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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  1st jeep in 15 years - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - September 28 - 7:26 pm

  I owned others SUVs for the past 15 years. This 2007 Jeep is the most elegant of them all. The Jeep is fun to drive and the weight of the vehicle makes you feel safe.

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  Too much FUN! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Neophyte - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Awesome fun factor, but better as a second or third vehicle. Its unbeatable off road, but if you are considering all the car-like SUVs, remember that Wrangler is made with ONE purpose in mind: Off-road.

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  Too Late The Hero - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave Redler - September 26 - 4:13 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler model; you know, topless summer fun. I remember test driving the then new Rubicon Model but it was too rough riding. I waited for the Unlimited version and finally bought the top-of-the-line model; the best of everything (all options & the automatic trannny). Its cutsie and all, but I guess the crux of the story is that wanting is often times more pleasurable than having. Im having a hard time readjusting from a full-size pickup to the small, narrow, cramped & difficult time getting in & out & the long drives. DC did a good job on the build-quality, very quiet & smooth riding but for you ol timers getting long-in-the-tooth you may rethink it.

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  CANT BELIEVE HOW MUCH FUN IT IS! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By rhicks - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep thinking that the purchase may be a passing fancy. It has since become a passion. I love the vehicle. It is great in all weather (I have both tops). But you may need to have a garage if you want to get the most out of it. Leaving the top down in the summer is the only way to go. To do that you need a garage. Simple. I have not had any problems with the jeep at all. You must rotate the tires every other oil change if you get the 30 inch wheel package. Other wise, you will get radial striping on the tread wear which increases road noise.

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  Stay AWAY from the Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gail - September 23 - 9:34 pm

  Purchasing this car was the biggest mistake Ive ever made! Buyer beware - read the reviews/complaints before spending all this money on a vehicle that has so much hesitation on acceleration that Im pretty sure Im going to get killed. A vehicle is suppose to move forward when pressing on the gas peddle. Instead the engine revs really loud like Im in a plane taking off but your still not going anywhere. In the meantime, the window of opportunity to pull out is quickly decreasing because of oncoming traffic (to the point where I would no longer feel safe in doing so) Then the car finally reacts and lurches forward throwing everyone back in their seats. To oncoming traffic and passengers in my car, it looks like Im pulling out at the last minute and cutting them off. This happens during All accelerations, back streets and highway driving. I brought it back to the dealer and took the service manager for a drive and his response was thats normal! He confirmed that it drives this way but to say its NORMAL is unacceptable. I have a 2015 Grand Cherokee Overland and will trade it as soon as possible!

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  Great All Purpose - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bud - September 23 - 8:50 am

  Had a few Lincoln Town Cars and traded my 2003 Lincoln in on a 2005 Grand Cherokee Laredo in June 05. Saw the Commander and I really missed all the toys on the Lincoln. At 6ft 200 lbs also missed the room. Traded the Cherokee with 7000 miles on it for the Commander Limited with all the toys except NAV and entertainment. Im 64 years old and really enjoy the view.

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  winter security vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By doug - September 23 - 3:23 am

  The Jeep is a wonderful vehicle to have in winter; most times if you go off the road when slippery, put it in low range and get back on while cars are gonna sit and wait for a tow-truck. The Jeep gives me a feeling of safety when the weather is bad, as I can pull out of my driveway, with a foot of snow on the ground, in 4 wheel drive, and not spin a wheel. While doing this, my radio, with an awesome sound keeps me smiling!

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  BMW No More - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lighthammer - September 22 - 2:59 am

  This vehicle loves to be thrown into hard turns at speed. Very composed. The new wider track and longer wheelbase give it a smooth ride. Quiet cabin at 70 mph. Feels solid and comfortable. Exterior manages to look tough and sophisticated at the same time. As good as my old BMW X5 but much less expensive.much less expensive.

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  2008 Patriot 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ASG - September 22 - 1:16 am

  I commute 100 miles a day round trip and it doesnt beat you up. traded in the Subaru outback, and am very pleased with MPG (26-28) compared to sticker rating. I like the non carpet in the back, we have 2 large dogs. Visibility is great compared to other models. Tested out the 4x4 today and worked fine in the snow/ice. When my other SUV gets retired soon, I plan on purchasing another patriot (4x2).

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  Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Waysco - September 21 - 3:23 pm

  This vehicle has been everything we could have imagined and more, and she still has a lot to offer. One of the best 4x4s we have ever owned. It would go through snow and ice like it was dry roadway. The Best.