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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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6 cylinder - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - October 10 - 2:03 pm

  Bought the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4 1/2 years ago, just traded in with 206000 miles. Overall, I was pleased with the Jeeps performance. The inline 6 cylinder, 4.0 liter engine is indestructible. Experienced slipping with the transmission, but such problems are to be expected with high mileage vehicles.

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  A Comfortable SUV - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Nathan B. - October 10 - 6:50 am

  Overall, I have greatly enjoyed my 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There are a few annoyances, but it has been fairly reliable and it is extremely comfortable.

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  Happy in My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zernitsky - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy it - confident in its track record - love its performance that Jeep has lived up to for years Confident on & off road Im 53 Outdoor adventurer Outdoor photographer, Hiker, biker Kayaker, xcountry skier I own a horse & have a dog my Jeep meets all my needs! Everything fits in a Jeep - Its durable & yet very stylish - comfortable in the mtns beach or the city - Handles well & gives me the confidence to go exploring in all kinds of terrain & weather

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  My first Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By sonsofpar - October 9 - 7:16 am

  Very comfortable to drive and on long trips. Nice styling and features, I thoroughly enjoy driving it. I have mixed city/highway driving and am averaging 20MPG- above estimates. Really nice stereo on my sahara unlimited version. Storage is good. I have a family of 5 with one in a child seat. We can all fit and have room in the back for our gear. On the negative- I have the hard tops and they leak, 4 trips to the dealership for the water doctor and they cant get it straight- 28K is too much for a vehicle that drips water on you . Starter sticks and blinckers will sometimes not disengage. Only 5k and lots of squeeks and rattles. Brakes squeak loudly

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  Jeep Class - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bruce D - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I use to go through about one vehicle a year until I bought a used 1996 Grand Cherokee. I was so impressed with it, that within a year I bought my present 2000 model. The Jeep is perfect for my use. For a SUV, I consider its 23-24 mpg on the highway a decent performance. Although not a hot rod, it has all the power needed for 99% of the time. Other than the having the drivers power window unit replaced once, it has given me trouble free operation.

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  It hit a solid double - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Skipnatl - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My second new Jeep, Ive been a little peeved about the little quirks. The air/heat fan is too noisy and there are rattles in the dash. I love the performance of the vehicle, and the gas mileage hasnt been horrible. Its very comfortable for me and three friends to ride around. If it werent for the noises, I would say this is by far the best value for the money. Now, Im not so sure.

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  Love this vehicle but not happy with it. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cviz - October 6 - 8:54 pm

  I bought my 2006 Jeep Commander in September of 2005. I have about 87,000 miles on it and keep up the maintenance. My power outlets in the front have stopped working even after I changed out the fuses, I have paid $3500 to replace the rear differential, replaced the battery three times, replaced the alternator, passenger window wont close right, water leaks in from the front and all four of my door handles have cracked and broke. Chrysler and the dealership both say its wear and tear even though I rotate driving between this vehicle and my 2009 Kia Borrego. I have had two other Jeeps and have never had problems like this. I would have to pay $700 per door to fix them.

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  4.0L 94 YJ - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepin - October 6 - 6:50 pm

  I have had the Jeep for a couple thousand miles and love it. It has never had any major problem. The headers were cracked, but what 4.0Ls are not; I replaced them with a Banks set for about $300 and put them in myself. Very simple and easy to work on if you decide to take the time. A clean Wrangler will never go out of style and they hold their value pretty well. I go off-roading and have never had a problem. (4-in lift with 33in BFG All-Terrains on black rims). Also the ride stinks really bad. You can feel every bump in the road, but its a Jeep and i would not have it any other way. :)

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  first new car great choice - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By mike l - October 5 - 11:10 am

  I live in the suburbs but I routinely go hiking, so a suv was a must. This is my first new car to buy so I wanted something inexpensive but capable. First off for a v-4 its more powerful than any v-6 Ive owned, the pick up is surprisingly good. The handling is also superb, especially for a suv. The tank is small but the mpg is as good as some cars, let alone a suv. I am very pleased with all performance aspects of this Jeep. Yes the interior is sparse and the electronics not good at all. But thats not why I got a Jeep. I got it for its performance on and off road. Compared to other suvs which are mainly for suburbs, the patriot blows them away (comparing to my sisters escape on a dirt road)

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  2004 GC Laredo (4.0L I6) - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pghegseth - October 4 - 11:46 pm

  Previously owned a 96 Laredo 4x4 (purchased in 2000) and loved it. Perhaps the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. 240,000 miles with only minor maintenance and still eating up miles (my son has it now). I bought the 2004 Laredo twelve years later to replace it, I had to have the indestructable I6 engine! Very pleased with it so far. It rides more comfortably than my old Jeep and looks sharper (Silver with black trim and a dark grey interior). If it holds up as well as my previous Jeep Laredo I will be most pleased. Maintenance is just a fact of life in all vehicles, regardless of make /model. If youre fortunate (like I was), it all minor maintenance and wearable parts.