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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  recalled parts - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By puckett1 - December 2 - 9:26 am

  i bought a used commander... its only 2006.... i have had to pay out 1000 for the software since it is under the cup holder and it gets the software wet..... i feel jeep should pay me back for the design.... my mercedes transmission wiring has shorted out. they said this should be a recall since they order this part alot. which cost me another 1000. i feel you should give me some of the money back since both of these parts have some recalls... i dont have much money single mom and all....

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  Leaky Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unhappy Jeep owner - November 29 - 5:46 pm

  I am very disappointed with the design and quality of certain aspects of this vehicle. Other than the faulty water pump at 10,000 miles, the Service 4WD message popping up in the dash display, leaky rear brake light assembly.... The worst problem is the leaky sunroof ... leading to stereo damage. The car has been back and forth to the dealership due to the above problems as well as the water leaking from the sunroof area. As I am writing this, my wife is taking the Commander back to the dealership FOR THE 4th TIME ... The first 2 times for a leak on the drivers side .. The last time there was standing water at the front pass. floor. This time water is dripping onto the mid console/seats.

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  Interior is terrible. - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ben - November 29 - 8:10 am

  Whilst this vehicle is a very nice vehicle to look at the quality of the interior is terrible. My wifes car is just over a year old and the plastic skirting on the front chair has snapped off. The storage panels on both front doors are beginning to break off. Overall very cheaply made interior. About the only good thing going for this vehicle is the good gas mileage. If this is how jeeps are being manufactured now then this will be the last one that I purchase.

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  Waste of Money - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lamontmotley - November 27 - 1:39 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee in July of 2013. I have the 2014 model. Since the beginning this car has been problems. Originally it was said that the system was new, that is why no one had any real knowledge on what to do when I had a problem. I have taken it in 8 times only for them to find one or two problems. The rest they said they can fix if it is not acting up at the time. I have had issues like the sunroof being stuck open, the dashboard going out, transmission not shifting correctly, radio went out, buttons on door wont lock them, just to name a few. I wish I had know then what I know no, I would have saved my money and my time. If you are in the market for a car this is not it.

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  Poor Window Design - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Brandon - November 25 - 5:53 pm

  I have a 2006 Jeep Liberty with 47000 miles on it. Same problems as other owners with the windows. Rear drivers side window fell into the door. Dealer said that it would cost 1000 to fix. I called Chrysler and complained. They told me that I would pay only 100 to fix it. Well, dealer now says 200. This is a leased vehicle, needless to say, I will be returning it and will not buy another Chrysler. This company needs to stand behind their products!

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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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  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.

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  Sorry I purchased a Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Amber - November 18 - 5:36 am

  I decided to purchase the car because of the style and Jeep name. I received a 3K rebate and was so happy. I had ignored the first Edmunds review re: cheap interior. Car drove fine first few days when I noticed I was low on gas. This continued where I was filling up twice weekly and barely getting 20mpg. My tank would only hold 10 gallons. No one believes this and now I have to go to the dealer to check this out. After reading another review, I now believe this is a malfunctioning fuel gauge. After my purchase I see that Edmunds has updated with a more scathing review of the Patriot. I wish I had read that one prior to purchase. Buyers remorse? You betcha!

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  An experience - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xonaetha - November 14 - 10:00 pm

  Bought it with 39k miles. Replaced entire tranny at 65k(cost 2600). Replaced pads and rotors once, due again. Replaced front axle at 48k. Replaced entire front end at 85k. Replaced front and real axl seals at 90k, along with valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. Replaced throttle body sensor 5k miles ago which restricted me from a NYS inspectio. Bad on gas. Good in snow unless you are on an unmarked road, then nothing special. Very comy inside. Awesome Jeep turning radius. Good looks inside and outside. Motor runs strong though would have preferred a V8 had I known better. Evac recall for all 2002s will hurt you if you want an inspection, need to have that fixed. Poor sell-back value.

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  Not so reliable - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep_user - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Gas gauge shows incorrect readings, gear changes are not smooth. Changes in 2WD/4WD takes times.