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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  great choice - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atwesq - July 21 - 2:00 am

  love this suv, on my three one right now.

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  Love the Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By orange_to_the_t - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I only have 39K miles on my Jeep but so far I have not had any problems. The 4.0 in line 6 is very powerful and with the 5 speed stick it is quite good on gas, 18/22MPG.

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  The Lego car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By cbb - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for an extremely fun car. Its a bumpy ride (but much better than the older models) that doesnt handle well at high speeds (75+MPH). I switch my hard doors for cloths ones and have switched the full top for a half top for the summer. There is very little you cant do with this car. It would make a great second car however its my only one and works fine for me.

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  Porpoise in Jeeps clothing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave S. - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Was originally looking for cheapest, most reliable convertible top vehicle, and like many, I was hooked upon the first test drive. You feel every bump, but its in character, and I love every minute of it. That is, until you have to panic stop on the freeway, or stop at anything over 40 mph or so; this thing goes into a very unsettling continous front-to-rear hop, while diving noticeably to one side. Mileage is nothing short of pathetic, but again, in character (amazing, considering its not carbed!!). For those who definitely appreciate simplicity with a touch of attitude and allure.

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  Still great after all these years - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By MacIosaig - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second wrangler and they just keep getting better. The Wrangler speaks for itself. If your serious about off-roading, wait for the 2003 Wrangler Rubicon.

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  6yrs of problems - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By amanda82 - July 19 - 5:08 pm

  Bought my Jeep GC laredo 6 yrs ago and about 2 montha after purches the lifters were replaced and it went down hill from there. Hood wont stay up passenger window wont work. Cooling fan has been replaced 2 times. The relay for it atleast 6 times, the radiator once, had the last fan all rewired and after all that its out again and I dont know what to do. The headights and parking lights have started coming on and/or flashing with no keys in it. The heat only blows out of the defrost. Tie rod ends replaced. A/C dont work The list goes on. Would NEVER but another one.

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  Beast - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JohnHervy - July 19 - 3:23 pm

  We got our 5.9 limited Grand Cherokee new. It was silver. Hood louvers, fully leather seats, and a chrome exhaust pipe. Unbelievably distinctive. It was our first Jeep, what a powerful, smooth beast. It was the fastest SUV ever made. When the motor starts, it rumbles. You dont just hear it idling, you feel it reverberating in your chest, it moves your soul. It carried us safely, reliably, and luxuriously for 6.5 years on city streets and country trails. We lost it this week, a very sad, bitter- sweet moment, it was our treasured beast. But traded it in for a new hemi- powered Grand Cherokee Limited which should arrive today.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By firsttimejeep - July 19 - 2:32 pm

  Ive had my GC for two years and 26K and absolutely love it. Have had no issues with it. I have a lot of vehicles in 45 years but this is my favorite. Cant wait to buy the new model in 2017 or so. Ive had 2 BMW X5s and like the GC much better.

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  60 day review - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Zeferam_Cockran - July 18 - 10:23 pm

  As follows are the assessments after 60 days for Compass sport 5spd 4x4 north: Average fuel mileage ( without Air cond running ) 28mpg, 80% highway at 74mph, 20% city. 5 speed tranny good but requires work for reverse with clutch. Engine good and quiet, no rattles or noises, no false starts. No faults detected, interior build better than other models such as 08 Liberty. Great ride handling, good sound insulation. Tested 4x4 on muddy access trail, no undercarriage hits, good ground clearance for model. All in all a very good purchase for the dollar and only real 4x4 offered with 5spd in this price range. Easy to reach zones for cleaning since my co-pilots are my pets.

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  tank - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By goose1215 - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  Im 16 and got this car for my first. It has 137,000 on it an other than flushing all the fluids this thing is a tank and it just cant be stopped. Winter is coming up which should be fun to see how it handles.