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:
Showing 831 through 840 of 9,359.00-
Chysler never again - 2006 Jeep Commander
By unhappy asian - June 23 - 4:10 amI bought this Jeep in August of 06 and all weve had are problems. The brake system had about 12k on them and already needed all new routers and brakes. It has not been a year yet and I need all new brakes and routers again. They tell me it must be my wifes driving. We have owned many cars and trucks in the past 15 years and have never had this problem. The sunroof leaks and yes there is a whistling sound when the wind hits the Jeep in certain ways. I will never buy a Chrysler again!
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Mystery Repairs - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Southeast Sales - June 22 - 2:26 pmBought this car with an extended warranty from CarMax back in 2004 and thank goodness we did. Granted we have put a lot of miles on it - right now has 80,000 miles. About 20,000 miles ago I was driving down I-20 in the middle of a major metropolitan city (you can guess which) when the entire panel illuminated (oil light, engine light, gas light etc...), the windows failed to operate and the AC went out. Since that incident the same problem has happened over 10 times and the CarMax mechanics cannot figure out what it is. Now, the engine light is on half the time while no one seems to know why exactly. Transmission is probably going to drop any day now. Will likely sell within the week.
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JEEP/Liberty/2002- disappointing - 2002 Jeep Liberty
By 2002 Jeep Liberty - June 13 - 1:30 amThis is my 3rd Jeep- bought all of them new. The Liberty is a 2002 and only has 54,000 miles. So far, had 3 batterys- two sets of tires, Air conditioning needed to be replaced, Exhaust System and Muffler needed to be replaced at 50K miles and NOW the Catalytic Converter needs to be replaced! NEVER drove off-road- looking at the miles, the truck is not driven that much at all-Well maintained, oil changes every 3000 miles. Do not understand the poor quality. Having owned Jeeps in the past I have something to compare this one with. Would like something to be done about this... Very disappointed with the rust under the Garage kept, barely driven SUV.
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New are lemons - 2007 Jeep Compass
By sinus - June 12 - 3:16 amI have been having problems with this car since I bought it. Now the suspension is jack up the steering wheel making loud noise. The brakes feel like they going to give out especially when I am going down a street and trying to stop. The brake feel like its touching the ground this should not be going on. I bought this brand new, very upset. Now I want this car back. I am scared of this monster.
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LOADED LEMON - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By BUD - June 11 - 1:00 pmI have the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. It has great options & most work well. The problems have been many recalls; the original tires, which were expensive wore poorly & had several flats. Since 11/12, I have only put 31000 miles. My latest problem started with a antifreeze leak, which was diagnosed as a cracked left head(hemi). Apparently this happens regularly since the heads are on national backorder. This latest fix kept me using a loaner for 5 weeks. The dealership is terrific, but the Jeep isnt. UPDATED 8/2/16 HAS HAD A FEW MORE RECALLS, MILEAGE NOW 37100, PUT NEW MICHELINS ON & THEY DONT WARE OUT AT ALL. NO AMOUNT OF SNOW, ETC. EVEN SLOW DOWN THIS VEHICLE. EXCEPT FOR THE MILEAGE, I LOVE THIS JEEP.
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NOT what you would expct from Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
By yooper906 - June 9 - 2:00 amThe day we bought our Jeep Compass we were excited, a sexy black ride, with great gas mileage, and four wheel drive. We though we had found the perfect vehicle. NOT THE CASE. Our Jeep has been in the shop so many times the service manager knows me and my wife by name, when we come in for oil changes he gives us a loaner because there is usually something else wrong. The front end components have been replaced numerous times, we have fought the lemon law fight, but have gotten the run around. Several tires have been chewed up by this beast. It is loud on the highway, underpowered, and most importantly, not mechanically sound. PLEASE, do not consider the Compass, they are trouble.
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Jeep = Junk - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Brian A - June 4 - 10:00 amThe gas mileage (V-8) with the exception of highway cruise (about 20 mpg) is horrid, about 13.5 mpg. The front brakes suck, have been replaced 3 times in the first 27k miles. The rest of the vehicle has faired only a bit better. Stalling, transfer case binding, drivers seat loose (was told that is normal) are current issues at 31K miles. Love to drive it, it tows a trailer very well even in high crosswinds, and it is very capable off- road. My lease ends soon, glad I dont own it.
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TIPM - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By dapjeepgrand11 - May 24 - 4:13 pmThis little problem could make your whole Jeep Grand Cherokee experience go very wrong. I have always loved the look for the JGC, but Chryslers Customer Service stinks!!!!! This TIPM problem has made owning my JGC a joke!
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Reliability Issues - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Knut - May 12 - 10:00 amI have to admit I have a love hate relationship with my Jeep. I have replaced the front and rear pinion 3 times and the forth is coming about. Complete rework of transfer case. Blown intake gasket. Replaced to an updated front torque tube (to reduce noise). Fuel sensor failure. Replaced water pump. The car is still under extended warranty and has never been driven off road. I am also very dissapointed about the fit and finish. Such as suface rust protection of drive line components. In spite of excellent power and great exterior looks, I will stay away from Chrysler products for a while.
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not happy with this one - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By Laura - May 9 - 8:36 amThis is my 3rd JGC i had a 98,02 and now the 07 never had a problem til now. I was waiting for the green light and went to go and my car wouldnt move I had my foot on the gas and it just barely moved then it reved it and went, This happened 3 times already and It is very scary! no more jeeps after this one!!!
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Jeep Wrangler 1,723 Reviews