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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  1995 Jeep Cherokee Sport V6 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - July 14 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Cherokee Sport only in 2009. It has been very reliable, and is a daily driver. I enjoy the V6, and get an est 18-21 mil pr gall. This jeep has been well maintained which is a huge plus. The stereo is upgraded to a pioneer cd player (nice), and off road tire package makes it look very sporty! Besides that everything is factory. I have driven it for a few weeks now and it has done well. Hasnt used any oil, and has 129,000 miles! I use it to deliver pizzas 4 days a week, and its great on gas for an SUV. I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By darlene - July 14 - 3:00 pm

  The Jeep Unlimited is a much smoother & quieter ride than the old Wrangler. Dual top is great for year round driving.

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  Squeaky Brakes - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Rhonda - July 13 - 9:36 am

  3 months after purchasing my patriot the brakes began to squeal extremely loud. Mac Haik in Georgetown, Tx says the squalling brakes on the patriot is normal. The General Manager, Eric Stewart will not reply to any of my emails nor will her call me to discuss replacing my brakes. When I express my concerns with my brakes by email, Im contacted by a salesman offering to take my brand new patriot for a used vehicle. All I really want is to have my brakes replaced so they no longer squeal.

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  Good Solid Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By pfinnegan - July 7 - 4:31 am

  I bought a Jeep Liberty Limited in June 2010 to replace my 1994 Cherokee Sport. My old Cherokee had nothing - no power anything. I got about everything on this Jeep including the touch screen stereo with GPS and sub-woofer. I like the ride, the way it looks and it is great in snow or on back roads in the mountains. I was disappointed in the power it has when it has to go up long mountain roads. Other than that, no problems at 22,000. One bit of advice, run non-ethanol gas for better power and 10% better mileage. On the interstate, I get 22-23 mpg at 70 with the good stuff.

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  Great vehicle - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sean - July 7 - 2:56 am

  I bought this ZJ at 106,000 miles. It had a hole in the radiator, the brakes and rotors were shot, and the engine compartment was completely orange from radiator no-leak crap. It made it all the way from Detroit to Toledo strictly on US24 on an 8th of a tank. Ive even driven into a tree while doing some intense offroading and its still going strong. Just keep up on the maintanence and your GC will last forever!

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  lacking a track record - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Gary Jackson - July 5 - 7:27 am

  Only in second production year. Not sure all the bugs are worked out yet. A lot of sketchy reviews. Lack diagnostic plug for my insurance drive tracker That would cost me $200.000/year In additional insurance. Maybe In a couple more model years with Improved reviews.

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  Not as good as I hoped for - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michaelsn - July 5 - 5:40 am

  Serious malfunction of brakes after 67 miles. Continuous problem of transmission short shifting in and out of 1st gear. Gas mileage lower than advertised. Styling and interior room good. Poor pickup for quick acceleration. Last Jeep we buy.

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  Good up to 75,000 miles only - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MRT - July 4 - 10:16 pm

  My Jeep was great until after 75,000 miles. It assumes it has no second hand value. Car hesitates at 100,000 miles, doesnt take charge on the highway any more. Improve on the electrical constructions. Airbags and check engine signs go off all the time. Please improve on those, if the airbag and engine lights come on without annoying beeps/noise it will be tolerated. Begin to use high quality materials for we Jeep lovers. The annoying thing is that anytime its serviced, cost of repair run in $700- thousands. There are too many repairs done that I cannot mention cause of time. Jeep company can do better!

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  Faulty Transmission - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By swags727 - July 1 - 10:58 am

  This vehicle has great potential. This Jeep could be great and has many likeable and commendable attributes. This Jeep has two issues; one rather substantial. The Audio/Nav system is basically the electronic brains of the vehicle and it has bugs, lots of bugs. The bigger issue is the transmission, it is awful. Perhaps its not widespread (I hope its not) and its just my particular jeep but I have never driven a more balky transmission. It lurches, it has delays, it feels like their is a disconnect between the pedal and acceleration. In summary it is the opposite of smooth :( If it is fixable, Ill be overjoyed...If not, extremely disappointed.

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  Not perfect, but beats a car payment! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zagreb8 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Car runs good and you can usually get them cheap. If its a secod vehickle, its not bad. Mine has needed a water pump, air conditioner work, but this is simply maintenace on a 9 year truck. Impressive off road capability!