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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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Karen Spriggs - January 16 - 1:53 am

  My first day of ownership I drove my new Commander from Ann Arbor, MI to Atlanta, GA in all kinds of wet and dry conditions besides mountains and curves ... it handled beautifully. I tend to "seat shop" because of my back/neck and I was COMFORTABLE all 714 miles. When I would pull in for gas I would get lots of looks and questions about the car as people were impressed by its looks. I am 59 years old and a female and I LOVE my driving experiences with my new Commander. I also tend to need hauling space (I traded in an Expedition) and there is plenty of that to meet my needs. I also love the "stadium" seating and the ease of setting up the 3rd row seats. I have had 8 adults in it.

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  Will see - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bryan M - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Laredo 3.7 ltr yesterday. Am a loyal Chevy man. Wife wanted to try the Jeep. Initial driving seems nice. Back seat area seems to be a little tight. Doesnt seem to be as solid as the Chevy Equinox. Nice looking vehicle. Time will tell for me though. Rated it as 5s in all categories for now. Will rate again as time goes on.

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  CRD was a loser - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By williambig - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep liberty CRD new. Just after I got it they had a recall for the front wheel bearings and the torque converter and transmission front pump.Both were replaced under warranty. The next thing to go bad was the EGR valve which went bad after 35,000 miles. It was replaced under warranty. At about 45,000 miles I started having problems with the boost pressure sensor getting loaded up with carbon. I cleaned this and reinstalled and would go bad over and over. the EGR air flow control went bad, known to every one else as a throttle body. NOT covered under warranty. Last thing the fuel filter mount required to be replaced by Chrysler but will not pay or it. Good riddance Chrysler

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  Hemi JGC 4WD - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By helilog - January 15 - 2:07 am

  Have owned for 30,000 miles. Laredo X with V-8 Hemi. EPA accurately rated at 13/19 mpg. Using Plus or Premium fuel allows the engine to run in 4-cylinder mode more, giving another 1 or 2 mpg. Have had zero problems with my Jeep. Ive experienced engine surging noted by others, is eliminated by a downshift: move the gearshift lever to the left. Ive experienced the bad key fob noted by others. Pop out the start button, insert fob in the hole and use as a normal key for a day. This recharges the fob battery. Repeat every 2 weeks. Roomy back seat fits child seat and 2 average adults. Front seats (leather, electric) are good for all day. This is a very nice vehicle.

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  2005 Liberty has been in shop 3 times - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bryan Peters - January 15 - 12:06 am

  My 2005 Liberty Diesel has been in the shop 3 times for powertrain problems and on this last time the transmission completely went out. I only have 30k miles on the Jeep. This is a major concern for me as I work at Daimler Chrysler in a transmission plant. The first vehicle I ever bought was a Jeep and Ive stuck with them for past 9 years however after these problems I am strongly considering a new brand....

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  2005 Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BJ - January 14 - 10:20 pm

  Definitely look at the Hemi as an option if you like power. Available options are confusing, so research them closely. NAV systenm needs to be touch screen instead of the toggle switch. Rides well. Not much room to store things, cup holders small. Two weeks after purchase sunroof was leaking. Dealership experience was poor. Overall, the car is nice, but if you expect an Expedition equipped SUV you will be disappointed.

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  Nice car that needs some improvments - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim - January 14 - 1:36 pm

  What attracted me to the jeep was the style. However, I regret buying it. Rotors continue to pulsate and require resurfacing or replacing about every 5- 10 k, I replaced with cross drilled rotors in the rear, so far so good. A little underpowered, If you manipulate the overdrive manually to delay engagement, you get better accel. w/o the lag. After purchase, fan relay, twice, once by the dealer (warranty) once by myself (good thing Im a mechanic). Window reg broke once (warranty). Highway mileage is great 55- 60 MPH you can get 22-23 mpg if cond. are right. 60-65 mph you get 20-21. Overall it is very comfortable to drive and it suites my needs. If jeep could fix those problems/it would be 10

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  Read customer reviews only! This vehicle is Great! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By patriot13 - January 13 - 4:42 pm

  After researching many other SUVs, I discovered the Jeep Patriot. I was looking for something that would fit my family of 4 and provide off road capability for outdoor adventures. This SUV is awesome. We took it off road and were able to go pretty much wherever we wanted. Outside of the off road package, the size is perfect for our small family. The vehicle has plenty of room and seats us all comfortably. The gas mileage is great and even though Edmonds complained about the performance of this vehicle, I have not had any problems with performance and do not agree with this part of their review. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  I love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chrissy - January 13 - 11:33 am

  I just got my Jeep a few weeks ago and it is great. I absolutely love it! I decided to trade in a Saturn to get the Jeep because I live where we get lots of snow, so I can hardly wait to put it in 4WD. It is a great vehicle, and gas mileage isnt too bad for being an SUV.

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  57,500 miles, 0 Problems - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JMo - January 13 - 7:10 am

  Maybe Im just lucky but I have never had a problem with my Patriot. I traded in my 05 Wrangler (cause THAT got terrible MPG) for this Patriot that had 16000 when I got it. Drove it from LA to San Fran and then to Boston a few months later, packed to the brink and not a single problem, even going over the Rockies. Drove from Boston to Tennessee and back last summer, and again, never a problem. I personally love the Jeep seats, back felt fine the whole trip and yet every time I drive my gfs 10 Rogue it just aches! Pretty powerful for a 4cyl, but of course it has the aerodynamics of a brick. Only have the 2WD and have done fine in two New England winters. Usually average 26 MPG