Jeep Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
9,359 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 5001 through 5010 of 9,359.00
  • New to jeep, hope to keep...but electrical problems bringing doubt - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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    I was excited to buy my first jeep limited v8. However, My car has 2945 miles and this is the second time that all of the lights on the dash have come on and the speedometer does not work. It happened at 50 miles and they said moisture got in spark plug. The dealer did not offer a loaner right away and I had company coming. They ended up giving me a mini van. But today I am still waiting for them to fix my car. I hope this is not going happen again in several miles or I made a big mistake with this car purchase.

  • What a Ride - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    The new Limited Laredo with the Hemi engine as compared to the last 2 Jeeps owned is SUPERIOR! The ride is smooth, plenty of power to tow, it is quiet and fun to drive. Yes, the gas mileage is what the sticker says (16.5 in town and 19 highway) but is worth the slight additional cost in fuel. We have not experienced any problems during the first 2000 miles and I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

  • Wannabe - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    Bought my Rubicon Unlimited in April 05. Just had to get bigger tires (LT285) vs. standard LT245s, lift kit (3.5") and a rear tire carrier, and more to come. No issues so far! Fun to drive with the hard top off. Had to buy before the warranty went south in 06 - so I was told.

  • Best $20K SUV on the Market. Nothing comes close - 2016 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    Best $20K SUV on the Market. Nothing comes close in this price range. Classic Jeep style. Remember when all Jeep models had round headlamps. The Wrangler and Patriot are the only models left true to the brand.

  • Fun offroading and others... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Where do I start, I traded my 92 Camaro Z28 for the 97 Jeep TSi model and noted its capabilty for winter driving right off. It is a good snow/off road vehicle. I bought the vehicle at 36000 miles and to date have racked up 105000 miles. The only major problem that I had was Transmission slipping when the unit got hot. Had put the car into the shop twice with "no trouble found" (had transmission serviced second time for $400). Started slipping 6 months later and this time I burned the transmission out (on purpose). Had the transmission replaced at a cost of $2800 (1 new Jasper transmission and labor). Now it runs smooth as silk. I love it.

  • At least Daimler Benz is involved. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    This is the first domestic auto Ive ever owned, and after 9 months Im still happy. Its only the second year for the Liberty, and unfortunately theyre still working out the bugs. Something behind my passenger airbag rattled until I made the dealership find it. Jeep service is pathetic, and will call all noises and rattles "normal." But it is a solid vehicle. I was surprised how well designed and built it was. Other than the pathetic gas milage (16mpg for a V6???), the Jeep is great.

  • Good value, good off-road qualities - 2003 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    Liberty is fun to drive, stylish exterior, great engine layout and can go anywhere with a family. Great value for the price.

  • Laredo vs. Special Edition - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    This is my 3rd Cherokee in the last 3 years. My first two were Laredos and this is my first Special Edition Model and so far, I can say that I like this model. If youre curious about the difference, I can tell you that the Special Edition 2WD model has the body style of the Limited model, (about $10,000 more on the MSRP), but its interior features are that of the Laredo model. Ive been really content with my last Cherokee and decided to trade up to the Special Edition. You wont be dissapointed if you choose this model. The ride is incredibly smooth, handles great on the open highway, and the gas mileage is reasonable compared to other larger SUVs.

  • DONT EVER BUY ONE!!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    i bought this car for my son it seemed to be perfect but once i got it off the dealer it started going down hill quickly. first it was the gas cap ok no problem than not more than a month the water pump went out now wait for this....... brakes, battery, window repairs, re wiring the whole car, brake lights new tires and having to replace engine that only had 137,000 on it! replace the engine and two weeks later we find out the car came out of the factory bad!!! this new engine is already giving us problems!! stalls and dies and it takes two to three times to get it started again!! this is unacceptable!!! so for the love of god do not purchase a 2007 jeep liberty sport!! now i have to pay 150.00 a month for an extended warranty so my son is safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Diesel version good, too many problems - 2006 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    Every month there has been a recall on some part with the Liberty CRD. The accesory Plugs pop a fuse at the slightest amount of draw. Electronics lighting went haywire after towing a trailer. Great solid body for taking offroad; however needs severe improvement in the electronics and power supplies. Dont recommend if you plan to use accessory plugs with anything bigger than a cellphone. Wiring for towing also seems poorly insulated and subject to shorts.

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