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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  Embarassing - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hebron112 - December 9 - 11:05 am

  I love my first ever GC. I had the fabric seats changed to leather and it is brilliant and only 6 months old.I am blown away by the power when you hit the accelerator even compared to my Dodge Nitro (petrol). The Laredo can throw you back in your seat. Love it! The paddle shifts that I thought were just a gimmick are great when towing which it also a winner in my book.All the electronics are impressive compared to my previous Dodge.It looks good and for an SUV is reasonably quiet. The only 2 x things that annoy me actually embarrass me and Jeep could have avoided which is the foot brake alarms and warnings and the door hinges able to overextend.

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  Death Wobble - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By pditty - December 6 - 5:00 pm

  I love the vehicle for top off cruising great gas mileage (23 on the highway) but the wobble happened when crossing railroad tracks it was very violent at 30 mph. hitting the brakes stopped the wobble and everything returned to normal. tires have been balanced and rotated every 5000 mi. dealer will be looking into problem this week. I consider this vehicle to be very dangerous to drive in its present condition.

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  Concerned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By suzan - December 6 - 1:26 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now and have had some of the problems found in reviews. Transmission slips and clunks. Main seal started leaking. Windshield whistles. From reverse to drive is a hard clunk when you can finally get it to go. It feels like the car is going to fall apart when you go over a bump. Now the ac is not cooling as well! But the good old dealership says itÂ’s the nature of the beast that every thing is fine! Not quite sure what to do other than keep wasting my time and theirs by bringing it in for check ups?

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  Jeeps Rock! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By bbockmon - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I got my Wrangler Sport new in 01. I just rolled 36000 miles and its only been in the shop once. Its absolutely the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I added a lift kit and larger tires with lockers in the diffs at 8000 miles, and still had no problems.

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  Very nice IF it would be reliable - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ammunist - December 2 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle under 3 weeks ago, and its been in the shop 4 times already, and it going back in another few days. I purchased it with 1200 miles on it, for a 3-year old vehicle, that should mean its in like-new condition. The transmission died the 2nd day I had it, had the PCM and solenoid replaced, the auto-headlights and rain-sensitive wipers dont work, there is a break in the wire in the headliner (getting that fixed in a few days), the passenger window doesnt roll up on its own, and now the sunroof is leaking. A regular piece of junk.

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  Not what everyone else said - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By crashgordon - December 2 - 1:07 am

  After reading several reviews by other owners Im reassured about my purchase decision. I bought my 2007 Patriot new in September 2007, soon after the lifetime warranty was offered. I opted for a manual transmission because I wanted the better gas mileage and was unsure about the CVTs. I wanted to wait until the CVTs had been in service for a few years before I bought one. Also, I was unimpressed with the CVT when I test drove one. With 65,000 miles I have had two warranty issues - the shift boot split and the switch on the cruise control needed replaced. NO other issues. I also bought a 100,000 mile service contract for the car, but have never used it. I have had no complaints.

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  great city ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By s1iron - November 29 - 11:13 am

  Very pleased and at 63" 250lbs, plenty of room for 4 golfers and clubs Coming up on 4 years and 95,000 miles, went cross country and every day driving exceptional. Fuel economy could be much better but utility, reliability and fun cant be beat. Lived in NYC 2 years with it and so easy to park and maneuver. One set of brakes and change oil religiously. Made a mistake on second set of tires, should have stayed with originals. I would recommend, no worries Just lost A/C compressor other than that has been very reliable. Finally, will purchase and turn over to daughter. had Grand Cherokee and Durango previously.

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  Love My Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shaneyusa - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used with under 12,000 miles. Have had some small annoying problems, but nothing that would make me buy something different. Nimble sports car like handling for a SUV. Power when you need it. Great looks. When it gets too many miles I will definately look at buying a new version of this vehicle.

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  What the Doctor Ordered - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Thing - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My week old Wrangler is the best move this over-worked man has ever made. 2.4L is adequate, better than other 4 cyl I have owned, 5 speed is easy to shift, the hyd clutch is a piece of cake to work, good for beginners. Wish I had the full doors with window, it would make cool mornings better. It is truly relaxing to drive. Soft top is not that bad, 10 mins tops to do it right. I will always own a Wrangler from this point on. Its a Jeep Thing!!

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  not bad - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SHOKHEAD - November 27 - 6:46 pm

  A very nice car to drive.