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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  Nice, but could be better - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Ja - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I like Liberty, but I had a lot problems with it in the beginning. Recalls were becoming common. I am concerned about some of the electrical features. My in-dash CD player malfunctions frequently. To be fair, most of the problems I had were escalated by the service I received, not the vehicle. The Liberty has great visibility & handles well. It has just enough power. Controls & functions are easily accessible. But, the gas - WHEW - you have to have a second job just to keep the tank filled. In addition, the miles add up extremely quick - there is no way I have driven as far as the car indicates.

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  Overall very good, despite some problems - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DR Wilson - May 11 - 8:53 am

  We are very happy with our Patriot, overall. Have had a few problems, such as manual trans synchros (recall) as it was grinding while shifting gears. This was done before the first oil change- 2000 Miles! Otherwise, a great vehicle; great fuel economy, comfortable, peppy for a 2.4l. Also had check engine light on, dealer replaced the O2 sensor and has a rad leak when very cold; will take it in for a new rad next week. The windows are narrow, leaving for blind spots. Overall good quality for the price; small problems easily fixed under warranty. For the record, I am a Journeyman mechanic of 20+ years & a former automotive instructor at a technical school so my technical knowledge is strong.

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  Fun fun fun! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Purebred - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My jeep is the first and have not looked back. I have enjoyed everything about it and more.

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  Fun to drive if you get it to stop falling apart - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By villyg - May 10 - 2:30 pm

  The car is very nice to drive but this is what weve been dealing with so far and it has only been 8K miles Random error messages about network error. Last door to be closed has to be slammed shut. Navigation thinks it is a block left or right from current location. Cruise control randomly shuts off. Buttons on steering wheel and on the control cluster getting stuck and locking down everything else. Voice control absolutely horrible. This is just a fraction of what we have been going through https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIAzAu0scMY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ITCrE1oro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWoZPb0Yt88

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  2007 3.7 L Grand Laredo, 26X package - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By samc - May 10 - 7:50 am

  Overall very nice ride on long trips and off road. Exterior paint/ interior hard plastic Quality is marginal. So far, no mechanical problems. Had heated seat harness replaced due to a short. If you are looking for a good family roadster and off road vehicle this is your SUV.

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  Tank of the road - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By dave - May 8 - 5:43 pm

  This truck is great. With the right tires its great driving in all weather. Goes through everything with ease. Its the perfect truck for WNY weather. Snow driving couldnt be more fun. Road noise and wind noise are bad but it is a box. Awesome off road truck. Nice cause it can fit in small areas. Real easy to see all the way around the truck. Great breaks. No complaints other than noise and fuel mileage. Its a babe magnet. LOL

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  2nd Grand Cherokee..love it so far - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt1214 - May 8 - 1:46 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Cherokee. I traded in my 2004 Laredo V6 about 2 months ago and love it so far. Wouldnt even know it was the same vehicle, the improvements are great. After 2,600 miles I have no major complaints. I did have an issue at about 2,100 miles with the vehicle not starting but it, for some reason, just needed a jump. Was going back and forth between the Hemi and the 4.7, but in the end chose the 4.7 Not as quick as I had hoped, but still fine for everyday driving. Averging between 15-16mpg in mainly stop and go traffic. Between returning buyer rebate, a discount through work and the manufacturer rebate, got over $9,000 off sticker.

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  My new Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - May 8 - 1:36 pm

  Awesome Jeep, we are really enjoying it. The only downfall I see right now is the soft top with half steel doors leak a bit in heavy rain as so does the rear compartment. We have 33" tires which were on it from the dealer and its a little slugish on the highway maintaining 65 mph. In town is fine.

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  My First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Robert Sanders - May 8 - 7:13 am

  My wife insisted that I buy this vehicle and it has definitely improved my image! It is well appointed with the Freedom Top and 18 inch wheels and is fun to drive. I added wheel locks, a spare tire cover and the heavy duty floor mats. Have had no drivability problems to date (6800 miles) and a only one recall involving a brake module. There are no water leaks with the top, however, when entering or exiting the vehicle in a rain, water will drip into the cabin. There is an air whistle which I cant seem to locate. The brake pads had to be serviced at 2000 miles due to "glazing." I have achieved up to 22 mpg with the auto which for a vehicle of this design seems reasonable. Happy so far.

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  Finally The Car I Allways Wanted - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By paulkk - May 8 - 4:53 am

  This is my first jeep...long time coming but I have had a burning desire to own one since my junior year in high school (98). Its everything I hoped for and more, every time I drive it I love something new about it. If you dont have one, get one...you will be grinning like the village idiot after running over the most treacherous potholes and banked driveways that would bottom out a regular cars undercarriage.