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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  2000 GC a 1st Place Prize - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By geobob - September 1 - 5:40 pm

  2000 Grand Cherokee is our 3rd Jeep. Daily driver and regular offroader, now has 195,000 miles after owning 5 years. Only addition was a 2 inch spring lift with Bilstein shocks all around. This has been a very reliable 4X4 that is used regularly off road for work and vacation off roading camping adventures from the deserts of So Cal to the Rubicon trails of Lake Tahoe. Typically tow tent trailer packed for 5 with bikes. Only disappointment was a stuck park/Drive shifter that would not go into park so we could not remove ignition key while on a 2 week trip to Omaha. Still running original water pump,axles,trans and other items that can typically wear out. Great all around vehicle, highly recommended.

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  2011 Jeep Compass Quality 180 deg off - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By faultycompass - August 31 - 8:32 am

  We have been loyal Jeep customers buying new Grand Cherokee and Compass Limiteds for years. When my wife saw the 2011 Compass redesign advertised on TV she had to have one. We traded our 2007 Compass in on a new 2011. Then the troubles started showing up. The key fobs would not work, then the TPMS system failed on the freeway. The first attempt to repair resulted in a 3.5 waiting room stint with no idea how to fix it. No loaner cars. I left the car at another dealer for a week and still not able to fix it. After 3 weeks of ownership we are totally disgusted. It appears that we now have a safety systems related lemon. Chrysler Customer assistance is of no help and unsympathetic.

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  The sound system - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Pattie Vandling - August 31 - 5:10 am

  The sound system in this vehicle is comparable to my first car, 1975 cutlass supreme! Absolutely awful, the most generic sound system I have heard, and I have a 2016! I will never lease or buy another jeep product, so so disappointed!

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  Cheap for a reason - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fervidmuse - August 31 - 5:04 am

  What we dont like about the Jeep is the fuel economy, sound system, climate system, and reliability. With mixed city/highway miles we average 14-15mpg which is what the vehicle is rated for in city-only driving. 250-300 miles at most per fill-up -The climate system has been replaced yet the floor vents never shut off no matter the setting. -The sound system has too much bass even when completely turned down. -After the transmission fluid was flushed twice, the car still had problems shifting so the transmission was replaced around 30k after arguing with the dealership. -Both of the oxygen sensors failed before 60k miles and the whole exhaust had to be removed to replace them.

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  question please help me - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By victoria - August 29 - 4:16 pm

  I just bought a used 2007 Jeep liberty sport and I love it so far the gas last for a long time and its so fun to drive! The sound system is great and I love that its so roomy but their is on thing! How do you turn the air bag on the passengar side I cant figure it out at all? the manul dosent say.. Help me plz

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  Love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By detdre - August 29 - 1:22 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Reliable, comfortable, small but big. The best Ive worked on, the best Ive driven.

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  2009 Patriot 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By frogman - August 29 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Patriot Sport 2 months ago and am very pleased with the vehicle. I get about 28 to 29 MPG on the highway and average 25 overall. I waited until the 2009s were available before purchasing since I was hoping Jeep would change the interior. I am so happy that I did - the interior dash is so much more refined than the 07-08! I did buy the manual because I like manuals, wanted the better mileage, better pickup and lower cost. Im glad I did. I never did drive the CV automatic. The vehicle is amazing in the snow without even locking in the 4x4 (I live in Wisconsin). It is even nicer getting around town in the snow than my 1996 Grand Cherokee was. Overall this is a great Jeep.

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  Jeep advocate - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By sawtooth - August 28 - 11:13 pm

  My car serviceman predicted that the "end was near" on my old, but faithful 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I started to shop around - drove several other smaller model SUVs but none felt as "tough" as the Jeep. AFter all, Jeep served me well over th eyears with virtually no car problems and I have never gotten stuck. In fact...I have never had to chain up! - I drive on dirt and remote snow covered mountain roads every day and this 2008 Jeep Liberty 4WD rocks!

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  First year has major issues - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By b1pig - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  I am in love with the overall design of this vehicle. I considered myself lucky to find a Rubicon in dealer inventory so soon, and in my haste, I bought it. It is a very functional vehicle with lots of thought given to offroad enthusiasts. Within 2 days of purchase, I took it offroad and "broke it in" and I have been happy with it for the most part. While this Jeep rides very well with 32" tall mud tires and is pretty quiet, the power is seriously lacking. The hood lifts when rigs pass at highway speeds. The engine randomly stalls. I submitted my complaint to NHTSA. Hopefully they will pressure DCX to come up with a resolution and get us fixed.

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  Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Susan - August 28 - 12:53 pm

  Fun to drive, handles well in traffic & easy to park. Plenty of acceleration. Overall, I am very pleased with the Liberty.