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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  Room for 5... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - November 25 - 4:23 am

  The little lady always wanted a Wrangler, but it just wasnt practical with the old design. With the 4 doors and 3 seats across the back it now works for a family of 5 (small kids 12 and under). The middle seat has a shoulder harness as well. I was amazed at the cargo area in the rear... almost as much as a minivan.

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  Gas - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By jerryschutz - November 24 - 10:56 pm

  The Wrangler is a great improvement over the old design. It is quieter and more powerful. The ride is unbelievable for a true Sport Utility. Its off road capability is unrivaled to any 4x4. Hard Top leaked first day. Check engine came on at just under 3000 miles. Misfire. Clutch bearing or transmission just started making squealing sound. Now we find out how good the service is!

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  Over estimated our Overlands build quality - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By daver10 - November 24 - 12:11 pm

  Bought our 2014 V8 equipped Overland in April. We really liked the premium features when compared to our previous 2004 Durango. The air ride shocks make the truck ride better than ANY truck I have experienced. As well, weve gotten as high as 26 MPG at 62 - 65 mph, exceptional if you ask me. However, weve had this truck in the shop 6 times already for: electronics, bad radio display, oil pan replacement, recalls, etc. Past experience with other brands of vehicles tell me that I should plan on selling this truck right before the warranty expires.

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  jcfromohs cherokee sport - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By JCfromoh - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Dependable vehicle, great pick up and low end torque. Easy to manuver in parking lots and off road. Back seat is only good for small children. My 64" son looks sandwiched in. Easily tows my bass boat without problems. I have the basic Sport without any extras. Added a K&N airfilter and jetchip and have increased performance. Also added Jeep brush guard with integrated fog lights. Looks good. Quality has been excellent to date, I have 49,000 miles on the vehicle and to date no problems.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By quickkick - November 24 - 10:00 am

  You name the problem, Ive had to pay for it to be fixed. Power locks, well- described brake issue, (still) leaking driver side rear window, entire rear axle (twice!), air conditioner control button, fuel injection. Take my advice: Buy Japanese. I know I will for ever more. (Even worse than the build quality, was the inept way and high cost of repairs!) Just awful.

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  Love my new Laredo - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vickylpt - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have put almost 5000 miles on this new jeep and I love it!!! I had a 2000 Cherokee Sport that I thought rode like a wagon, but this GRAND LAREDO is a very nice, smooth ride. My mom has a Trailblazer and I like my Jeep FAR, FAR better!

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  Dont buy Chrysler products - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sleeper123 - November 23 - 9:33 pm

  The car started off fine but is now troubled with electrical problems. The car constantly gives a transmission over temp alarm even after start up. The ESM is messing up causing erratic shifting. Ever since the n23 recall I have a service 4wd system alarm that will show every start up and not let me engage 4 low. To replace the ESM its going to cost over $700 and is such a common problem it should be recalled. This is my last Chrysler product I will ever buy.

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  TJ-8 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By eatjeep - November 23 - 6:06 pm

  Room for a weekend trip without a top rack, cant wait for the aftermarket to catch up. Removable rear seat is a snap. I wish the hard top was easier to take off (heavy). Im hooked, and Im keeping this baby.

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  Once a Jeep Owner- Always a Jeep Owner - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjd - November 23 - 10:53 am

  My first Jeep was a liberty 06. I just recently purchased an 09 2 Door Wrangler. First let me say Im a college student so I dont mind a little bit of ruggedness. I drive up to Phoenix from Tucson (160 mile drive) three times a month and I have to say I dont mind driving on the high way at all. I have a hard top. Ive dricing with no top but I find best is to drive with only the two front panels on. MPG are best at around 65mp: Ive seen around 23, 24 mpg. But I usually do about 80mph so I avg like 18mpg. Around town Ive seen 13 (I know). I havent taken it off roading yet but it is such a fun car to drive and ride around in especially if you live in a nice place like Arizona!

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  Dont Buy Jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By George Metaxas - November 23 - 6:56 am

  I bought this vehicle new in Nov 2006. It has been in and out of the shop so many times I have lost count. All repairs have been covered under warranty, but when the warranty expires Ill be on my own. One major problem with this vehicle is the power windows in all four doors. I have taken the Liberty to the shop three times to get the "regulators" changed. This is very frustrating. Im told by dealer service manager that the manufacturer is doing nothing to correct the problem. Im using the Lemon Law to resolve this issue. I would think twice about buying this product.