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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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By junk54 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking to get into a Jeep, the new (1999 and up) body style is sharp, and these vehicles are GREAT in bad weather. I use mine to haul computer parts, car parts, and even X- Mas Trees. The first year I had it I actually tried to do snow donuts, no luck. Get the I-6 engine, VERY reliable, will run forever!

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  Good once its fixed - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CJ Marz - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the usual brake shimmy and a little drivetrain noise but other than that, after 63000 miles its working well after 7000 dollars worth of waranty repair. If Jeep can get this one right the first time, its an awesome purchase. Dont count on MOPAR to get it right the first time though. They just dont have the track record.

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  I gotta Jeep!!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rrainy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Rav4, Honda CRV, Camry, Celica, Montero Sport, Wrangler and then saw the Jeep Liberty and thought cute but too big for me. Then I test drove it just to say I did. It was complete unexpected true love! Drove it home the next day. Been driving everywhere ever since. I used to panic at a snow forecast. Now I just smile.

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  (J)ust (E)mpty (E)very (P)ocket - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By RandomGuy32 - March 29 - 8:00 am

  Got my 3rd Jeep (1st brand new one) when I was 25 and still single. Outfitted with lift, tires, all kinds of hitches and attachments for kayaks, mountain bikes, and surfboards. Never had any problems of any kind. Fun to drive and easy to park anywhere. Awesome in both snow and the desert. Now Im almost 30 with a pregnant wife and twins on the way and its time to move on. Just not practical to keep for family adventures anymore. Not enough room for wife, kids, dog, stuff, and my toys even with all the expensive accessories. Time for a truck. Would still recommend this to anyone whos not worried about $5 gas in the near future. Lotta fun for young single guys or cool old retired dudes.

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  The best car for the money - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Doug - March 27 - 8:43 am

  I purchased two Jeep Cherokee Countys back in 1995. One for myself, then my wife liked it so much the next week we went down and purchased one more. :) There have been no major problems on either one to date. I have changed the water pump on both Jeeps at about 120k miles. One of the Jeeps now has about 190k miles on it and the other has 145k miles. Both still run great, and I change the oil only once a year whether the Jeeps need it or not hahaha. These cars have both been used for daily driving as well as off road fun, driving in snowy weather for skiing (which I do quite often), hauling my boat, hauling wood out of the forest for my cabin, and a lot of other general abuse.

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  Its a blast to drive! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Multiple Jeep owner - March 27 - 8:23 am

  Its fast, fun to drive, handles great for an SUV and a joy to look at. The interior is just as nice as most luxury cars.

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  When it rains, it pours - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Christina - March 26 - 11:46 am

  We bought our brand new 2009 Jeep Patriot in July of 09. A month later we had a horrible rain storm. The rear dome light proceeded to fill up with water and leak into the cargo area. In total we have had it back in the shop 4 times-Jeep cannot fix this problem. I will never buy a Jeep again. Dont get me wrong I love this little SUV and would drive it into the ground if it wasnt for this leak. Jeep just cannot pinpoint the area of the leak and has tried everything. Needless to say we are using the Lemon Law and will not ever buy another Jeep product.

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  Not reliable - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bobby M - March 26 - 7:53 am

  I bought this Jeep with 39,000 miles on it. I had to replace two speakers in dash, O ring on fuel pump, rear axle seal, door lock motor and driver seat motor. These repairs were done under warranty. It presently has 71,500 miles on it. If you are buying a Jeep please get the extended warranty. I dont recommend buying a Jeep. ItÂ’s not reliable like my 1994 Toyota Camry.

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  Its a jeep thing I dont understand - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luckyzsquirrel - March 26 - 12:26 am

  I bought my Grand Cherokee to replace my 13 year old Isuzu because it was begging to have minor mechanical issues. In hindsight I should have stayed with the old truck. Numerous electrical, cooling/heating, suspension problems which cost $$$. The transmission was unrefined and did not handle mountain driving.

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  Former Subaru owner - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Scott "diesel" Flurer - March 25 - 11:11 pm

  Look for a rust free example. I wanted one that was not molested. Minor things are worn out or broken,but no big deal. I have invested in a 4.5 inch lift kit as ALL the suspension was original and worn out. Gauges are a little twitchy but functional. MUCH more power than my Forester and more room also. I like the option of 2WD,Part time 4 WD,4 WD and 4WD low range. Went with the 4.5 lift to fit the 32/11.50-15 tires I bought for it. My son has been buying,fixing,selling and 4 wheeling these Jeeps for years and he finally talked me into one 3 weeks ago. Choice of parts is much larger compared to my subie. Now I just have to wait for a warmer day to install my stash of new parts (lift kit,turbo exhaust,brake upgrade to rear disc)