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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  Loved my Jeep, but - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim - August 11 - 4:00 am

  I loved my Jeep. Heres why. Previously, I had a 94 Grand Cherokee with the I-6 engine. That lasted us 12 years before I sold it and bought my 04 (in 06), and the last several years that Id owned the 04, Id had a 3500 lb. boat to pull. it was a dog. But, my 04, with the V8, was AWESOME for towing. It was so much fun to drive, too. But, in the end, the reliability killed me. I had to replace the power window mechanism on 3 of the 4 doors, the body was starting to rust (at 6 years of age), and Id had to replace a front wheel bearing. If not for the rust, I probably would have kept it, but today I drove home my new (to me) Honda Pilot. 16 years of owing JGCs, over, sigh.

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  jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chris supik - August 11 - 2:00 am

  the jeepis a very reliable car i went off road in 5ft mud with its 4.7l motor

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  Perfect size - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe - August 10 - 1:03 pm

  The drivers power seat is too high for anyone over 510". The cargo area is a little small. The leather seats are mostly thick soft plastic. The rest of the interior is hard plastic; even the few padded areas have too little padding. Other than that I am very happy with my Grand Cherokee. It gives an excellent ride on or off road. The seats are very comfortable. The stereo is top notch. It has a very solid and stable feel to it that is hard to describe. Lower the seats and add some padding to the arm rests and dash and you have an SUV that will be the best in this price range.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jane - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my choice of SUVs in the Jeep Liberty. The only negative is that I dont feel as safe when highway driving. I keep thinking of the rollover safety rating (poor)!!

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  Like My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Etown - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Intentions was not to buy the Jeep as a matter of fact, I say it on the show room floor like the color and the options so decided to buy. My wife looks straight ahead when she drives and because of that hits about every pot hole. The ruggedness of the vehicle is a plus. The first year took a 2000 mile trip and got right around 25.1 mpg. I change the oil every 3000 mile and rotate the tires every 5000. Got all five tires filled with nitrogen and it helps. Last year we went to Ocean City Maryland roughly 1200 miles and got 23- 24 mpg. Bought seat covers when we got it so no problem with stains. Also no problems with the windows. One door you can hear air when highway driving.

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  The Last Car. - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By The Last Car - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I call this "the last car" because I will never drive anything else. That said, it is not a "car" as much as a street legal toy. A giant go-cart. The feeling of driving a jeep is incomparable, but certainly not for everyone. In fact, if you even have to debate whether you should; then you probably shouldnt. If you are comfortable, however, with the idea of changing a heavy stubborn top (hard or soft), having little freeway acceleration, and generally driving a giant go-cart; then this is the car for you! You have to be prepared to think of your Jeep as a street-legal toy to really appreciate it. (Also, get the manual transmission or just get yourself a minivan)

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  Best thing on four wheels - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Leo - August 7 - 11:10 am

  This is my second Jeep, the previous one was a TJ. This is a far better machine. I just love it, soft top in the summer and hard top for the winter. I had no problems with starting it in -35C temperatures. It gets really cold here in Northern Alberta. It heats up quickly and the interior is quite warm. Would I buy another one, definitely. The only drawback is lowering the soft top, its a pain and takes about 10 minutes or so, but once done, what a fun vehicle to drive. What can I say, I just love it.

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  No accelleration - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amy - August 7 - 12:13 am

  I have JUST started having problems like everyone is describing, stepping on the gas and no acceleration. Malfunction light came and I just happen to be at my mechanics, he ran diagnostic and said it was definitely a problem with the transmission. That was last week and the light has gone off and it running just fine, again. Thankfully. FOR NOW! That was scary!

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  New To Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rubi Rules - August 6 - 11:13 am

  Weve owned numerous brands, various models. Traded a 4X4 Suburban for a Prius. We missed the off-road experiences and recently purchased the 09 Rubicon (kept the Prius, thank God). The Rubi was taken off-road immediately in the California desert. Buttes, sand, rock, highway, all very enjoyable. The side airbags were a must for our family. The Navi with its "breadcrumb" feature is a plus. Music beats and movies move with the sound system. Very happy with the decision to buy this Jeep. v/r, br

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  Far better than its general reputation - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Todd - August 4 - 4:53 am

  Bought from original owner with 130k, put 58 k on it in 3 years. Does everything you could ask of an SUV. No electrical problems, had to replace original water pump and radiator at 160k. Now have to fix rear hatch and 1 window motor. Great for 3 years ownership of a 17 year old Chrysler. If you need an inexpensive SUV buy one. Its an early SUV so you get what it is not some fluffed up car based nonsense that cant tow or go off road. Does all we want and more. Original paint still 90%+ only a few scratches, quality is great. Best Chrysler product made.