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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  If you hadnt stopped making it....... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By b81651 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I leased my vehicle new in Jan, 2000. As like many others, its been in for (2) sets of front rotors and brakes. For those of you that keep loosing coolant "Guess what - its the cracked head!! that the dealers failed to notice all (6) times that I brought it back!" Its been a joy to own otherwise and wish they hadnt discontinued it for that hideous Liberty. Maybe if you bring it back with all of the improvements that you put on the Grand Cherokee, I just might buy another one!!

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  The Fun Money Pit - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jennafrito - November 30 - 2:00 am

  From my experience with my 1997 Wrangler, and through discussion with the dealers, and my dad (a certified master mechanic) I have learned that this vehicle is a disaster. Since I purchased the car 1 1/2 years ago, I have had four major problems that totaled over $1,500. The dealer said that since 1997 was the first year for the new model, it was riddled with design flaws as they were trying to still work the bugs out. Instead of minor repair, the company makes you replace the entire system that is defective, which results in a hefty fee, and the company will not pay for it.

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  Jeeps got to love them - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepGuy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most powerful Jeep I have owned to date. I have owned a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and a 1995 Jeep Cherokee Country also. I still own the 95 as an extra car. It is pushing 99,000 miles and is still in mint condition. The 99 Jeep shows great improvement over previous models. Plus it is so much faster and more powerful then also all the other SUVs I have driven(excluding the BMW X5 4.4i and 4.6i).

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  It is an a tough SUV - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Manly Suv - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had problems but it is a great suv. GREAT POWER!!!!!! comfortable and stylish. Problems-brakes,rear bearings, and starting. it is 1000 times better then my buddys explorer. but no bmw.

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  Bad 2 the Bone Grand Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Reliable old Jeep - November 29 - 11:30 am

  I have owned my 94 Grand cherokee for almost a year now. I love it. It has the power , Ride comfort , and style. I have babied this car since day one i got it. My jeep has a 4" lift and 31" tires. So a offroader jeep. This is my 1st car. The only work i have had 2 do on this car is undoing the last owners mistakes, Such as putting the proper size shocks on. A actual transmission pan gasket, ( Not masking tap) and putting bolts through the front Brake caliber. I love this car. The power is amazing, The original paint is in amazing condition. The pillow top leather seats are very comfy. Parts are cheap 2 by. Build quality it good. Reliability is great. Jeeps are good. Will by another one 4 sure

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  Dream purchase gone wrong - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By ucalum10 - November 28 - 8:19 pm

  Im a very dedictaed Jeep customer. this is not my first Jeep ive owned. I purchased the exact Jeep featured in the photos on this site for about 30K. The passenger floor is a POND and the freedom-top leaks on the dash and on the radio everytime it rains. I AM NOT HAPPY. The jeep is into the dealership for the second time to fix the problem. After the first visit; I am confident nothing was resolved. I am now waiting for the mold and mildew to set in and I am now scared that my floors and rockers are going to rot out. The jeep isnt even a year old yet and its been wet since day one. My state has a Lemon Law and I plan act upon it if its not fixed by the 4th time. Why isnt there a recall?

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  I love it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna - November 28 - 10:53 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty! Besides the attractive appearance it is fun to drive. Not only is it quick, but it is powerful. It doesnt choke going uphill. Once you accelerate it just keeps on going, only getting stronger. My first SUV, but I love it!

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  last of great line - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By E Wallis - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im reaching 75000 miles and my Jeep is going strong. Only problem was the A/C blower motor went out which was $500 in parts labor. Other than that, its been normal upkeep and service. If you can find a 5spd manual Id highly suggest it. With my modified intake, K&N filter, 62mm throttle body and flowmaster exhaust I pull 22-23 mpg city, and 25mpg on the freeway. Its been a reliable vehicle and has never let me down. After a decade of the Cherokee, the 2001 by far is the best model. Chrysler did a good job of working out all the bugs and quirks from previous models. If you want your leather seats, 40mpg, 0db noise, and weak engine go with a Hybrid, otherwise get a Jeep.

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  fun new suv - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By qshort - November 28 - 10:00 am

  overall fun to drive well priced vehicle

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  Command The Road in Style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Paiz - November 27 - 7:40 am

  After owning two Grand Cherokees, and a Cherokee Classic in the past, the new 2006 Jeep Commander is by far the most exciting to drive, and to look at. Even with sub par fuel economy, the Commander drives and feels like a dream. I strongly recommend getting the Hemi 5.7L V8, as it actually gets better gas mileage than the 4.7L V8 because of the MDS Engine Technology. Strongly recommended!