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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  08 Libertys are Awesome! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Aaron -n- Rach - January 7 - 4:30 am

  My wife and I just purchased an 08 Liberty, and we love it. It has a nice, smooth, quiet ride. The engine has plenty of power, and unless you are standing outside the vehicle, is quiet also. The reversible/ washable cargo tray comes in very handy. The stereo system sounds great, especially if you get the premium sound group option. The transmission shifts very smoothly. The mpg and price is better than previous Liberty models but could stand to be improved a little further. The interior design and placement of controls are well thought out. It could stand to have a grab bar for assistance getting in and out. But overall it is an excellent mid-suv for young couples and small families.

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  Jeep does the wrong thing - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep4me2 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep had less than 50k miles, and it was dealer maintained. It developed a cracked head! This is an obvious factory defect. I got very little from Daimler/Chrysler since it is just out of warranty (36k warranty on it). One of the lackeys in Customer Service even hung up on me. I own 2 Jeeps! This is the last Jeep for my wife (she drives this one). She is going back to Ford. Jeep messed up on this one. I am telling all my friends who own Jeeps.

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  Wheres my gas and oil? - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jimmy Jim - January 6 - 10:00 am

  gas mileage blows...and in a 100 mile trip i used 2 quarts of oil...no leak nor smoke so id like to know wheres my oil?

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  Drives well, but.... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SusanX - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1988 Cherokee Pioneer and loved that car. However, I have been disappointed in this Jeep. The power windows have each had to be repaired at least twice. The weatherstripping keeps falling off and although I have had it in twice for the rear window weatherstripping, it still leaks. Ive also had to take it in for at least four recalls in the last three years. It also has blind spots due to the thick window supports -- Ive nearly gotten into two accidents because I havent seen cars coming toward me on a curve. Would I buy another Jeep? Not on your life.

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  Brakes, Drivetrain and Electrical Woes - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dissapointment - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had many makes of automobiles Japanese, German and American but this is the most problematic of them all. I purchased a Limited 4X4 with all the goodies, V8, Quadratrac etc,etc... The brakes have been among the worst I have ever owned needing replacement before 15K miles. The transmission has a mind of its own, clunking off downshifts at slow speed and upshifting harshly when cold. The electrical system has been a nightmare randomly flashing the headlights when the vehicle is unattended. I should have done my homework before I purchased this vehicle. Shame on me!

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  The Invincible Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Barbara - January 5 - 11:16 pm

  I have driven Jeeps for over 12 years now, and I have never had to do one thing to the car, except regular oil and lube changes. The car is unbelievable. A great ride, very sturdy, and even though it is the only SUV that really has a truck base, it drives like a luxury car as well. It can withstand rough terrain and roads (the only car the Army used for reliability). I only had to call a tow once, when I ran out of gas. Every other SUV is a knock-off.

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  2016 model 6cyl 9 spd - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By joe skelly - January 3 - 5:14 pm

  I guess we win. transmission crapped out after only 265mi. yes thats right 265! All the things everyone is saying about this vehicle are true. Run dont walk away from this. Luckily we were not on highway when it failed. Dont listen to dealer lies. They know about transmission problems and are not able to fix them. Gonna have to take a huge loss to get out from this junk. Lemon law is our only hope.

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  First Drive Review - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beantown617 - January 3 - 10:27 am

  Ive only had my new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for a few days. Thats why I only gave Reliability a 3. Time will tell in that category. The Jeep is fun to drive. The acceleration is good not great. I dont understand when people make comments about poor acceleration for quick passing on the highway or slight body lean if you corner to fast. If youre trying to do either of these things then you shouldnt be looking for an SUV. The V6 is good enough for most unless, you tow, need a lot of acceleration for off-roading or carry around a large family with the cargo area full. I will update this after Ive driven for a few months...

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  Excellent buy - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Sanju - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I am glad I got this jeep. Its a 4D,2W drive, just needed it for regular use in city. After 4 years, Still Gives 22 m/g on highways. Very confortable to drive. Haven`t spent a $ for repairs yet, except regular oil change & maintenance. Drive one to have fun, a classic.

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  To Be Driven - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sboyle - January 3 - 2:23 am

  Excellent performance in and out of traffic, Wet road handling 4-wheel part time is outstanding!