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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  Could be better - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mat - February 22 - 4:10 am

  Hoping 2005 was just an off year. Mine has been back to the dealer 4 or 5 times for different items like the tire pressure monitor and the air bag light continuing to have problems. Then the 5 cent knob on the GPS guide broke and they had to order a new radio (the whole unit), not to mention the brake rotors warping and getting replaced under warranty. Other than that its fine.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By icetheis - February 21 - 9:46 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Weve had it for 6 yrs. and the repairs weve made are no where near the repairs other vehicles weve owned. Repairs are a little more pricey but thats what you get when you buy a quality vehicle, quality repair work. The gas mileage Im sure is comparable to any other mid-sized SUV. The luxuries are great. Handling is great. Its fun to drive. I cant say enough!

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  love it ? hell yeah !!! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 0llll0 - February 21 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this used 1997 Jeep wrangler se with the little 2.5 and a five speed man. Trans.. A little over 3 years ago the money was well spent. And I say that with a smile. Have put about 5 grand into it for the suspension and wheels soft top 33" tires with a 4" lift .. Have to remind myself its not a sports car and the gas mileage is Rather good. Will I buy another Jeep. Hell yes.

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  Jeep no more - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TROPICAL JEEP - February 21 - 1:50 pm

  The 3.7 L V-6 is a disappointment. After dealing with: transmission problems (apparently loose parts); a fuse box that took me a couple of weeks to determine where it was located and still havent gotten a good look at them to change the one I think may be responsible for the windshield wiper washer not working; a leak inside the cabin every time it rains is driving me nuts (I dont have time for this, I need my car to work full time; strange outside wind noise which you will get used to, just as people who live near airports get used to airplane noise; in other words, if your time is precious and have to work for a living dont buy this car. Take your pick of problems!

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  3rd and last Jeep 4.0 - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - February 20 - 6:13 pm

  Had 87 and 88 Cherokee -- over 200k on both. 20-22mpg and few problems. 2002 gets 17mpg, oil leak (rear seal). Computer replaced. Main wiring harness replaced. Rotors replaced. Axle seals replaced. Front axle bearings. Radio/cd replaced. Rear seal again...need I go on? More problems not listed. Hood paint coming off. Still owe over $12,000. Trade in value $10,000. Stay away!

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  Used to love mine but... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By luvmyxterra - February 20 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my 08 Patriot new, and loved it. It was one of the only 5 speed 4x4s available and it was a great value, coming equipped with a moonroof, cruise, power windows, and a built in inverter, among my favorite accessories. I loved the ingenious little spare flashlight that doubled as the rear dome light. What happened? First, the moonroof leaks at random, and will dump up to 1/2 a cup of water on my dash (and me) at will. The ball joints failed at 45K, making it feel like I was driving on marbles, making horrible clunking sounds when I drove over bumps. Luckily bumper to bumper covered it, but now rust bubbles are the deal breaker. Looking to trade for a Mitsu Outlander.

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  Good overall SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bearall - February 19 - 1:20 am

  Is a great vehicle if not for the window regulator issue. Windows can fail at any time especially in hot climates. Rides very well, little disappointed in gas economy but otherwise has been a great little SUV.

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  WOW - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ANTQETC1 - February 18 - 10:40 pm

  The more we drive this Jeep with the 5.7 liter engine, the more we love it. Terrific acceleration when needed and effortless acceleration when speed is not needed. The ride is good and the seats while good, are not as good as those in our 1998 Limited. We traded a 2004 Infinity with a Bose high end system and the Boston Acoustics system in the Limited is simply better. Someone did their homework on this system and it simply sounds great. Gas mileage so far is about 15 in city and 20 on highway; as advertised. Actually this is quite remarkable considering it is just about the same as our 98 Limited which has 100 horsepower less and substantially less torque.

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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By topgun - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The only problem Ive had is the mount which holds the rearview mirror fell off. It was garage kept. 69,ooo miles. Maybe thats why the interior is imaculate and the exterior paint and body is good as new. I used to have a 95 dodge neon and the dash got a huge crack in it! There are no signs of any possible damage to the dash or anything else so far. The Jeep is very peppy and more importantly has excellent handling, which the combination of the two, makes it fun to drive! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  No Complaints - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pete1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine used with 52,000. Did brakes and serpentine belt. Had been offroad a fair amount per prior owner. Now have 64,000. Really have had no problems. Have heard the street talk about transmission failures but no problems with mine. Again, I think it matters quite a bit how theyre used (towing/offroad/overheating)and maintained.