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 5911 through 5920 of 9,359.00
  • wish i was as lucky as you folks... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Ive had my 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo v6 for about three years. so far ive had to put in a new motor new transmission two new batteries and now my driver door wont open from the outside. Here lately i havent been too happy with the car seeing how it only has 164000. still trying to figure out how to fix the door issue. if anyone has any advice id appreciate it.

  • do not buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    I have a 2008 Jeep Patriot with 58,000 miles. I have to replace the transmission and ball joints for total cost of $4700. The 2000 Jeep Patriot has a 5 year or 100,000 mile warranty but it is not transferable to this 2nd owner. I have talked to Jeep but with no success. If you check out the internet you will see that is a typical problem with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. Save yourself a lot of money and aggravation do not buy this vehicle.

  • The Jeep Thing - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
    By -

    I bought it in 2008 and has 112k miles and i`m tge 2nd owner,never used 4 off- road,4.0,4x4,5 speed(oh yeah i want to change gear when i want to),MPG- 19 city,24 highway at 70 mph,20 towing a u- haul tralier.Never had any major repairs i replaced the shocks,breaks,all fluids,wiper blades,installed a cd player and also new speakers with amp all on weekends...grab a beer and save money doing that 4 fun.Easy to work on,fun to drive,to park,lot of space inside,best suv for the money.If u want to save money on gas ride a bicycle...want a smooth ride buy a BMW,but the JEEP is the way to go everywhere.

  • Nice but buyer beware. - 2017 Jeep Renegade
    By -

    I have exactly what I want minus a/c didnt know I had to ask for it. It doesnt come with a spare tire. I have weird things happening with start up that Dealership would prefer to ignore and or do nothing about. It drives great. I like the 6 speed manual transmission. I havent had a chance to use 4x4 yet but will appreciate it this winter. The seats are comfortable and the room in back is good for cargo.

  • Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    We bought the Jeep in December of 08 and bought the 08 because they were trying to get rid of them for the new 09s. But the Jeep has been amazing! Weve yet to use the 4wd but we want to. Its been to the shop once for a mechanical problem. It has the freedom top and we love it! The Jeep has been a good vehicle. The only bad thing is the back seat sits straight up, and a car seat is pretty hard to fit in there! But overall a good buy.

  • Love it - 2007 Jeep Compass
    By -

    Before I bought my Compass I did some research and read the reviews here. People seem to either love it or hate it. Personally, I love mine. It is 3 years old and in perfect condition. Drives like a Jeep. 4x4 is great. I own a Jeep Cherokee also so I was familiar with the way they handle. Love the easy to clean interior and the roominess of it. Gas mileage could be better but it is a 4 cyl pulling a good sized vehicle. Its to be expected. Bottom line. Id buy one again.

  • Surprisingly reliable - 2008 Jeep Compass
    By -

    Bought the 2008 Compass after being a long time, repeat Toyota buyer. The price was excellent and I got a 3 year gas card that I am still using, every time I get gas I save some change or more. I dont have the confidence in Jeep, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have not had problems, other than battery died once after a cold spell. The car has never died or stranded me. I have not done any additional service other than the most basic. I have 48K miles on it.

  • Great choice for SUV fans - 2008 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    Ive only had the Patriot for two weeks, but I already know I made a good decision in picking this vehicle. I looked at several comparable models including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. Those are all nice vehicles, but seemed to be somewhat overpriced compared to the features of the Patriot. I bought the Sport 4x4 with the CVT transmission. With only 650 miles, Im getting 27 MPG on the hwy, which is 3 MPG above the EPA rating. Combined is 23 MPG. Seat comfort is good considering there is no power option. Plenty of leg room front and rear. Build quality is very good. Anyone looking at a small SUV should consider this one. Check out the forums on the Patriot.

  • mud monster - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    My jeep was the best suv i think i will ever own. I used it for off-roading and i drove it throw a mud up to the middle of the windshield and it powered right throw. It was crazy off-raod. I had Mud Kings 235/75/15 that is only 2 sizes bigger then stock. There was no lift in it. I had to replace the tranny once but i was rough on the jeep when i was off-road. Other then that it just needed basic maintance. I am sad to say that i totaled my jeep.

  • nice ride - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    great car, i love the laeather, great feel, fun to drive, excelent choice for any youngsters, great price!

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