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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  Good vehicle for non-HWY drivers - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DDS - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased it off the lot new and loved the style and design. This was my first SUV and although I was happy with many things, I COULDNT STAND the alternater "whine" in the vehicle. Had some "odd" problems with it and got nervous as it approached 60K miles.

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  Great for a Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By tedmoseby - January 8 - 8:13 pm

  I bought my previously leased Limited and have put about 60,000k on it since 2003. Its a very reliable car, but even fully loaded its becoming a relic very quickly. I will probably run this thing to 300k just to see if I can(they say the I-6 is rated for 300k), but my wife just bought an 08 CR-V and she has about 50 more options on her vehicle than mine. Plus her v-4 engine feels more powerful than my I-6. I love the 4 wheel drive, it handles great in snow here in Colorado. The only problem is the back seat is not comfortable, and even fully loaded, there arent a whole lot of amenities on this car. For a Cherokee though its the best you can get, unless you want to pay 40k for a Grand.

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  Beware of Battery cost - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J. Scott - January 6 - 12:06 am

  This is my second Jeep and my last! I love driving it but I cant handle all the problems. I went through the rotor problems with the 2000 model, the transmission recall, a radiator that had to be replaced (at 6000 mi) on the current 2005 model. I purchased the 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty, but of course nothing is ever covered! The last straw is the replacement of the battery. I found out that the battery cant be purchased anywhere but a dealership and it cost 220 with install. since I cant shop around, I call that a monopoly. Customer service (which is outsourced) is patronizing and rude, if you can understand what they are saying. So much for buying American.

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  From Wonderful to Nightmare to Wonderful - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepers21 - January 5 - 10:41 pm

  It drove great until about 4 months ago & thats when things started going down hill. It started cutting out every time I would go to drive (started w/ 2-3x before it would drive & increased to 4-6x, even cut out while driving down the road). Talk about stress! Took it to a mechanic who fixed everything he could (throttle body, cam sensor) but it turned out to be a computer issue, which he could not fix it with out Chryslers permission. Jeep, who after I told them what I already had fixed, was able to replace the computer (PCM) with ease. Also, Thank God for the Federal Admissions warranty thats out there bc this turned out to be a common problem with this model & would of cost $$$$$$$$

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  My Unreliable Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C.SIMS - January 4 - 3:36 am

  I purchased this Jeep brand new in 2005. I have had nothing but problems. It has cut off on me about 7 times. One time on the expressway in traffic. Thank goodness it restarted. I do love this SUV. Its strong,the radio is powerful, 6 cd player is great, etc., but the reliability is horrible. The Jeep is built where there are no rattles,it goes over most things so smooth, but I am eventually going to have to trade it because of the most important thing,it cuts off on me and jerks and shakes a lot. What a shame! Never another Chrysler.

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  1999 jeep 2wd cherokee sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Thomas George - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the jeep since 32000miles and havent had any problems besides new breakes. Its a rugged suv, good for 2 kids or less and can take a beating. A great suv for the money, reliable, and you can beat the crap out of it. Modern suvs are crap and are not made for ture ruggedness. Who cares about the ride, it lasts!

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CatD - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Love my Jeep! Ive wanted one for so long and now I have one. Lots of power, very sporty. Im the envy of all my friends.

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  Review of Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep owner - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is just the vehicle I needed for my life style. Lots of outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling require a vehicle that is capable off road. While it is very capable, it is also quite comfortable. It was relativly inexpensive to purcahse compared to other off road vehicles. It also rates high in crash tests. I have owned the Liberty for one year now and am very pleased with it.

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  2014 JGC Overland Diesel 4X4 Advance Tech PKG - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Juan Danzilo - January 2 - 7:27 pm

  This is an update to the review I originally wrote on this car a while back. I have had the car for about 6000 miles and this is what my experience has been. Love the diesel. Given gas prices declining would go for a V8 today though. This is my 3rd JGC and is an amazing car - if it was reliable. Chrysler needs to realize they are not selling Jeep grand cherokees at $50K they are selling $50K cars period. With that should come better reliability, service, and build quality. My JGC has gone to the dealer twice for check engine light and will need to go in again next week. The passenger door rattles and the leather split after about 100 miles... $50K is good value but it still has to work!

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  Bring it on - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JSW - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been problem free. I always service when recommend and change the oil every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Like any vehicle, if you are good to it, it will be good to you. I have definitely received my moneys worth and will get a good price when I go to sell.