives nicely, well equipped. Got a great deal on it and a pleasant transaction as well.