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 got what I bought! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Boston Bill - March 12 - 11:16 pm

  This is the first Jeep I have owned. I had a salesman who told me that I was buying a fun vehicle that would keep me smiling and enjoying the outdoors and the kids would never want to get out of it. It was not for commuting or long trips. He told me it would be noisy on the highway because of the flat front and box design, it would be bouncy and not great on gas mileage. He has been right on all fronts. I did not go out to buy an economy car, a smooth ride or fancy interior. Thats not what Jeep is offering.

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  Good car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeremy - March 10 - 12:50 pm

  Ive had it about a year now and I love it. Everyone in my high school is jealous because they cant do anything near what I can. Sitting on 35" tires and a 4 inch lift kit its unstoppable.

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  3rd Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bruce - March 10 - 4:03 am

  My 09 Rubi does everything Ive asked. If I wanted great gas mileage I would have bought a Yaris, high performance on the road a mustang and tow a trailer a pickup. This is a fun vehicle that does a lot of things well, but off roading excellent.

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  175k and still going strong...! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By 1goodjeep - March 8 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my 99 Cherokee Sport in July of 2005. It had 166k on it when I bought it, and its now nearing 175k. Only things Ive done to it is put a bigger set of tires on it and a serpentine belt. After totaling a new TrailBlazer last February and getting into the Jeep, it is quite a bit smaller, but gets far better gas mileage. Handling is way better then the TrailBlazer also. I guess I lucked out when I found my black Cherokee. It has the 4.0L with the 5 speed, and it downright HAULS with the manual. Its no nonsense exterior design makes this Jeep awesome in the woods. VERY easy to maintain. Sure its loud, not very comfortable, and somewhat small ... but hey its a Jeep and thats what a Jeep is.

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  Phantom Shifts - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ednuss - March 8 - 7:44 am

  I have had my 3.6L Limited for about 5 weeks. I like the features, and find the cabin very comfortable. Having been a Grand Cherokee owner for 23 years, I would have preferred to get the basic one, but the navigation was only available with the upgrade. The only problem I have had is "phantom shifting". Once in a parking lot, I stopped at a crossroad and when I tried to head thru the intersection, the engine revved up, and I was in neutral. Another time, I was driving about 35 mph, when the engine suddenly revved up, an I lost forward momentum. This time it was in second gear. Big problem if the car slows at highway speed and one is being tailgated!! There will be no brake lights.

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  Gas Pig - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By JO - March 8 - 5:40 am

  Well I think it is a nice vehicle so far. Its just hard to get over the 14.5 mpg its getting. And thats driving it like a gentle baby. Hate to see how bad it would be if I were heavy footed.

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  A very happy repeat Jeep buyer! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike W. - March 7 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 7th Jeep vehicle, and 5th Grand Cherokee. The common complaint of the windows not working and/or the interior lights not shutting off is a simple broken ground wire in the drivers door harness. Took me 10 minutes to fix. Overall, Im very pleased with this Jeep, although some things have not lasted as long as older models Ive owned, namely, the hood supports failed at 50k, all 4 shocks leaking at 60k, and rear axle seals at 70k. Other than that, its been rock-solid reliable. Fuel mileage is outstanding for an engine whose roots date back to the early 1960s. By the way, its an inline 6, not a V6 as some reviewers have written. I would and do recommend the Grand Cherokee!

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  Not bad - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Big Mac - March 7 - 7:36 pm

  My 2001 Jeep Cherokee works just fine. I have a slight shimmy at 50 MPH but that may because of some bad wheels. I needed to have my AC rebuilt (70k) and I needed an expensive brake job (60k). The power steering sprung a leak ($400 at 60k). Besides that, its OK.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Southpaw134 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Liberty on 12/17/02, have had absolutely no problems at all. 23500 miles in almost two years, and only time it was in for service was for oil change and 2 recalls (minor). Very durable was rearended about 2 weeks ago and dent or even scratch. Very satisfied with everything all around and love the security and comfort provided by the waranty.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobj99 - March 2 - 12:01 pm

  This is a 318 CI (5.2 L) V8, but they dont have that selection on the drop-down menu. I bought this Jeep used in 1999, and now have more than 288,000 km on it. Im in the process of selling it after 15 years of great service. The only reason Im selling is because we no longer need two vehicles -- the Jeep is as good as ever. There has never been any work done on the vehicle except regular oil changes and maintenance, tire and brake-pad changes, etc. It can tow heavy loads in mountainous areas with no problem. It burns a bit more gas than modern vehicles with smaller engines, but its not too bad, in my opinion. A Jeep like this in decent shape will continue to provide good driving.