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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  Worst Engine Ever - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bimo28 - August 15 - 4:56 pm

  This is my 5th Jeep Grand Cherokee. 1st and 2nd were Laredos with the 4.0L 6cyl engine. Jeeps 3 and 4 were fully loaded Limiteds with the 4.7L V-8s. These limiteds were great with lots of power and torque and fun to drive. Without doing much research I decided to get the 6cyl 3.7L in my fully loaded Laredo. Since I no longer had to tow, I thought Id save some money and get better fuel economy. BIG MISTAKE. This has got to be the weakest engine in its class and because it has to work so hard to keep this relatively heavy vehicle moving the gas mileage is bad too. I get about 1.5 mpg better than the v-8 and at highway speeds the mileage is actually worse than the V-8.Get the V- 8!

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  Gaz guzzler and expensive service - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dt34119 - August 14 - 6:13 pm

  Leased vehicle since May 2005. This is the V8 4.7 engine.This vehicle is a gaz guzzler! Only 14 MPG in mixed use and often 12 MPG only. Water is infiltrating in the car from the right A pillar and despite two visits to the dealership, its always the same. Now the navigation system is beeping all the time. The dealer says we have to upgrade for a new CD which costs $250! We cannot listen anymore to the radio or any CD because of the beeps! So why itmandatory to get a new navigations CD? We do not care about one or two new roads.. This is an unfair practice.

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  200k and keeps on going! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By laura, nm - August 14 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this Jeep with 70k on it. It now has 200k and Ive never been happier with a vehicle. Its sturdy, reliable, and does its job. The fuel economy is average in todays world but I can still get 18 -22 mpg if I drive carefully. Its real colors show when its driven off road - its impressive. I have driven this car across the USA six times and its never let me down. Had the transmission replaced at 150k - but only because the mechanic that serviced it didnt add transmission fluid and ruined the original. The drivers seat is getting soft but other than that the paint job, interior, and everything else has held up well. I live in New Mexico - rough terrain. I wouldnt be without my Jeep!

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  Awesome tough trucklet :)! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By kyle D - August 14 - 6:00 am

  This is an awesome truck!! I love getting in it everyday. Our family has a lot of cars in it - S65, LR3, H2, and the Unlimited! The Jeep would have to win the fun-to-drive factor ... and its a good price too! Our sticker was $29,275 and we got it for $23,980. The automatic transmission shifts perfectly, it absorbs road imperfections awesomely, its very peppy, and it handles corners like, amazingly. I would seriously recommend this for someone who would want a convertible, but needs an SUV. This is our second Wrangler and were proud owners :).

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  Awesome Car - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dawn - August 14 - 4:10 am

  We love this car. It drives great, looks great and all around nice car. It is a little noisy so I will be taking it to the dealer to have it checked out to make sure its nothing mechanical.

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  By Jeeper its a Keeper - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - August 12 - 6:35 am

  I purchased a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee to replace my 13 Chrysler 300. Extremely comfortable in all my travels. I have used it to go off road, pull my boat, and personal need. This vehicle is comfortable on the inside. When I take clients with me they are impressed that its a Jeep. Constantly telling me they cant believe how luxurious it is on the inside. Driving at night is awesome the headlights turn on to brights on their own. Wipers have rain sensing on them. Looked at other 4x4 vehicles and just wasnt happy with the dash setup and options offered. Best options for the money I paid. Make sure to take out the MOPAR warranty instead of the dealer warranty. Mopar covers until 2098 bumper to bumper or 999,999 miles on all major componets with $100 deductible. Take out a transmission at 150k 100 bucks to fix it. Warranty is pricey but well worth it.

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  Poorer quality compared to 2003 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BRIANW710 - August 12 - 3:40 am

  After less than 150 miles the rear brakes were making a metal to metal grinding noise. When I took it back to the dealer the service manager said, "It was driven with the parking brake on" (exact words). And the mechanic said, "Well, I prepped it and I didnt have the brake on." WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM? AN IDIOT? They had to order the replacement brake pads. When I returned the new pads were defective! Talk about standing behind your product. Not very good on poor highways. Had the tires knocked out of balanced twice within 1000 miles. Im actually discouraged by my treatment by the service people. And Im looking to get rid of it.

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  Reliable - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By grovej - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great fun vehicle. Good second car not a family vehicle

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  Extremely Capable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Troy209 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is solid from inside to out. I have had no problems with my Jeep during the 37,000 Ive driven it. It performs very well on road, a smoother ride than a Jeep Wrangler but not as smooth as the Jeep Cherokee. Off road, it is a Jeep and obviously gets the job done. The Liberty has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds and in the few times Ive towed a packed 8 ft. U- Haul trailer it has performed well. The inside of the Liberty is roomy and the contols are very well layed out. The seats are not as cushioned as I would like, but the overall look and feel of the interior makes up for it.

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  Awesome - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert LaBrance - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever bought. It has great pickup and off- road capability. I highly recommend it to anyone. I traded in my Xterra for it and it was the best auto purchase I have ever done.