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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  My first S.U.V. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Heading down hill - April 10 - 2:30 am

  I initially bought this suv to fix up my credit and wanted to upgrade to an suv. I bought it at 27k+ and was satisfied at first. As I began to drive it more and more it disappointed more and more. The suspension and road noise is unbearable at times, but in its defense I do like it on the highway and I am happy about the power from the 3.7l engine. However road noise cant be drowned out by the pitiful speaker system and the window controls are located in a awkward position. Gas has come down from $4 to under $2 but still feel that it should do better overall. I would Rather buy a highlander or pilot that seats 7-8 and get the same gas mileage plus have the reliability and history that comes.

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  Back Luck w/ Miss Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Lemon - April 7 - 4:26 am

  I previously owned a Wrangler, followed by a full size truck, to now owning the Liberty. I thought it was cool looking when I bought it, and the test drive wasnt so bad. Within 1 week i had major problems. The main one being that the steering is really tight, almost feels like I dont have power steering. Ive been back and forth to the dealers who have yet to fix it. Ive talked to other Liberty owners who had similar problems. The steering makes it hard to control the car, and makes the ride uncomfortable, as well as makes it feel unsafe. Very disappointed with this car and cant wait to get rid of it. Nothing but problems. Looks wise, and off-road capabilities - its a decent lil SUV.

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  TERRIBLE STEERING & BAD REAR-END - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BJS382 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  AS AN EX-JEEP LOVER....YPU PEOPLE WHO RAVE ABOUT IT NEED TO DRIVE IT ON LONG TRIPS....THE STEERING HAS WAY TOO MUCH DRIFT IN IT...AND IVE OWNED FOUR PREVIOUS JEEPS...AFTER 3 WEEKS FROM PURCHASE...IVE HAD TO TAKE IT ON 6 TRIPS FROM FLORIDA TO ILLINOIS...U NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FALLING ASLEEP..THE STEERING KEEPS IT ALL OVER THE ROAD. REAR-END WHINES UNBELIEVABLY...HAD IT REPLACED AT 3,000 MILES,,,STILL NO IMPROVEMENT...BUT STILL..THE STEERING IS A SAFETY HAZARD...U ONLY NOTICE IT ON LONG TRIPS...STEERING OK FOR IN TOWN DRIVING...IM ALREADY LOOKING AT THE KIA SORENTO....IF OTHERS HAVE THE STEERING PROBLEM PLEASE E-MAIL ME BJS382@AOL.COM

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  Not crazy about it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By blackhaus50 - April 4 - 11:10 pm

  Got this 07 compass from my parents for only 3k. Was a gift, we just had a baby and they wanted something bigger. Not a bad looking SUV but the 2.4 has no power. Feel like Im towing a boat behind me! The interior is small for our liking, hate where the cup holders are and not much room in the back seats. But hey I only got it for 3k with 20k on it. It is what it is. A gift. I just wouldnt buy one. We have a 07 grand Cherokee a much more powerful and bigger SUV

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  Never Again - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Mensing - April 4 - 10:00 am

  My first Jeep Grand Cherokee was a 1997 model with the V8. It was a wonderful vehicle except for the gas mileage. When my lease came up I opted for the new and improved version, a 2000 model. This vehicle has been in the shop more times than my previous 3 vehicles combined. The service staff knows my name when I walk up to the counter. I complained enough that Chrysler put new front rotors on my vehicle at 37,000 miles. Other problems to note: power windows, keyless entry forgetting codes, vehicle not starting due to computer system,....I could go on and on. I will never buy another Chrysler product!

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  Great performance, crappy interior - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Golf09 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a high school kid who bought the jeep with 87000 miles on it. Got for a heck of a deal, $6800. It is an amazing car except when it comes to the interior. All the cheap plastic and other junk in there rattles or squeaks. The backseat is also a pain in the butt to get in and out of. Also the gas gauge seems to be getting a little weak. Just last weak i was on empty, put 6 bucks in and some how was still on empty.???

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  Indicator Lights! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carplyn Virtue - March 27 - 1:20 pm

  OK. Love the Liberty ... except .... It all started with the Low Tire Pressure light going on intermittently despite adequate tire pressure! The dealer told me to ignore that. Now I have "ESP BAS" on continually for no reason and an "!" light intermittently. The dealer told me on Thursday they are working with the Chrysler engineers on the problem. Bottom line ... its driving me nuts. I have a brand new car with lights on that shouldnt be and can not get it fixed. I should not have to be ignoring what are clearly intended to be warning lights. Under 4000 miles on the vehicle by the way!

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  Finally Give Up - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep24Rnr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  82000 miles. Since new have replaced: rear axel vent (twice); PW motor; Intake MANIFOLD gasket; Tranny Cooler line (leak); Peeling dr panels; leaky AC Accumulator line; Wtr Pump; Oil Sensor Sending unit (twice); CV boots; Now tranny starts slipping due to bad clutch seal(wanted to fix) but transfer case starts to leak. Had eeeeeenough! traded in for a 4runner. Did rigorous maintenance, all by my self except tran fluid including wtr pump. Overall, I see DC has a good product design team, but there is no body puting the product together, and had zero quality control. "The Jeep Thing" can only go so far. Sure, "There is Only One", it perfectly described my feeling, plus "ONCE is enough"!!

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  Buyers Remorse - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep No More? - March 20 - 5:00 pm

  Jeep owner for 30 years. Last Jeep was a 02 Grand Cherokee. Bought the 05 Hemi but failed to review the specs. 05 is longer and wider but there is less interior room due to the bulky plastic used through-out. Dash takes too much space; at 61" no leg room in the back nor in the front when driving with an adult in the back. On the passenger side, the bulky glove box placement is awful and knees are pressed against it when my 5- yr old sits in back. Lacks head room, headrests angled too forward which forces you to recline the seat further back. No way 4 adults fit in this Grand Cherokee. The 02 had more comfort space. After 13,000 miles, the transmission has a shudder, front differential solenoid failed, waiting for parts.

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  Reliable - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 2003 Liberty - March 20 - 2:00 pm

  Mom bought this car brand new in 2003, and I received it when she left the country in 2006. Overall, it has been reliable. Only major things I had to fix so far are the rear tailgate handle (pulled the handle, tailgate wouldnt open) & stock speakers started rattling and had to be replaced. Tailgate was EXPENSIVE to fix. Comfort-wise, I have started to notice some back discomfort after mid- to long-range trips, but otherwise leather seats are nice. Aesthetic-wise, the "abruptness" of the dash (or lack thereof) is a major detractor. It feels like you are sitting facing a wall, not a car dash. Gas mileage is downright awful. I average 17.5 with basic commuting.