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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  2004 GC Laredo 4WD - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bsilvia - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this jeep for one week and can honestly say that I have no regrets about this purchase. I shopped around and test drove them all highlander, explorer, escape, pathfinder etc. But i kept finding myself returning to Jeep dealership for another look. The incentives certainly helped $4500.00 off right off the top along with dealer discount and fair trade allowance. No other make offered the generous incentives that Jeep so it made it a no brainer,plus the vehiclr felt much more solid than the imports.

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  bring in the sky! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By OX - April 25 - 9:26 pm

  Traded 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee w 150k on 09 Liberty Limited with Nav, skyslider, leather, chromes- loaded (prem pack II, Nav, roof). The Liberty is a much, much, much nicer truck- it is very close to the same size, similar power to the old 5.3l V8, with better mileage. The feature content is amazing. The Nav is easy to use and was easy to pair with cell phone. It is well stuck to the road in snow- recent travel in heavy snow has reinforced the decision as a safe and stable vehicle. They say the 09 has improved ride over 08, better seal on SkySlider roof, and the tan leather (single color) looks nice- 09 also has more leather trim inside

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  Owner - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Earl Ashby - April 25 - 10:00 am

  1995 Jeep 4wd. Purchased used with 100,000 miles. Now have 132,000 miles. Have had to replace rotor cap button, spark plugs, oxygen and crank sensor at 128,000 miles. I have been very pleased with its performance and low maintenance. Previous owner ( next door neighbor ) also had low maintenance record. He had jeep approximatey 70,000 miles.

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  New transmission at 80K mi and recalls - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEB4 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Numerous recalls, new transmission, new ball joints, new CV boots, bad gas gauge and condenser went out before 81k miles. My wife was driving it when the front driver seat became posessed and proceeded to fully recline on my 2 year- olds legs! It also seems to burn through front tires despite frequent alignments. Some rust forming under liftgate (not good for a garage-kept car).

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  Love it! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Des Moines Jeep - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome Jeep! Bought it used off of a lease and have loved it for the 2+ years weve had it thus far. Would buy another Jeep in a second!

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  truck + convertible = fun - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By donkey - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and couldnt be happier. Chysler needs to improve upon its tranny build qulaity, but the ability to drop the top, take off the doors and head to the great outdoors is amazing. The after-market "fix-up" selection is endless and it is just truly a fun one to drive.

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  Good buy - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chou Kung - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. It is very practical and fun to drive. I would buy it again.

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  Heated front seats? - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lynda - April 25 - 9:49 am

  If your looking for heated front seats that you can actually feel heat, dont buy this one. The sensor is placed so far under the seat you cant feel it. However, when it comes to ventilation, instant cold. I have had the car a month and had the battery replaced and two dealerships saying sorry the seat is heated to its specifications (106 at the sensor) but sorry you cant feel it. We used a thermal heat sensor on it and sorry, but 96 degrees doesnt constitute a heated seat nor should be advertised as such!

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  75th anniversary 4wd - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By H.L - April 24 - 5:00 am

  Is absolutely love my Jeep GC. I have owned it for a month and absolutely love the ride quality and comfort. I am not a crossover person and wanted an SUV that is comfortable for commuting that also has 4wd capabilities. I couldnt be more excited with my JGC. The info tainment screen is very user friendly. As far as reliability goes time will tell. I always purchase a bumper to bumper warranty esp with all of the technology on todays cars.

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  Love everything about this car, except the mileage! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By derrtydave - April 24 - 3:54 am

  Ive been a Jeep owner for many years. After my 3rd Cherokee started showing signs of old age, I traded it in for a pre-owned 2006 Liberty Limited. When the Libertys first came out, I didnt like the design, but it has grown on me. (I still compare the Liberty to the Cherokee, as youll see). Everything seems intended specifically for convenience and space efficiency, well done Jeep! I also test-drove the new 2008 body style which I didnt feel was built as solidly as the original Liberty body style-- somehow felt cheaper and flimsy, like a bad rental car.