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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  Chrysler = Unreliable - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Driver - September 12 - 5:40 am

  Used all highway, never offroad. Serviced only at Jeep dealerships. All maintenance in the owners manual followed on time. Has blown four rear differentials, numerous electrical problems with airbags, heater fan controls, lights, radio, turn signals etc. Radiator started literally coming apart at 4 years. Paint just started falling off after 3 years, all the plastic on the exterior faded white after two years. Seats splitting apart and seat belts coming apart at the seams after one year.

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  Bargain 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - September 11 - 11:23 am

  This is the cheapest 4x4 suv you can find. I got 24 mpg on the first tank. Lots of options and it still was cheap. I cant see myself in a RAV4 or CRV, but this one feels like a real truck.

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  Great looking, not so great to drive - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dpkimball - September 10 - 11:28 pm

  We leased our Grand Cherokee last June, and so far have not been impressed. Granted, the car is great looking, comfortable, and the interior is top notch. That being said, the transmission in this car is a nightmare. Shifting up and down through gears 1-3 is like riding in car with a 16 year old kid that is learning to drive a stick shift. It slams and lurches in and out of gears, almost to the point of being embarrassing when we have friends or guests in the car. Im glad I leased, and that in two years Ill be able to hand over the keys to the dealer instead of being forced to keep this car long term. Its already been in twice for multiple warranty issues.

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roadrunner - September 10 - 7:56 pm

  I am on my fourth Jeep and this one is the best yet. Has most all the features you would expect from a Limited model. I got the Hemi engine and it is a reminder of the older V8s that would get you to 60 in seconds. Wonderful vehicle if you can afford to keep the tank full.

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  Luv It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rappin Jonny D - September 10 - 1:56 pm

  Had a CJ-7 from back in the day and there is no comparison. This Jeep corners better than my car. True, the engine shifts a bit more than one would want and the milage is quite poor, but one purchases a Jeep for other reasons. Love the flexibility of the freedom top. No issues with water leakage.

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  The Cherokees Baby - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By BourbonMom - September 9 - 3:13 am

  I enjoy driving my Patriot but the fuel economy is not exactly what the sticker promises. I drive 120 miles a day to and from work, all highway. My average MPG is 23, not the 27 or better. The armrest that the driver and passenger are to share could be larger. Overall, I like my Patriot. It reminds me of the Cherokee, just smaller. I will add my children ages 6 and 9 commonly refer to our new car as a "box on wheels". Unfortunately its too early to tell what problems will be in our future. Im hopeful that it will not follow the pattern of the last 3 Chrysler products I have purchased which at 80,000 miles needed a new transmissions. Overall I would recommend the Patriot. Happy Buying!!

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  Great Northern Vehicle but! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By John - September 9 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned this Jeep since new and its a lot of fun to drive and for the most of it my wife drives it to and from work a two miles total but after it turned 50,000 miles a lot of little things started to loosen up like the front fenders, shift knob etc. Had to replace the alternator twice and went through three batteries. It now has eighty thousand miles and had to have the transmission seals replaced and now the transfer case for the four wheel drive. So if I ever buy one again I will have to BUY the warranty extended plan but what a shame when other vehicles come with a 100 thousand mile and ten year warranty for free.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepluver - September 8 - 9:30 pm

  I just got my Grand Cherokee and it is wonderful. I have never felt such a smooth ride. The power is another must have. I love it.

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  Happy w/ Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob - September 8 - 8:33 pm

  Except for squeaky rear brakes at startup for about a week, our 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD has operated fine. We get 24-25 mpg, regardless of speed, which I guess is due to the fact that the difference between 70 and 80 mph is about 3500 rpm. This Jeep pulls our 17 ft boat better than our V-8 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited did. Both vehicles are 4WD, but the Libertys torque is more useful for towing, as it is in the lower rpms. Time will tell if the Liberty proves more reliable than the 1999 Grand Cherokee, which constantly wore out brakes and wore out its transmission at 80,000 miles. The Liberty is not nearly as stable in corners as the Grand Cherokee was, but it beats getting 16 mpg!

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  great looks & features - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By isaac halpern - September 8 - 3:30 pm

  I live in Riverdale, New York. The roads are bumpy. I love the 18" tires i never bottom out -- these large tires are not available on many similar SUV. the green limited edition looks awesome. over all very pleased