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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  LOUD ENGINE - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By David - May 20 - 8:08 am

  For the first 50 miles you will enjoy a quiet ride. After that expect a loud knocking from the engine. Imagine you are driving a1970 ford with the valves out of adjustment and about to throw a rod. Yes, thats what driving this car is like. Dealer says its normal. Purchased at Moore Jeep Peoria AZ. Steer clear of this car until they get some competent engineers.

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  still a few bugs - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dez - May 6 - 3:30 pm

  This is my second Jeep. Traded in a 1999 GC limited in Nov 05. Have also driven long term/owned a Lexus 330 (wifes car), 2005 Durango (long term rental), an X5 4.4 , and 2002 Land Rover. Out of this group my $42K+ Jeep is the least refined and has the poorest build quality. Loose door handles and passenger door, wipers that turn on whenever, clunky drivetrain, tweeter shorted from factory, rough shifts. Other than these items the truck is unique in that it corners well, blows the doors off almost anything in its path and is impressively plush. Overall would not buy it again given the price tag and the quality issues. Service has been of very low caliber; nowhere near Lexus or BMW.

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  Should have known :( - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By PSU268 - May 4 - 8:16 am

  Ok ... I love(d) my Liberty. I think its decent looking, nice size, nice capabilities, practical for what I want in a vehicle. But lets be honest here... I only got it because it was a cheaper alternative to a Nissan Xterra. I was very happy with it, however, till about 10 months and 22,000 miles into owning it. I have had it in the shop 5 times since then and it still hasnt been fixed. Its turning into a nightmare and I am about to look into the Lemon Law. First it was blowing spark plugs, then it was going through fuel injectors, and now it needs a new head gasket ... with 31,000 miles. What kind of quality is that? And the dealership is giving me the runaround. Thanks Chrysler!

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  Jeep Comfort - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By NJelectrk1 - April 28 - 12:56 pm

  I understand this is a jeep and its rugged and tough and can go almost anywhere. In fact that is the reason i purchased it in the first place.That said however, Im not sure what the people at jeep were thinking with a rock hard console cover and door armrest.come on a little comfort while taking this beast off road would be greatly appreciated by all.what could it actually cost to include a console like the Tuffy aftermarket. just a little bit of refinement would go a long way. sore elbows take away the fun of driving

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  Not bad for the buck - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By 1eyedjack - April 23 - 2:50 pm

  Owned the Patriot for over 2 years now. Gas millage wasnt very good till about 15,000 miles. Ran it through the mountains west of Denver Co. and that broke in that tight little engine. If I try I can get 27 to 28 MPG around town and oddly enough about the same on the road at 75 MPH. 32 MPG at 55 MPH. There are a lot of little things I would like different but you get used to how things are. To date I have had no issues with this unit. Everything seems to be working well. It even made the 11,003 foot climb on Interstate 70 west of Denver Co. with no problem. I reset the millage calculator on the down side of the mountain and got 437 MPG coasting. Beat that.

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  Electronic Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric - April 16 - 4:50 am

  3 Times to the dealer for electronic problems. Front windows would roll up and make a loud clunk, limit switch/motors needed to be replaced. Heated seat stopped working, dealer fixed by replacing part. Current problem is rear left taillight stops working intermittently. Car has low mileage and is not exposed to bad weather, anyone else having these problems?

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  cheap jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lyn - April 15 - 10:00 am

  No a/c vents for rear passengers. No cup holders for rear passengers. No hand holder for passengers (roof grips) Rear end noise is so loud you can not hear the radio. Several mechanics have tried and can not lower the noise. Why do american car builders keep putting the fuse panels in such a difficult location........ Jeep leans to much in 30-45 mph turns.

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  Why the Problems Chrysler??? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jvesci - April 10 - 12:41 pm

  Just hit the 30 day mark of ownership of my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. 5.7 v8 and heres what happened today: Engine Light, ABS Light, Brake Light, Airbag Light, Traction Control Light all suddenly came on! In addition, backup camera not functioning properly, cant open lift gate, and UConnect keeps cutting out completely! Took it to a Jeep Dealership (not where I purchased from, but it shouldnt matter, right!?) and their service shop was closed but they told me I could "rent" a vehicle...ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!! I am taking it to the service shop at 7:30 am tomorrow and by hell or high water will be getting a loaner, at no cost, and will be having it out with the service team.

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  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kENNETH - April 10 - 10:30 am

  Purchased the commander in 4/07, in 7/09 my water pump went out at 37,000 miles. Which I had to replace cost me $1100.00, because the Chrysler corporation said it was past the manufacturer warranty of 36,000 miles it would not honor. At 38,000, right front wheel bearing went bad had to replace, $475.00. At 39,000, my sunroof started leaking. Now at 63,000 I have an electrical problem. When it rains and I turn my wipers or lights, they go out. Otherwise the vehicle is fine.

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  Know what your getting - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By xbomber - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Be careful when considering the Liberty. The off road suspension design shakes you like crazy on even the smallest bumps. The seats are as stiff as concrete and the shape numbs my lower back and legs. The full economy is aweful. 18 mpg is the best I can do.