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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  GET A JEEP COMPASS - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By harding2 - February 15 - 10:45 am

  After a few months of owning my 2012 Jeep Compass I can confidently say that I Love It! I read so many reviews saying the gas mileage isnt good but those people must have a lead foot! I get 26-27 mpg highway and about 23 in town. I got this vehicle for a steal with only 40,000 miles on it. Mine has the Bluetooth features, calling capabilities, satellite radio, 4x4 / tow package, etc. all for under $15,000! Such an upgrade from my tiny little car (which I loved as well). Took me forever to decide on an SUV with good reviews and this one was it! Dont hesitate buying one! Drives great in the snow too! LOVE IT!

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  Disapointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By FAL762 - February 14 - 10:16 pm

  This is pertaining to the limited model with the quadra trac II. Was not a fan of the "all time 4wd". Controlled 4wd seems like it was designed for people who do not know how to use 4wd and need it controlled for them. Brakes were always worn and I was very easy on them. Electronics always seemed to have a problem. The gas line, leak detector, water pump, EVERY seal and gasket, radiator, and lock actuators all went under 75,000 miles. It seemed to have a new leak every month. Parts are extremely expensive. Unknown high pitched wine coming from the front axel. I sold it before I found out what that was. Paint chipped as well.

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  Think Twice about Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lagunagirl - February 14 - 12:00 pm

  I am on my second Jeep Grand Cherokee now and will not purchase another. My first Jeep, a 2001 needed constant brake replacement and the transmission and transfer case both broke down. My 2005 Jeep currently has 37,500 miles and the mounts on the transfer case/transmission went out while I was driving and I was stranded at a busy intersection. Now, even though I have an extended warranty...Chrysler may not cover it. They also make you service the differentials every 12,000 miles at $300 each time...no other car company I called required this. The brakes on this car have also been replaced 3 times. I am done with Jeep.

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  Disappointed Liberty Owner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Disappointed - February 14 - 4:26 am

  Mechanical issues from start. Stalled, would not start, transmission slippage, major tire problems with Goodyear tires, very noisy. Dealership consistently denied problems. I now see that my problems are a common occurrence with this vehicle. Finally was able to get a dealership mechanic to admit to me that the 02 year of this vehicle has many issues as it was the first year made. At least that was validation of my problem but does not resolve my problems. By the way, dealership still refuses to acknowledge what mechanic confirmed.

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  Needs improvement - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jason - February 13 - 2:56 pm

  I will give credit to the fact that the new style rides and handles a lot better for everyday driving. The tractions control is a feature that should never have been added as I have found while pulling out into traffic on snowy roads the vehicle hesitates to get going and have almost been hit. There also seems to be a power band in every gear which gives it a sluggish feel when accelerating, not impressed!! I think the people at Chrysler should have just stuck with the 4.0 litre. The tire pressure sensor likes to come on when its cold out and the "Change oil" indicator comes on and doesnt shut off even after changing the oil?

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  Real SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By appltech - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Cherokee with 42000 miles on it. except for few minor annoyances such as transfer case lever that vibrates now and again, an exaust system that vibrates a little on start up on cold days and a minor recall this vehicle has been very reliable. This is the real deal, not a car with 4WD so expect more of truck like experience. I wish jeep had up dated the cherokee in the same vein as the Grand Cherokee; by keeping the solid front axle etc.

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  Going for 300K miles! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James Rosenburg - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Limited V8 new and have racked up over 245K miles on it trouble free (besides regular maintaince) I have only replaced the radiator, new hoses and belts and numerous sets of tires. I use this truck for business sales and its the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned! Just bought a new Grand Cherokee and gave this one to my daughter for college!

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  98 jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By derekw - February 13 - 10:00 am

  very strong vechicle can take whatever i can dish out

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  jeep wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By jp - February 13 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is fun to drive good visability because of height solid reliable vehicle(pulled out a few 9 inch tree stumps clearing yard) tires a little noisy when driving without radio on because of soft top top still tight enought after 1 year use to resist wind flap at high speeds

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  The Best Jeep Ever - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By hjgfchj - February 13 - 10:00 am

  The best wrangler ever. It is an incredible improvement over my 97 TJ. With the hard top the ride is nearly silent(once you get used to the tire rumble.) The brakes are a massive improvment over the old disc/drum setup, but ABS should be offered, especially with the MT/Rs. Their wet road traction is not that great. The 4 wheel drive is incredible. I dont think i could walk that slow. The posi in the rear is great, and the lockers are even better. The new transmission is much better than the old one that was in my 97, but the throw is still quite long. The interior is classic jeep, simple, rugged, and functional.