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 for Parking.....terrible ride! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gypsy532 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the design of the Liberty...its great to park and drive around town. I find that its a bumpy ride and the drivers seat cuts off my leg circulation! The gas mileage is terrible and I find it very disappointing! Wish I had my 4Runner back! Its also very noisy when driving on the interstate....noise around the windshield and wiperblades bounce. The transmission is real jerky...when you put it into drive. Also not enough cargo space...when I put my stroller in nothing else can go!

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  its a chore just to get in the car - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LK2530 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  i loved my Jeep when I first leased it. Now, four years in, i hate it. The automated door locks malfunctioned 1 month after my warranty was up but the service department said it wouldnt have been covered anyway. So its $350 to fix it. Plus there is only ONE key entry on the car. So after four years of owning it the remote entry doesnt work so just getting in the thing is a chore. I have had brake problems and need new rotors again. I will never buy a Jeep again and cant wait to get out of this one. Both my dealer and Chrysler have been unconcerned with my complaint.

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  Water Leaks - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By phontom - August 17 - 4:14 pm

  Go ahead and purchase this jeep as long as you are prepared to fight the dealership you chose to purchase it from. Granted not all jeeps leak but is a good chance is will. I love my jeep but hate the headache it has given me when they cant stop the water from coming in.

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  Sorry - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hairy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car has some good points ice cold air,great sound system ,and oh yea 4 wheel drive!!!but the biggies were poor gas mileage,some what of a rough ride even on the highway,could use a little larger engin like the Chevy Blazer 4.3 liter vortech v6 "what a nice 1 that was"and the price could have been a little kinder.28k for a little fun ride? Come on!

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Ryann - August 12 - 2:16 am

  I got this car after driving a Honda Civic. I didnt have a lot of money, and it had a great music package available. I wanted an SUV, and have actually noticed very little difference in gas mileage after my 03 Civic. I havent had any major issues, some lights turned on for no reason, and my drivers side window controls have been replaced, and have to be replaced again. Also, cruise developed a habit of turning off. It is very comfortable, and with the music package and price is great for young people. It is small and roomy. It is a bit unconventional looking, which I dont enjoy, but you do get what you pay for.

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  Dont buy a Chrysler or Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joanne - August 9 - 5:46 am

  I am disgusted with the Jeep I have just about the whole car is breaking so far Ive has a valve ob, catalytic converter replaced, radio replaced, antenna broke off and ripped up my hood, bearings and pinion gone, brakes gone, unbelievable. I have a LEMON! Ill never buy another Jeep!

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  1999 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By big shave - August 5 - 2:00 am

  let me sum it up Brakes went bad ,fuel pump twice ,transmission leaks ,wheel well fairings comming loose ,plus the recalls

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  Jeeps going the way of Chrysler - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fyffe7 - July 24 - 1:10 am

  I have been driving Jeeps for 20 years. My last Jeep was a 1998 Grande Cherokee with the V8. It was my dream car. It was time to get a new Jeep. Wrong! Had the new Jeep for one day. Returned it. The new Jeep canÂ’t touch the 1998 except for the Hemi. Where to start. Windows are smaller. Interior is plastic junk for the 35,000-40,000 you are paying. Parking brake needs to be in the driver foot well but it canÂ’t because the foot well canÂ’t even fit my 2 feet. No rest pad for left foot in foot well. If the jeep had the interior of the Chrysler 300 I would have bought one. Whishing there was a brand new 1998 GC on the lot with a Hemi. Bought a Ford Sport Trac instead

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  where do we start? - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pacdltpa - July 19 - 1:41 am

  electrical problems, rear passenger window fell down inside door by itself, a.c. system replaced, valve cover gaskets replaced, head lamp flashes on and off by itself, battery died (twice),radiator failed, lower coolant hose failed, hydraulic lift supports for both hood and rear window failed , radio volume control does not work, recall for front suspension bushings replaced, recall (now) for dangerous gas tank must take to dealer to install tow hitch to protect gas tank, 92,000 miles young. most of this has taken place in the four years we have owned the vehicle. bought it with 38,000 miles. the larger problems have been address in th elast 6 months.gas mileage ridiculous.

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  Like it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rjc - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 2002 Escape cuz of electronic problems.So far so good. I think that it handles well, turning radius great, decent sounding stereo. Interior is very cozy, seats are short,seem flimsy and flat tho. The Escape was way more comfy inside but Liberty seems solid. I liked the Escape but got rid of it before warranty expired because dash lights, brake lights...would go out at any time. At dealer multiple times...Like my Liberty and if it stays out of the shop I will be happy!