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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  Great Car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Love my Jeep - September 26 - 10:00 am

  With close to 20000 miles not a single problem. The car handles great, fun to drive and is great on trips. The head room is very good this is from someone who is 63", much more than the 4Runner. The price for the options is much better than the explorer or 4Runner. We bought the Jeep after Ford bought back our lemon Escape. We could not be happier.

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  Your info. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tiffanychloe - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never loved a suv more than my grand check.

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  2010 Lemon -Transmission dead at 8400mi - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeep - September 25 - 2:13 pm

  Being a loyal owner of a 1998 Cherokee, I was really looking forward to the Wrangler experience. Turns out it was nothing but trouble. Alignment off day 1, clunking noises coming from the hood when AC was turned on. Automatic transmission takes forever to switch gears, etc, etc... Three trips to the dealer, who thought I was crazy. Now the transmission is dead 200+ miles from home. RIDICULOUS! I think the build quality of Jeeps have gone down considerably, probably too many cost cutting measures. Never again. This car was a piece of junk. At this point Im trying to get it declared a lemon or have the dealer buy it back. They can keep it! Buyer Beware with Jeep.

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  15 Months later - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Zeferam_Cockran - September 25 - 12:56 pm

  After 15 months of driving as follows are some tips for potential buyer, I recommend a short term rental to try out (daily rental) and take close attention to the following, depending on your height and driving position this little truck may not be suitable for tall drivers ( 510"+ ), limited visibility due to A pillars, if you drive in a location where there are lots of pedestrians beware for posts completely block your side visibility, not sure if the patriot has the same issues but I have had several close calls, this also applies for rear view visibility and lane changes, this asides Compass is a good buy for the buck but would recommend the Patriot for any real Jeep enthusiast.

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  Get me to the train on time - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RLB - September 25 - 8:13 am

  I researched alot of SUVs before I made my decision to purchase. I wanted the diesel but a limited number being a produced this year and I needed it to get thourgh the snow to work. The V6 power is great and manageable. The 4wd is great. I also liked the classic looks of the Renegade over the Sport or Limited.

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  Great, but leaky - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Starseed - September 25 - 3:10 am

  Ive had my Wrangler for about 2.5 years now and I have to say I love it. The only real complaint I have is about the tops. I have both soft and hard tops and they are put together very badly. Ive brought it into the shop for top at least 8 times now. 5 of those are for water leaks. They have not real way of stopping them, just a short term "oh the weather stripping is crushed" blah blah blah. I will never buy a new model year again.

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  First Jeep - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By skycop1226@gmail.com - September 25 - 12:47 am

  I believe that the overall value of this vehicle comparring ride comfort, affordability and quality put it at a moderately high level. Recently moved from South Florida to the northwest corner of Arkansas. I soon realized with the approaching winter my 2015 BMW 428i coupe was not going to survive the snow and ice associated with winters in this area. Taking all the variables into account , I started researching viable four-wheel-drive SUVs. Comparing the cost-benefit ratios and my needs as a single person, I chose the Grand Cherokee over other Jeep models and the competition. My 4 x 4 Limited is a nice mixture of the luxury amenities as well as the traditional Jeep practicality. Not 100% sold on the 20 inch wheels however. Without purchasing the upgraded off road terrain package, it was only available in the 20 inch platform. For the individual wanting to truly experience the off-road, I would recommend upgrading and purchasing the 18 inch wheels. If youre looking for a performance vehicle, the 3.6 may not be the engine for you. With fuel cost currently being as low as they are, Im personally wishing I had purchased the V8. Must I must say, I didnt purchase it as a performance vehicle though, so the 3.6 will suffice. Interior visibility is less than optimal, but thats attributable to exterior styling. I must say, shifting the automatic transmission takes some getting used to. I actually took it back to the shop because I couldnt get it into park without getting stuck in reverse. Then going through a two-step process of reengage the "release button" and jamming it forward. After a little tutelage and practical application it was determined that it was operator error. Ha! All in all, I must say that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a nice blend of luxury, modern styling and practical usage.

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  Review - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By buy it!!!!! - September 24 - 12:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever had. The 4x4 works geart and you cant go wrong with the I6 its the best motor in the world! I have 109,000 miles on it and the only thing that goes out is the radiator and the power streeing. This Jeep looks great with a 4in lift and 31s and it goes any where at anytime through mud and snow it does it all. Gas miles will drop if you lift it. If I could do it all again I would just add tires and rims if you do that youll be able to go most place a Landrover can with a lower price!

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  Rocky Mountain Edition Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PKey - September 23 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned 4 Wranglers and will own nothing else. Love em!

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  Love my little Jeep. - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Erik Parker - September 23 - 10:36 am

  Got my car almost two weeks ago and since I bought my vehicle, I fell in love with it, its very easy to drive and easy to use for cargo!