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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  My 2nd Grd. Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ebgrumka - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a luxary car. Superior handling. The 2002 exhibits a bit more power from a standing start than my 1999. Other improvements are a more even cooling/heating system and better stereo sound.

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  Im happy. - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chayo - September 3 - 2:00 am

  We just bought this car a month ago. We are so happy with it. It rides so smooth;it is like a sedan. The fuel consumption is great. The cargo space is more than enough for a mom with three boys.

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  Great SUV - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jenna - September 1 - 12:23 pm

  I love my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It was expensive, I have cloth interior; which I prefer. I have chrome trim. Its very comfortable, nice looking, acceleration is very good. It handles pretty good for as big as it is. I absolutely love it! Highly recommend.

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  Second Review - Love It! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Brent - September 1 - 3:56 am

  I love driving this car, in my first review I complained about a transmission issue which was actually a brake issue (needed new rotors) that was taken care of by my mechanic for a nice price with no problem. Overall, I love this car and I have no complaints with the exception of gas mileage. Id recommend anyone to buy it, and everyone whos been in mine loves it! This is my first SUV, my first Jeep and I will definitely buy a Jeep in the future. The Jeep Liberty Limited Edition gets an A+ from me.

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  Great so far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Greg - September 1 - 12:03 am

  Had it since it for about 9 months now and so far love it, got it with sunroof and speed control. Is very fun to drive and very stable. I read some of the other reviews and agree with some but some others do not agree. The gas tank is too small (I agree), Roomy is yes, there is a delay when you put in gear before it engages. It being to low to the ground, No, it is prefect. The sounds system is great. Have not really noticed the seat adjustment be to far in or out. The 17" wheels have very good traction even with a 2 wheel drive.

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  THERE IS ONLY ONE...CHOICE THAT IS - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lava Flows - August 31 - 2:26 pm

  I have NEVER been so happy with a vehicle as I am with my Jeep - I have driven every SUV, van, sports car you can think of - but this jeep is just simply the most fun EVER to drive - I love that it requires the driver to "get used to it" because it sets it apart - kinda like it DEMANDS the driver to re-learn driving - and its cool to get nods and honks from other wrangler owners - kinda like joining a frat - ITS A JEEP THING - YOU WOULDNT UNDERSTAND - for the summer its great - you drop the top - for the winter - you laugh at snow - drop it in 4 wheel and go!

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike S. - August 30 - 10:06 am

  This is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it! Got it with the 4.7 V8 with Quadra Trac. If youre like me and you want your SUV to have real capabilities (towing, off road/inclement weather, cargo etc.) the Grand Cherokee is the way to go. Yes, it rides like a truck, but thats because its a truck, with truck like capability! Looks great at deer camp as well as cruising downtown. My wife has a Trailblazer, which has about 40 more HP, but its a dog compared to the Grand Cherokee. Few minor issues since purchase, including worn out sway bar bushings, and a popping sound from steering whee -l- both replaced under warranty with redesigned parts. Fuel economy is decent. Again, its a truck, its not supposed to get 30 mpg.

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  the best ever - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jasper - August 30 - 2:00 am

  this ride is the best i have ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the jeep is so reliable. it is so much like a porsh i used to have! one time i wan is a test driving it and i went through a 2ft deep mud hole and it went throgh it like it was 2in deep!!!

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  Why drive anything else? - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By DerekB - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 10th vehicle, but my first suv. The wrangler is very capable of doing anything that needs to be done....and with the vast amounts of aftermarket support, your options are near limitless. As far as gas mileage, it isnt the best, but look at other trucks/suvs and you will see that its by far not the worst. The interior is designed for ruggedness and comfort at the same time. Forget to put your top on during a rain storm? A normal occurence that would destroy most vehicles, is simply taken care of with a Wrangler. Just pull the plugs and empty the water, and go for a drive to let it dry out.

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  Love Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Tracy Jif - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It has been great in the snow!