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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  2006 CRD, 4WD,4door,Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawrence - October 22 - 3:30 pm

  The review link did not offer the 06 Liberty CRD. I want to specify that, because I love mine. I bought it new at 3miles; 5 months & 19500 miles later its great. I would like to seek out performance items for this SUV, because of the mileage I use. I will exceed the warranty by the end of next year.

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  Do Not Buy This Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KCCraig - October 22 - 2:36 pm

  Major issues with this vehicle. Ask a sales rep about choosing between an 04 or 05 and theyll tell you the new models are unreliable. The transmission on my vehicle has been serviced by the dealership 4 times. Grinds into gear, sluggish, and does not shift often. The indicators state an issue with the 4wd is present and flashes a warning often. Several dealerships were unable to fix the problem. As well, this vehicle gets absolutely no gas mileage. Approximately 12 MPG at best. Being 62", one might assume this vehicle would be large enough; however, Jeep has decreased the amount of headroom making this SUV very uncomfortable. As well, the seats give terrible backaches.

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  Wheres the sunroof wind deflector? - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Atlanta Mike - October 22 - 9:33 am

  Overall I love the Commander. I have 4x4 Limited with the Hemi. I live in the city so I only average 9.2 mpg but thats ok, my commute is only 1.8 miles. On its one and only expressway trip (60 miles) I average 17.2 mpg - which is more than the EPA rating so Im good. There is only one issue I have with it. Ive never seen a factory sunroof that doesnt have a pop-up wind deflector. Its impossible to drive with the sunroof open over 25 mph. Am I going to have to go buy an external one?

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  Looks good parked in the dealers garage - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By American Tim - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I hail from the Detroit area and we’ve always purchased cars from American manufacturers. In 1999, we purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The reliability has been lousy at best. It has been in the shop for one thing or another 3-4 times a year since weve owned it. The “rap sheet” is longer than my arm! The repairs did not cease after the warranty expired (due to time lapse). At 38K, the PCM module died, stranding my wife. At 41K, I found a transmission leak on my garage floor. At 43K, the Quadring Seal (?) was replaced. Got nowhere with Chrysler. Need I say more? Reliability is the name of the game. Acura MDX here I come!

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  very impressed - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hab29 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  picked-up 2003 4.7 laredo, this jeep has come a long way since my first 1990 ltd.Have had 3 since and still own a 1995laredo 4.0, wife loves it. This 2003 is powerful,comfortable and quality has improved steadily over the last 12 years. Could use more spaces to put things but overall a fantastic truck.

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  One a Jeep, always a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dude14570 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a 94 g. cherokee, then got a Liberty Renegade, 5 sp. I love it. I was torn between the Xterra and the liberty, but after test driving the liberty I was sold.It has better pick up, and more options for the same money.

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jimR - October 22 - 12:10 am

  I bought a slightly used 4wd/4cylinder Sport a year ago with only 4,000 miles on it. The 4 cylinder engine needs to be bolstered a bit to handle the weight of this vehicle. It is very sluggish without much power. Thankfully, I have a 5 speed which helps acceleration. Other than that, it is a great vehicle. Very secure feeling; lots of style both inside and out. Seats are a bit hard and there arent enough cubby holes to store things, not even an ashtray for loose change! I havent had any troubles mechanically yet. I really like the ruggedness and its great for increasing the testosterone levels! Great sound system; very good vision while driving--few blind spots.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By austin89 - October 21 - 7:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. It has 167,000 miles and all Ive ever had to do beside changing the oil, is put a new battery in it. It has been a good car and I would recommend a jeep to anyone!

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  Over all great vehicle - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jasonjcgl - October 18 - 1:39 pm

  After driving this car for 9 months and nearing the 10,000 mile mark I have to say that I am very pleased. I have driven in almost every condition imaginable. In the snow it drives effortlessly with no trouble at all, in the mud it performs very well and will get through without any hesitation, on dirt roads the handling is flawless, and in the water no issues arise. After going on 4 road trips so far, I have to say it is excellent for traveling! The ride is super smooth, steering is amazing, and the cabin is extremely quiet. In terms of gas mileage, on the highway I average around 25mpg but have gotten up to 27mpg and in the city I average 18mpg. Over all this is an amazing vehicle!

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  Loyal Jeep Fan - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bruce - October 18 - 4:56 am

  This is the 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee that my wife and I have leased. My wife leased one in 2001 and we were pleasently amazed how much the body style and ride changed in 2005 when we got another Jeep Grand Cherokee. We just traded the 2005 in for a 2007. Not a lot of changes but the ride is the same and the comfort is the same. I love the Hemi and we enjoy using the Jeep for road trips as it is very comfortable to drive and ride. Winters in Omaha are never a problem with the Jeep. It can get through most any snowfall and stick to the road easily. I never thought I would be this loyal to Jeeps in 2001 when we got our first Jeep GC Limited, but I am now and remain impressed with them.