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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  COMFORTABLE SUV - FUEL ECONOMY NOT SO GREAT - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Dunesmama - December 7 - 5:55 pm

  Youll have lots of room but the gas will get expensive.

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  Very Happy with my 2014 JeepGrandCherokee Limited - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JOHN REICH - December 7 - 2:21 pm

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  This is my 8th Jeep - 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MJM - December 7 - 10:45 am

  I lease a new Jeep Grand Cherokee every three years and I have never had a disappointing year. Jeep has always been, for me, an excellent vehicle to drive and, with that said, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is no exception. I am pleased in every way, except one. The one item that is very annoying is the engine start-stop function when the brakes are applied. I understand the logic behind this function but, if anyone at Jeep Corporate is listening, PLEASE reprogram the override button so that it does not reset itself every time the engine is cycled on and off. Potential customers should definitely test drive the Jeep before purchase or lease and determine for themselves if they can tolerate the start-stop function. The salesman generally do not mention this function unless asked directly.

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  Summit Step Rail - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thejudge410 - December 7 - 8:26 am

  I purchased the Summit after many months of study and test driving 2013 and 14 models. I needed a step rail for family member safety and ability to use the vehicle. At the time of delivery I was informed Chrysler did not have a step rail that would fit the Summit. I could not believe it so I took delivery thinking they were wrong. A 2nd Chrysler dealer said there must be a problem in the computer because it showed 2014 as accepting the step rail but my VIN not accepting the step rail. As of today, no one has a step rail and I have a 52,000 car my wife can not get into and drive. No after market available either. I googled the problem and found a Jeep Forum question dated Oct 2013.

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  Finally Have My Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Liberty Sport - December 7 - 4:46 am

  I love my new 2005 Liberty Sport, and the black clearcoat looks awesome!! After my saturn was totaled in an accident, I am now so grateful and fortunate to own my Jeep Liberty. I have been waiting months and doing my research, which had me stuck between the Toyota RAV4 and the Liberty, both my dad and sister have a Liberty. They are an incedibly well built SUV, that can get through any terrain. I live in a mountain area next to Lake Tahoe, where an SUV really needs to do what it claims, and hands down, the Liberty has the best 4X4 system in its class, and looks the best too! I did not feel as safe in the RAV4, the choice was easy!!!

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  Love it! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stacy - December 7 - 3:10 am

  Weve had our Jeep for about 4 years. It has over 230,000 miles and weve only had to replace the transmission and water pump. It is safe in the Wisconsin winters with our child, or pulling our two horse trailer anytime.

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  Bulletproof 98 SE 4Dr, 4WD - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ted - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  Bought it NEW in 98, now have 136K on it. Have the 4.0 L I-6 motor & 5 speed manual tranny -- super strong. 23 mpg highway is FAB for a boxy SUV this capable. Like the look, like the color (chili pepper red), like the performance, LOVE the durability. NO major repairs. Biggest repair item has been waterpump. HUGE value for the money. We have the cheap dash w/ idiot lights, and the gas gauge has had problems for years. My wifes vehicle, and it does all our "dirty work" hauling stuff, and ALL snow duty. Interior is plain, back seat best for kids, but tolerable for 1 - 2 hour trips for adults. I see these Cherokees ROUTINELY go 250-300K. 4WD is easy to use. ALL JEEP, ALL GOOD.

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  Is this vehicle real? - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By SAMS JEEP - December 6 - 5:16 pm

  Back in High School my dad bought this jeep and brought it home as a work vehicle. Traveling to and from Chicago and back to the burbs. It was given to me last year, 10 years later and with 276 thousand miles!!! on her..she still runs and sounds the SAME as ten years ago! Though the fuel economy sucks, I have never had a vehicle be so wonderful in ways never thought possible. Its more reliable than any vehicle made on earth and handles better in harsh weather than cars that cost 3 times what she did.

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  great little truck - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john r - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The jeep handles wellin all situation. The 4.7 is quick off the line, and just loafs at70. back seat a little tight for six footers with tall driver and passenger up front. Pulls my popup like it wasnt even there. After almost seven thousand miles I have no complaints and I spend a lot of time in the car. Not as cushy a ride as the 2000 Lesabre it replaced, but a whole lot more fun to drive.

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  family fun - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By sonto13 - December 5 - 7:53 pm

  This is my first Jeep, overall I am very impressed. I have wanted a Jeep for awhile. I wanted something that was capable and practical for everyday life as well. This is a timeless vehicle that stands out in the parking lot or trailhead. With two young kids and all there stuff and mine, the unlimited was the way too go. A little tough for them to get in on their own right now, but this thing goes almost anywhere. Which is what I love the most about my Jeep. Especially living in the northeast lake effect snow belt. The unlimited has good storage in the rear. The alpine stereo and uconnect is a great feature.