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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  My first JGC - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iamdenistoyou - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Hi there, i really like this vehicle. I test drove several other trucks and SUVs. This one is fun to drive, I dont have to worry about hitting a curb and damaging something. Jeeps are also pretty tough. I dont know about previous years but this vehicle has not had any problems.

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  Nothing better to drive! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By YSIC jeff - August 26 - 2:00 am

  There truly is nothing better to drive than a Jeep Wrangler. I have a 02 Wrangler Sport 4.0L with 5-speed manual and you cannot beat the power and ability of this vehicle for its class. Interior / Exterior and everything about it sells me on the fact that I wont drive anything else. In fact my wife have one too if she wouldnt have already bought a Durango (Another Chrysler product of greatness)The only people that care that much about interior changes dont truly DRIVE a Jeep Wrangler. They just sit in it while its rolling.

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  08 OVERLAND - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By ANTHONY DEFRANCESCO - August 24 - 3:03 pm

  After owning about 8 new jeeps over the past 16 years i was very impressed with the commander. My prior 06 commander had the 4.7 V8 and was underpowered. The HEMI is just right. I purchased a loaded overland model as it is truly the ultimate Jeep. The rear camera is helpful especially when using the third seat. It is a very solid vehicle. I like the styling as it reminds me of my first 1993 jeep cherokee country. I average 16mpg and on a round trip to Cleveland from Albany NY my average was 18. I drove around 70 mph. I really dont know why the press beats upon Jeep products so much. I have found Jeeps to be very reliable, safe, and fun to drive.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CheeksWils - August 24 - 10:16 am

  This is the second Grand Cherokee Ive owned and couldnt be happier. I went from a 1999 Laredo with leather, sunroof, and 10 disc CD to a base 2005 Laredo with cloth and few options but didnt feel like I was stepping down. The new model is so much better in ride, handling, and comfort. It drives much smoother and quieter than the old model and definitely better than the Explorer or TrailBlazer I test drove. Im not sure why I even drove them because Jeep is always where my heart will lie.

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  06 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By wildbill - August 24 - 10:06 am

  This is a very fun vehicle to drive and own. Lot smoother ride than the 95 wrangler I used to own. It rides as smooth as my wifeÂ’s Nissan murano. No problems yet. I have 3,200 miles and am looking forward to getting a hitch since the towing capacity has been increased from 1,500 lbs. to 3,000 lbs. thanks to the added length and an extra crossmember in the frame. IÂ’ll now be able to tow my tent trailer with no problem.

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  Excellent, tough truck. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By IronWagon - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Cherokees have always been a tough, reliable 4WD. After owning one for years and 120K miles, I agree. Luxurious, no. Many vehicles are more comfortable. Small, nimble, simple vehicles, yes. Very durable too. One turn signal switch has been replaced. All other items, tires, brakes, oil, etc., were maintenance items. This is a vehicle that has seen many offroad miles in the Southwestern deserts, and it seems to be just breaking in. Offroad, it will leave posuer 4x4s (Xterra, etc) behind, including very expensive ones. The 4.0L engine has more in common with a tractor, but theyll run past 300K with basic shadetree mechanic skills. A simple scan of the used Cherokees bears this out. A+

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  Go Anywhere Do Anything... Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rileys Dad - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Grand and it by far is the best product yet. The HO engine can now only be surpassed by the new 2005 Hemi. It is a superb people mover and safe when it comes to moving little ones as well. I have changed the front rotors at 30000 and all is fine. Jeep has never put a large enough front rotor on any Grand. This is still managable. Love the body style and think it is superior to the newer 2005.

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rescue Green - August 24 - 8:13 am

  This would be my 5th Wrangler, And it just keeps getting better. Even stock it handles great on and off road, I went with the bone stock Unlimited Sport model because i knew i was going Change the suspension and add bigger tires, So great value and warranty,

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  Love my Jeep - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rebecca McNeely - August 22 - 12:51 pm

  The only issues that Ive had are several cracked windshields from driving on the interstate to work. It seems any tiny chip resulted in a huge crack along the entire windshield. Replaced once on a Friday and was cracked again the following Monday. The DVD player that I was so excited about will only play sound when the vehicle is in motion. I realized this when I tried to play a movie for a fussy toddler during a long trip. :( I mean who is gonna park and watch a movie while your vehicle is running??

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  2004 grand cherokee ltd V8 HO - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nz - August 22 - 3:26 am

  I purchased my vehicle at 30,000 miles as a one owner lease return. Ive absolutely loved this vehicle, the interior is very comfortable, the engine has tremendous power (which I love) and its been the picture of reliability. I have several colleagues who all have jeeps during this bodystyle and most if not all of them have had only limited even standard maintenance. Several have over 130k with no new engines, transmissions, nothing beyond routine maintenance. The four wheel drive (mine is always on) feels amazing, and during cold weather I pity the other White-knuckled drivers on the road.