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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  Love my Cherokee Sport! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jon - October 15 - 1:40 am

  I have loved my jeep since the day i started driving it. I have the 5 speed manual transmission, this is the only way to go, i cant even imagine having a boring auto. The Jeep has 132000 miles now and is still running strong. Hardly ever done any work on it, only new shocks, u-joints, cat. converter, and muffler.The shocks were just something i did for no real reason, just thought it would be a good idea, but my u-joints did go bad. Love the 4x4, the front seats, love the ENGINE! Very reliable. Never lets me down, always starts right up in the cold too. It is a wonder to have in the winter. Michigan winters are pretty intense, and it is just unstoppable in the snow. Would buy one again now!

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  Jeeper 4 Life - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Rowdy - October 14 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had 4wd pick-ups and other vehicles, but this is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it. Its boxy, bouncy, and loud - but if I wanted a Cadillac I would have bought one! Ive got a 2" lift, 33" MT mud tires (great for off-road, but Ill be switching to Silent Armors when these are worn out) and lots of chrome accessories. Did I mention I got the electric lime green color? I can always find her even in the most crowded parking lot.

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  Save your money and buy something else! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BillJ - October 14 - 1:20 pm

  It looks great and is fun to drive when it is working but that is not very often. I have had mine in the shop (all covered under warranty) 6 times in the first 9 mo. with problems from a leak in the fire wall that let rain water flood in to the drivers area to the transmission jerking every 10-15 sec at highway speeds.

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  Texas Compass with Latitude - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By awoerner - October 14 - 10:24 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new, after turning in an H3 lease vehicle. I was apprehensive because it was an American made car, but my lack of issues with the Hummer gave me confidence. I did no prior research. It has been very reliable! However, I have not achieved the mileage on the sticker, city or highway. The road noise is loud, so I will be getting soundproofing done. I rarely have passengers, yet no one has fussed yet (Viking son as exception-needs to be up front). The map lights have leaked, usually because I left the sunroof up during an unexpected rain. The brakes are intermittently noisy, starting at year two of ownership. Hoping to drive it until it dies or I tire of it.

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  60th Anniversary Edition - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burago47 - October 14 - 9:30 am

  I leased this vehicle new in 2001 with 6 miles on it. Liked it because it had two tone interior, rather than the one color (dark grey) fits all that most new cars use in the interior. Now has 57K with no major problems, other than brake rotors once at 30K, repaired under warranty, and leak in the sunroof, also repaired under warranty. Still looks as good as the day I got it, inside and out, and it has been left outside in the Northeast. Will be coming off lease in April and I plan to buy it. I dont like the looks of the 05 Grand Cherokee, but it does ride and handle better than the old model. The old Jeep has classic styling that Im afraid we will not see again.

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  One year and loving it. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Craig04 - October 14 - 1:40 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now and have loved every minute of it. It is an absolute blast to drive. At this point in time, I have no complaints. Fun, fun, fun to drive. I traded tires and now have BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As. The Jeep was great in the snow. What a mountain goat!

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By citadelfox - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  Great Engine! The only reason I bought a Jeep. Wouldnt have even considered one of the other gas hogs they make. Looking forward to more info on whether or not we can run 50% or 100% biodiesel in the CRD safely (and without voiding the warranty). Had to replace the EGR valve already. They should really do something about that! Had a few engine lights come on, but aside from the EGR, they were not serious. Best MPG was 27.5 on a trip from UP to Milwaukee.

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  Used 2005 JGC Owner in GA - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By custombuilt53 - October 13 - 4:26 am

  I love the feel of this Jeep. I owned a 2002 Laredo I purchased new, and it started with problems and a rougher ride. This 2005 was purchased with 34,000 miles. The ride is very smooth. Hopefully the first owner has already gotten the heavy hitting problems taken care of.

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  Offroader and Country Club in One - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burbing Ridin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my Silver Limited and immediately took it on a a 400 mile trip. The Jeep performed above expectations. It rides like a champ on the interstate, and is easy to manuever in the city. It does have a little of a truck like ride, but hey it is an SUV - right? If you want a car ride, than I say, "Buy a Car!" I considered the Pilot, the Highlander, the 4- Runner, and the Pathfinder. Test drove them all a number of times and finally settled in on the JEEP as my favorite - no regrets!

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  DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cheepjeep - October 12 - 10:00 am

  3 weeks in my brand new 2003 jeep blew transmission on freeway. they would not let me out of deal. 2 months later the thermostat had to be replaced. the air conditioner is on the fritz now! I hate it