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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  I love this thing! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepDude - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my jeep a few weeks ago and already it has lived up to the "Jeep" name. I wouldnt want another vehicle. Very pleasent dealing with the great staff over at Hall Jeep, Va Beach. Thumbs up guys. Would buy another in a heartbeat. Just cant afford it now:)

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  Reliable, Safe, Low maintenance - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cody - February 4 - 4:30 am

  I bought this 2006 Grand Cherokee brand new with the 4.7l V-8. It has been a great vehicle and now has 50k miles. Other than regular maintenance there has been no major mechanical problems. A few issues I have are around 20k a squeaking began from rear seat, and the interior is horrible for stains. Other than those minor issues it has and continues to be a great vehicle.

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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Becky - February 3 - 6:30 pm

  This is a working vehicle--hauls stuff from the lumber yard for home improvement projects just fine, and its a snap to fold down the back seats. Also has been a kick on the backroads, no bogging down on hills. The sound system is great, the AC/heat adjustments work instantly, totally comfortable to drive on a long haul, plenty of pep, and you can see over or around just about anything. I love my Jeep!

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  Its Everything it Should Be - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Parker - February 3 - 2:50 pm

  The ride may have a few more bumps, the styling may be a bit more rugged, & your hair may get a little messed up. The Wrangler is everything you would expect it to be while giving the comfort and conveniences you may not. The controls, seats, and functionality have the same ease of use & comfort as the Commander or Cherokee. (Weve owned all three and love each of them) I was afraid I wouldnt take the hard top off enough but its so easy, Ive been known to take it off & put it back on multiple times in the same day. I do wish that it came standard with rubber floor mats instead of the wimpy carpet ones and the cup holders could use a redesign.

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  Trust consumers this is a very nice Jeep - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By John - February 3 - 1:46 am

  The first thing I want to comment on is how misleading a lot of the "professional reviews" are for the liberty. I have bought many new vehicles over the years and this is the first new vehicle I havent had to return to the dealer for some sort of repair or adjustment. The Jeep handles very well on the highway or back roads. I was concerned over the reviews reporting how under powered the Liberty is... this is very mis- leading, the Liberty has plenty of zip, just not the rocket that some cars are these days. Also it gets knocked for fuel mileage alot, This is a true 4X4 not to be confused with a all wheel drive system that is never really in "four wheel drive" 23mpg for true 4wd is great.

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  Beware of heated seats, WILL CATCH FIRE! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepguy2007 - February 1 - 10:13 pm

  This is my fourth Jeep vehicle and I have been so happy with the first three but this one has left me disappointed. The heated seat caught fire and burned a hole in the seat and I am still waiting on Chrysler to fix it. Having a huge burn hole in the seat of an expensive vehicle I just bought is something that is VERY disturbing to me and makes me not want to even be in it. Also, I just have noticed cheapness in the interior. It is fun to drive and the Quadra Drive 4-Wheel Drive system is nice. I have the navigation system and it has been useful. Steering in this one doesnt feel as tight as my it did in my 99. This may be my last domestic SUV for awhile. I may give the Murano a try.

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  Compass is the Best - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Tommy - February 1 - 5:33 pm

  We have owned the Compass for almost 2 months and have found it to be everything we wanted in this size vehicle. Love the heated seats and the ride is excellent. All the comfort details are well placed and look great. The styling is right up there with the competition and the pricing is well below others in its group. Have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Dodge Durango and this is smaller and more versatile than either if you do not need to haul a lot. Totally satisfied.

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  96 Grand Cherokee 5.2 AWD Limited - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alfawhite - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  Due its age, it is still a great SUV. If you are driving on a bad road, it shakes a lot and that makes you a bit uncomfortable. Front bumper design could be better. Braking could be better. Besides these It is a great reliable car. Handling is just fine. MPG is alright for a v8 engine. Modifiable and cheap parts(In non US country). If you have a lpg installed, you get around a 1.6 litre car mpg. 4.5/5 stars !!!

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  Garbage - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - January 31 - 12:07 pm

  Until the day I die Chrysler will never get another dollar from me.

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  A lemon that fell from a lemon tree. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tony B. - January 31 - 2:03 am

  2 weeks into ownership had transmission problems. Took back to dealer several times for adjustments. Not kidding about this paint started "bubbling" on roof pockets of rust showing. Mind you under 5k miles at this point. Made several pleas with Chrysler to make a fair trade deal or something but they ignored me until I got a lemon lawyer. It ended costing them $6k and out of that I ended up with $3k we both lost!