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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  Do Not BUY - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Notagain - February 2 - 10:00 am

  A reliability nightmare. Three fuel pumps have been replaced. Complete transmission overhaul @ 69,000K, heated seats do not work, brake problems, etc. etc. I should know better--had same problems on my 1999 which I just sold. Jeep can not build a reliable vehicle and Carmax is so busy because of all the needed repairs it takes two weeks to get an appointment so they can attempt repairs.

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  Rubicon is good - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Silverdawg - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After 12,500 miles with the Rubicon I am still amazed with where it will go and how much fun it is to drive. The Jeep Wrangler is the most fun vehicle to drive built today. The Rubicon Package makes it the most capable off highway vehicle on any dealerÂ’s showroom floor. If you dont believe me just give it a try. Be careful though, you will get hooked.

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  New owner - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr. "D" - February 1 - 7:43 pm

  I just replaced my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a 97 Sahara and I dont regret it. I enjoy driving a little more and cant wait to find where to store its hardtop so that I can enjoy its soft top and go topless on weekends to enjoy Puerto Ricos year-around tropical weather. I am considering a 4" lift and some 33s, but I fear affecting the MPGs too much. I might just get some traction tires for the Rubicon 16" rims it has now add a header, a KN intake and call it Christmas. Other than that just some TLC a nice carpet and catch me if you can.

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  Loved it except when it rains! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Linda B. - February 1 - 1:43 pm

  I really love driving this vehicle. You sit very high up which gives good visibility. Very roomy and love the rear park assist. Love the look of the exterior. I had a major problem with the vehicle leaking from the sunroof, windshield, and drivers side grip handle. The dealership tried 4 times to fix the issue but were unsuccessful. It needs a better water draining system from its roof.

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  Used ex-BLM Rubicon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By timbob55 - January 31 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my Rubicon two years ago with 50k miles. Ive since put 49k miles on it. I found a couple receipts in the glove box that indicated it was owned by BLM. If Id know that ahead of time I may not have purchased. but Im glad I did. In the two years of heavy use I have owned it there has been no reliability issues. Performance: The 3.8 is a dog! Maybe its better with a manual tranny. Comfort: This is the Cadillac of Wrangers. Very comfortable, car like ride. Value: expensive, but well equipped. Fun to drive: If it had more torque it would be great. Interior design: Its a Jeep Exterior design: I like the removeable fenders. Build qualilty: Its a Jeep Reliability: Great

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  Best SUV out there - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gnorm - January 31 - 3:00 pm

  Fantastic SUV. I have tried many other SUVs and this one takes the take. With a Hemi Engine you can out accelerate ANY SUV and most cars. Smooth drive, nice interior, tons of options, fantastic quality. I recommed this to anyone looking for midsized SUVs. Unparalleled offroad ability and top of the line safety. Like all my friends said "All you need to know how to do is accelerate, brake, and hold the wheel"

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  This thing is built like a tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - January 31 - 2:00 pm

  Well I own a 97 TJ sport with the 4.0L I6 (aka bulletproof) with a 5-speed manual transmission. My Jeep just rolled over to 206,000 and the only thing I need to replace is the muffler. Engine starts as good as an 06 with 500 miles, I reccomend a deep cycle marine battery. Very powerful on the low end. Accelerates quickly. Unbelievably fun to drive. Will literally go anywhere.. I can blow FJ Cruisers away offroad.

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  Great Intention/ Bad assembly - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Bill - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I bought 2008 Jeep Commander from Used Hertz car sales with warranty 14800 miles. The first problem after 1 month was complete electrical failure of the vehicle. Under warranty they reprogrammed the vehicle but would not give me reciept anything was done till I demanded 2 times from JEEP. Hertz actually stuck up for me. Four months later while going through Iowa the top of the windshield seal blew off for under head winds of about 40mph. Jeep dealership tried to say windshield had been replaced. Hertz stuck up for me again and proved it had not and had it fixed. I still love the Jeep though. I think there are quality control problem but vehicle is still very very nice.

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  Satisfaction - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By E. R. Jackson,jr - January 29 - 10:06 am

  This is 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since they went to rack and pinion steering and softened the ride, my wife really likes it, and so do I. Should have kept the information readout on the overhead and not in the instrument cluster. There was more information on the 2003 model.

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  Bad Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Florencia - January 29 - 5:46 am

  Dont get me started on the Jeep windows. Im sick and tired of paying $100.00 each time one of the windows break. We had to replace the windows 6 times since we got the vehicle in 2007. I will never buy Jeep again. I tell everyone I know not to buy Jeep.