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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  JEEPERS - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rich S - June 10 - 10:00 am

  ALREADY HAD A 99 GC BASE LAREDO ON A 3 YR LEASE---REAL FUN TO DRIVE--TOOK A LITTLE CHANGE W/ THE CHRSYLER MINI V-- BUT COULDNT WAIT TO GET BACK INTO AN SUV. THE 04 MODELS WERE BEING DISCOUNTED--EVEN THOUGH STILL HAD 1 MORE YEAR LEFT--JEEP DEALER BOUGHT OUT THE MV LEASE, AND THE GC MIDNIGHT BLUE EDITION JUST WON ME OVER--AGAIN-- THOUGHT ABOUT OTHER SUVS--BUT THIS IS ONE SHARP VEHICLE--MUCH NICER EXTERIOR WITH THE COLOR BUMPER MATCH THAN THE BASE LAREDO-SIMILAR TO THE LIMITED STYLE

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  Add Some Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Amy - June 10 - 7:50 am

  I have never wanted an SUV of any type, but I love my Jeep Liberty. Her name is Libby... ha. The interior design is like that of a luxury car. She looks like Herbie the Love Bug all grown up. Its a fun and reliable vehicle.

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  Very surprised! Like a Miniature Wrangler - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By John S - June 10 - 1:39 am

  Handles great, acceleration is good, not a rocket but good. Not bad for a 4 banger. It feels tightly built, but comfortable and handles like a Wrangler 2 door somewhat. Lots of nice creature features. I love my little Renegade! It actually looks "beefy" next to my wifes patriot.

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  Review by retired master auto tech - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Gus Tome - June 9 - 10:25 am

  This is a light duty, mini, SUV. Its not an off road Jeep, its not a luxury Grand Cherokee Limited. Its a fairly good quality marketing hybrid made with a Fiat frame, a " world " engine and an automatic transmission with with too many gear changes and confused programming. The big engine needs a turbo to be taken seriously, the transmission needs an economy / performance dash control. A transmission that shifts every 200 to 600 rpm on level road every time the wind shifts its not right!

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  MY 3RD JEEP - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J. M. Coughenour - June 8 - 1:13 pm

  This is my third Jeep starting with a 2000 Laredo - 2002 Grand Cherokee and now a 2005 Grand Cherokee loaded including the 5.7 Hemi. So far this one has been excellent except in one small area which I am getting used to. When applying the brakes lightly they will on their own go down about 1 inch and then take better hold. I drove another 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it also did this. No explanation from Jeep. I am getting used to it and do not consider it a problem, only something different. The ride is greatly improved over the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo I had.

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  Hate this Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John D. - June 8 - 8:43 am

  I have a 2007 Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4,3. 7 liter v-6. This is not the first Jeep Ive owned but will probably be the last. It has been to the dealer 3 times in the last 6 months for the same problem. Driving down the road no matter what speed it does not stall but the computer drops it down to 20 mph and the engine will shutter. Sometimes it will correct itself and sometimes if you turn the car off and restart it it clears what ever the problem is. Dealer says they cant reproduce the problem. All I know is that this thing is dangerous. My wife was driving in heavy traffic and it cut out on her in 65 mph traffic and she almost got rear ended. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  Okay for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jackie - June 8 - 3:50 am

  I have 60,000 miles on my Jeep and am thinking of getting a new one. I have only replaced the tires, rear brakes and done my regular maintenance. Nothing else. I replaced the CD player because the factory brand is cheap. Also I was re ended in it, completely totaled the other car, just a scratch on my bumper. I love the 4WD and great gas mileage. It is a great car for a mom or a student. It handles nicely. It is strange though that cruise control is not standard. I dont have it. I am thinking of getting a new 2010 Compass. Great jeep for the price!

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  Looks great, Build quality is a true Chrysler. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ajg1136 - June 8 - 3:25 am

  I bought my Jeep a year ago and have waited until now to write this review because I wanted to give it a thorough testing. I love the looks both inside and out. I like the features and got a good deal. The build quality just sucks. Im normally a Toyota person but bought this after being disappointed with the ride of the new 4Runner. I was hesitant about buying a Chrysler due to their poor reputation for quality and it turns out I shouldve listened to myself.

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  Last Jeep for me - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By george - June 8 - 12:23 am

  I have always loved Jeeps. I had five new ones before I purchased a new 2001 fully loaded. I have had four brake jobs, replaced the steering wheel, the drive shafts, the window regulator, the water pump, the speakers, several sensors, major transmission work,the battery, electronic ignition problems. It was bad enough having to do these things to a $32,000 car, but the treatment from Chrysler and the costs have soured me on any more of their products. Since I have always taken excellent care of my autos, this car still looks like it did the day it left the showroom 4 years ago. Brand new condition. It is parked in my garage, and I drive my Infiniti. Too bad because I used to like Jeep.

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  7+ years & still going strong - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By naatz1 - June 8 - 12:10 am

  We bought the 01 JGC new and now with 86k miles let our college age son buy into it. Loaded Laredo w/leather, 4l i6 with Selectrac. Its been very reliable: of course we replaced the brake pads/rotors @ 35k and 85k mi (2nd time was planned). Also did seat heaters 3 times but under ext warranty. (liked it enough we just bought a new 07 similarly equipped but 4.7v8 for towing). I follow sched a maintenance & have not had problems, our mechanic says the i6 Selectrac is best SUV ever. I would have rated this one higher except its now compared to the new 07, not really fair.