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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  Not Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nojeep - June 5 - 7:44 am

  Sorry to say I wouldnt buy again, imput shaft broke off transmission at 36K. cover by warranty. Had to replace electronic shifter module 4 times which they covered under 7\70000 now it needs a 5th. one and they wont cover it for some reason and it only has 61k and will cost almost $1000.00 and this is a safety problem try pulling into traffic and your jeep stops. p0700 code replaced water pump at 56K. Mopar just lost a 40 year fan because of this. To bad because believe or not I really liked my jeep. If you want to spend $1000.00 ever 12k-14k for a shifter module go ahead and buy one.

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  Squeaks, Rattles, Creaks at 4 000 Miles! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepinoakland - June 5 - 3:30 am

  I was so excited with my new car, but at 4000 miles the front seat squeaks terribly, the clutch pedal creaks and it has a terrible shudder/rattle by the front wheel. I really wish Id never bought it.

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  A Great Friend - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SANABU - June 4 - 6:10 am

  I have had my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport since brand new. I am very impressed with its reliability. Always starts and it never fails. It is fun to drive but a bit painful as you feel the road. The quality of the workmanship on this SUV is excellent. Impressive. My Jeep has 170,000 miles and it still feels good to drive. I am ready for a new car and the Jeep goes to my 16 year old daughter. I trust this small truck enough that I am giving it to my daughter. No complaints from me.

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By scarletbegonia - June 3 - 1:30 am

  I bought mine back in May 2007, and have driven it all over the country since! I absolutely LOVE it! My only complaint is there is not a lot of "get up and go" power.

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  Keeps you up at night worrying - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill - June 2 - 6:26 am

  Bought it new and put 37k miles on it, did all scheduled maintenance. Engine has sounded rough from the first day - should have been a sign to me. First problems were windows; drivers side window has fell into door twice and back passenger window fell once. Then a strange rattling noise began (it comes and goes). Every time it rains I find my seats with white stains on them, can not figure out how the water gets in and surprised how bad the stains are. Then at 35k the CHECK ENGINE light came on. All the VALVE SPRINGS needed to be replaced. After that was done car makes hissing noises. At 36k needed new tires. Getting rid of car at getting a more reliable brand so that I can sleep at night.

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  Love it! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - May 31 - 3:36 pm

  I have the stripped down version; no A/C, no power anything, manual transmission. However, 3.7liter V6, is great. I have no engine or transmission problems at all. Gas mileage could be a bit higher, but ... its a Jeep which also accounts for a bit of a bumpy ride. Unlike other small SUVs this one can go off roading a little better and I feel safer to get back home ... its a Jeep. One problem I had is the back window will not open sometimes. Since I do not have power anything, the only way to get it open is with the key on the handle. It stuck on me several times, intermittent though. Kids fit great in the back seat, plus I can haul stuff too. Overall, great vehicle for the price.

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  Imma - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ed - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  Maneuverable for a big vehicle, easy to drive in stop and go traffic and most of all very relaxing to drive in road trips. If fuel consumption improves it will be the perfect midsize suv. Friends told me its a handsome piece of art.

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  Good SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Mc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is One High Quality SUV

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  wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By gabarton - May 31 - 10:00 am

  fun, powerful engine, with top up it can be noisy at higher speeds. fun to take top down. short wheel base means for bouncy ride, but thats a jeep.

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  My jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By toner - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 jeep grand cherokee larado and this summer I purchased a 23 foot hardside camper and my jeep tows it like it wasnt even there. I just love my jeep.