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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Best car i ever owned! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Peter - October 11 - 11:41 amOwned since mid 2013. Almost 90,000 miles . Had zero problems. doing all maintnance by myself. Very dependable vehicle. For future use - parts are cheap and avalible everywhere. If transmission goes bad they run around 400 slightly used. I drive a lot so I get usually from my cars around 250-350 k miles and i am sure i will get this out of this 2014 grand cherokee.
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New OLs Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
By oldmac1 - October 10 - 8:20 pmTraded the OLs JGC in for improved economy on gas mileage on another Jeep. Liked the Patriot but once we drove the Liberty 100" we knew this was it. This is our 7th Jeep and is ideal for the OL car as she sits high and is in a sturdy vehicle so she feels safe.
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197,000 Miles and still going strong! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
By shemp76 - October 10 - 3:26 pmJust hit 197K miles the other week and have had very few issues outside routine maintenance. Replaced the AC compressor two years ago, rotors twice (due to my own neglect). Still only on 3rd set of tires and they have at least another 30k in them. Local mechanic said it will need new rear shocks soon. Tremendous value for my money vs. needs and it still averages 21 mpg hwy!
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It was fun and real but not real fun - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
By prodigy1 - October 10 - 1:25 amBought a 2001 jeep cherokee classic 4x4 with 15k miles on it and was pleased with it but in a middle of the road way. It was very reliable and durable but it was a jeep. Every one had one at the time and you couldnt pick kit out in a parking lot. It was loud and rough riding (I know it wasnt made for comfort) but in an kidney bursting way. Dont get me wrong it was a great car that never gave me trouble and was fare offroad but being a car guy I could never really like it enough to the point I loved to drive it or wanted to keep it. When we sold it the family didnt even blink, when we sold the hummer h3 my son cried and kissed it on the fender and said we will miss you lol.
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Hey! Its a Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
By jet - October 9 - 9:03 pmIll be honest. You gotta want a jeep to own a jeep. This is the funnest vehicle youll ever own. Its at home off road or at the mall. The newer jeeps ride a lot better that the older ones due to coil-over shocks in the front. Accessories galore! This is the one vehicle that you can truly personalize. My advice for jeep buying: Buy the full doors, the 6- cyl., oversized tires, and both hard and soft tops. These are all the "should-a-gots" that plague jeep buyers remorse. Mine averages 13/16 mpg on pavement and about 20mpg off- road! Jeeps are fun! Oh yeah- and insurance is CHEAP!
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Long Term CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
By Jeepster - October 9 - 5:16 pmBought new back in April 2005. Have had the normal problems that all CRD owners have had, including 3 EGR replacements. It is a great vehicle for every day use and for some off- road fun as well. I have 500 miles left on my extended 100k warranty, so Im hoping all will stay well. Most recent problem was my 4wd/2wd sensor going bad - said I was in 4wd, but wasnt. I have learned not to get upset with the dealer when there are issues, but rather DC. I think they put this vehicle out, but werent ready to support it with stocked parts. I will hit 100k by this weekend, and even with all the CRD issues, I would still buy another, but hoping they put a diesel in the Wrangler Unlimited!
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Laredo-My Reliable Friend - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By VJohns - October 9 - 5:03 amI was told that the first year of owning a Jeep can be a real pain in the "you know what," and I believe it! Brakes, alignment, a new computer and an annoying noise associate with the pinion angle when traveling at 60mph all plagued the vehicle (and me) during the first year. After that, basic maintenance and that is all. A new battery was needed at year 6; in the last year the power door locks have given up working and the transmission is beginning to slip. I think it was developing the transmission problem years ago, but while under warranty I was told that it was "normal play" - even though it made a wonderful "kerchunk" sound when put in reverse :^> Headlights getting "milky"/dim.
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Compact Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
By Brad L - October 8 - 6:46 pmPurchased Compass ~1 week ago after looking at many other small SUVs. Traded in a Toyota Prius as I needed 4WD for northeast winter driving. The pricing was acceptable, being less than most SUV models. The engine seems strong for a 4 cylinder. Lots of safety equipment as standard equipment. Like the lock in 4WD option and the manual shift. On the negative side, however, Im disappointed in fuel economy averaging only about 23 mpg highway. The vehicle is truly a compact SUV. Not much leg room in rear seating area. Very limited cargo space. Several blind spots w/ solid head rests in rear seats. Front cup holders are inaccessible. Build quality is suspect with lots of hard plastics.
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I have Loved my 95 ZJ since the test drv - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By cgk13 - October 8 - 11:06 amI bought my 95 zj in 2007 and I have never regretted it. I have had to replace the starter, water pump and alternator as well as front brakes and regular tune ups but that is to be expected. The inline six is amazing!! She is about to hit 200k and is still going strong. I live in Iowa so when winter comes other drivers cringe but I say bring it on. No matter what nature or myself throw at my jeep she takes it without missing a beat and keeps going. Including a deer and my tire coming off on the highway. I have never owned a better vehicle. I want to drive my jeep until the wheels fall off and then I will put them back on and keep going! I love my Jeep!
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1998 Jeep is not too exciting - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
By jshmanda - October 8 - 10:00 amThe car has not been too bad. Bought it for the teenage kids and it survived five years. No engine problems, but the radio needed to be replaced, window regulator had to be replace, fog light switched was replaced, sometimes the dash board goes blank, and the A/C system has a leak.
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