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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  Regulators in windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary Ann - December 18 - 10:26 am

  The regulator has gone out 3 times on my back drivers side window. Once on the passenger side window. The dealership is charging to fix this each time. It continues to happen, so they arent fixing it. I am so tried of this. I would have never bought this vehicle had I known. I bought it new.

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  for the love of jeeps - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By violent jenn - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Is the best 4 wheel drive vehicle in the world.

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  GREAT! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stevereno - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The jeep grand cherokee is the best jeep i have ever owned. it is so stylish and neat. the interior is so comfortable and it has a smooth ride. all i can say is...I LOVE MY GRAND CHEROKEE!!

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  The kids approve! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Staceyleigh - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Jeep for a couple of months but I love it. It handles great and is nice and roomy. This is the first SUV Ive owned and Im quite pleased!

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  Classic Jeep lines! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve S. - December 15 - 4:51 pm

  The Patriot feels solid and well built. I have no problem reaching freeway speeds or traveling over the mountain passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It has very comfortable front seating with excellent head and leg room. I opted for the air conditioning and the Power Value Group which includes; Body Color Door Handles, Illuminated Entry, Speed Sensitive Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Automatic Headlamps, Power Heated Fold-Away Mirrors, Power Driver 1-Touch Windows, and Body Color Liftgate Applique. I was also able to negotiate a great price on this smaller SUV. Best value for your money in this segment of the SUV market.

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  The Best SUV Ever - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jmtrumpet - December 13 - 7:12 am

  The original SUV was, and is the best. Its reasonably economical, quick and agile, and combines the ruggedness of a true truck frame with agility (the agility is helped by the aftermarket, stiffer shocks I installed along with slightly wider high-performance tires). And it can go pretty much anywhere. My 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0 has more than 180,000 miles on it - yet when I change the oil after 4000 miles, the dipstick still shows full! Ive never had an engine with this level of longevity. With its NP242 Selec-Trac transfer case, in addition to 2WD and 4WD Hi & Lo it also has Full Time All-Wheel Drive - in this mode on wet pavement its like having an Audi Quattro or BMW X-Drive.

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  We loved it so much we bought another! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By NewJeepGirl - December 11 - 5:26 pm

  My husband loved my 08 Patriot so much we traded his 96 RAV 4 for a base model 08 Patriot. You get so much for the money-considering we would have to pay almost $20K for a used something else that had 30-40K miles, we got him a brand new Patriot for under $18K. Friends of his thought the seats were leather (theyre vinyl), the ride is smooth, and he gets 28-29K on the highway. He still has the outside temp guage, low tire pressure sensor, and Lifetime Powertrain warrentee

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  I love reading the Jeep reviews - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Awesome truck - December 11 - 4:40 am

  Four Cherokees....Id buy four more. 84 ( black beauty } 93 ( black beauty II } 98 { green hornet )01 { Brutis ). Brutis pulled a new Kia SUV with a tow package and a 2300 lb sterndrive boat hat was coupled to it out of our lake and up the ramp. And I didnt have to bother with low range! Enough said.

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  Jeep Cherokee Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bikermom - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Having enjoyed my Jeep Cherokee Sport 2 Door 6 cyl, for a full 10 years, it was time for a new toy. Price, performance and spirit where high on my list of wants in a new machine. I kept coming back to Jeep. The Laredo was the right size for my shopping and travel needs. I am hoping this will give me at least 10 reliable years of fun, like its predecessor.

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  Wow!!! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep thriller - December 8 - 11:08 am

  Loved the ride in comparison with ford and toyota SUVs. Best SUV -- bang for the buck. We looked at german SUVs and their repair expense is very high. I own two german cars so i have experience with regular wear and tear repair cost. I was very sceptical to buy first American car and was sold right away after i drove .