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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  Theres Better Out There - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Graysith - March 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought this 8-cyl model as a lease, intending to keep it for 200K+ miles. Routine maintenance, no problems except rear rotors until 95K miles. Then front end going out (typical for jeep, due to BAD design flaw) and 4WD biting the dust... plus I had to put in new front rotors and front hub assemblies. I am terribly disappointed in the lack of high-mile dependability of this vehicle; my Mustang was better! No wonder the power train warranty is only to 70K. After reading other reviews I am now heading to a Nissan dealer; too much $$$ to spend on a vehicle with 97K miles. Owners, look out for that "magic" 100+/-K miles on the odometer, youll be in for trouble I guarantee it!

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  Ignore the critics.... Compass is A-OK! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By CompassMan - March 3 - 9:23 am

  Our 2008 Compass Sport is an extremely nice, well featured vehicle... esp. when considering what we paid out-the- door for it: $16,400. The interior catches way TOO much flak from reviewers. It is roomy and the seats are very comfortable. Gas mileage is good: 4 people/luggage, A/C on, 75 mph produced nearly 26 mpg on a recent trip. No A/C and under 65 mph pushed it up over 30 mpg! Its been reliable, and only had one warranty repair for a couple of suspension bolts in nearly 20k mileage. As far as performance... all you have to do is put your foot down on the accelerator a bit more firm and get the RPMs up. Thats it. The 172 HP does the rest. Highly recommend for $$$

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  Well Pleased with our Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By SteveT - March 3 - 12:26 am

  We have had the Liberty for about 4 months now. It continues to perform flawlessly and delivers about 20mpg around town. With all of its torque you must be careful accelerating in the wet. Other than that its a blast.

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  Better every year - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By vtjeep4 - March 2 - 7:04 pm

  This is my 4th Jeep and I love it!! Its comfortable and as always fun to drive. The new engine makes such a big difference. Much quieter than my previous Jeeps.

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  Hot Dang! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By faylchr2 - March 2 - 6:56 pm

  I recently purchased a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.2L V8 and 4x4. It has 133,000 miles on it as of now and I have had it just about a month. So far I have had no problems with the vehicle and I bought it for a very good price. I have had to replace the valve cover gaskets and front right axle seals, but I knew that would have to be replaced upon purchasing the Jeep. So far so good!! Hopefully I purchased a good one! Only two owners and fairly good overall condition.

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  Would buy another one! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LRJeep - March 2 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have loved every day of it. If your main concern is great gas mileage you dont need an SUV, but if you want to do any off roading you want a Jeep. On road manners are great and it is a lot of fun to drive. I have the 4.0 I6 which is nothing but reliable. Select Trac will go anywhere. If you are reading this you are probably looking for a used vehicle. Dont be afraid of these. Hints: Look for one with the 7/70 powertrain warranty remaining. Also, service can be okay or a nightmare depending on the dealership.

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  I Wouldnt Purchase Another Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Niles - March 1 - 3:06 pm

  The reliability of recent models are poor. I have owned my 2007 Jeep Commander for 9 years. It has been in and out of the shop for repairs, not to mention multiple recalls that when repaired, something else goes out in the Jeep. Tire pressure light continues to stay lit even when air pressure is normal. Roof leaking, A/C needs recharged yearly, Starter, Alternator, Fuel Pump, 2-batteries, Electrical Components and Crank Shaft Module. Currently in the shop after breaking down on vacation and being towed 200 miles. I have complained to the local Jeep Service Department of an issue with hesitation in RPM function and hard automatic shifting. They havent been able to diagnose and correct the problem after 3 years.

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  Its a Jeep - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By mpearson - March 1 - 8:48 am

  The main criticism I see from professional reviews is the outdated styling and recommend the more updated Jeep Renegade. If you dont like the more old-school boxy Jeep look and you prefer something that looks like a high top gym shoe, then get the Renegade ;-) . Otherwise, I love the straight-forward basic look, function, and feel. As much as I love having all the fancy bells and whistles on a SUV, I just see as more stuff to break further down the road. I havent had the vehicle for that long so I cant comment on its reliability just yet. I do recommend the 2.4L engine over the 2.0L for a that little extra oomph. Patriots/Compasses dont have the greatest acceleration. Not bad but not great. This is supposed to be the last year for the Patriot. If thats true, dealerships will probably be offering nice discounts to clear out their remaining stock.

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  Black and Tan TJ - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By risard - March 1 - 12:30 am

  Latest of a long line of Land Rovers, Jeeps and F150s that have lived in my family. It is all that it has promised to be. Tough, rugged and charming. Handles all road conditions with ease. Noise off the freeway is limited to the sounds out of the rollbar speakers. Smooth shifting through all the gears, no surprise there. Braking is consistent. Enjoy taking it everywhere, its big brother Grand Cherokee is jealous of all the attention its getting.

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  I love my first Jeep! - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tolkienpwns - February 28 - 6:39 am

  I bought this Jeep a little over 2 years ago and i absolutely love it! I love the ride and the way it handles and the build quality is pretty good. The only things I dont like about it is the gas mileage (average about 15 combined) and the front speakers have always been a little fuzzy. The low tire pressure gauge is a little too touchy also.