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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  Seats! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M. Stew - November 17 - 4:00 am

  The seats are not comfortable. Water stains the seats, raindrops, sweat, anything. I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. It has been in the shop several times for the transmission. I wish I havent bought this vehicle.

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  Class Act - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Owwlala - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Had a few problems like other new cars. Rotars replaced twice, steering wheel leather slip and was replaced, sluggish start which was electronically adjusted, grinding noise when turning in reverse, part replaced, heated driver seat not heating so it was replaced. The dealership was very accomodating and made it all OK. I love my Jeep, feel safe and havent minded my trips to the shop. I am more than likely going to keep it since it is a lease and up in October. But Might get a 2004!

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  Love my Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Johnny V - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle! This has been a family vehicle for years. This is my second Jeep and Jeeps have been in my family for years.

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  Overland overall value - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DRH - November 17 - 2:00 am

  High end features such as rain sensing wipers and tire air pressure readouts make for safer and less worrisome driving. Luxury truck features at blue collar price. Sure footed. Reasonable gas mileage you really look into the long term averages, the Jeep as an off road capable SUV, averages over 16mpg and doesnt mind 87 octane. It accelerates better than most of the other mid sized trucks and can tolerate 80 mph with 4wd operating. At $37k this is a well equipped, very functional vehicle that in my experience, has not presented any reliability issues.

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  Great styling and fun to drive! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mary - November 16 - 2:43 am

  We love this vehicle so far. Purchased it a few weeks ago. The styling is really sharp, it drives well, is comfortable and the Jeep we purchased has too many features to list. Some include the hemi, 3 sunroofs, Sirius, heated seats, leather, nav,...honestly I could go on for a long time. It has more available features than any other suv we test drove All and all, its a great strong Jeep that my husband and I both enjoy.

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  Look out at 75,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad - November 15 - 7:50 am

  This was the best vehicle we ever owned until we hit 75,000. AC compressor, transmission replacement (ouch)...new radiator. It is amazing how the truck knew the final payment had been made. If you are under 70,000 consider a change fast

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  Happily Surprised - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By FirstTimeJeep - November 15 - 3:13 am

  American car companies make the best SUVs and the Jeep Liberty fits the bill.The tires are a little slippery on wet roads and the gas mileage could be improved. This attractive model has great interior design and spacing for a small SUV. I know a lot of people complain about the position of the window switches, but I have adjusted ok. Ive only received one recall to date. Of course the true test will be how well it runs after its paid off.

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  WK Fanatic - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CEPCNC - November 14 - 9:16 am

  This Jeep has been remarkable since they day I got it. Very comfortable, smooth ride on the road and even great bone stock offroad. This is a must have for all those who love Jeeps. To all those skeptical of its IFS...it is more capable than you think.

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  Unlimited Sahara as a Daily Driver - 2015 Jeep Wrangler
  By rod_r - November 13 - 2:08 pm

  I needed a vehicle I can tow behind my motorhome. I wanted something I could flat tow that had decent room for 4 people. I also wanted something that would work as may daily driver. I wanted reasonable comfort and a decent stereo. I finally settled on an Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with an automatic. It seems well built with no rattles. With leather and heated seats plus navigation and the Alpine stereo it is a nice place to be. Ride and handling are decent. I dont plan to do much off road driving but its nice to have the capability. Performance with the Pentastar V6 is decent. The Alpine stereo is much improved for 2015. So far I am getting 16.8mpg in mixed driving. No complaints so far.

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  Great Car - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kelthebold - November 13 - 1:40 pm

  The 2.4L 4 cyl. is a nice motor if underpowered. I am 6 foot 5 inches tall and fit very nicely in my Patriot with the height adjustable seat. While the wind noise is disturbing, the car does travel well and get pretty good fuel mileage for an AWD car. Overall on of the most entertaining cars I have owned.