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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  Very happy with my 3rd Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nchobo - March 2 - 8:53 am

  Excellent vehicle! I purchased a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a Hemi in 2009 with only 38K miles on it. Got a great deal and moved up to now my 3rd JGC. Others being 1997 and 2003. I drove 20K in the first year with zero problems. Only money spent was on maintenance. I have purchased all my Jeeps a few years old to wait out the steep drop in value. I got a $42K car 4 years old in new condition for $17K. I added the best and longest extended warranty and love driving it every day. Of course the gas mileage is awful. It has a 5.7 L Hemi engine. We all know this going in.

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  200,000 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By foster6245 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  We havent had any problems with this jeep until now at 200,000 miles, it left me stranded by the road the other day. Completely shut off and we had to tow it to the dealership where they replaced the computer and some other things and cost around 1,000. Needless to say the jeep is at the end of its life span. The exterior paint is worn away, the head liner is completely falling down, looking for another vehicle. Found out there has been multiple issues with the catalytic converter, etc.

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  Been through hell and back - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By bigfortdawg - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have a 97 tj 2.5l 5 speed this was my first Jeep/car I have replaced the engine twice once at 27,000 and again at 93,000 it now has been converted to an off-road vehicle with 33-13.50 ltbs and a 5 inch lift oh yea I had to replace the computer at 140,000 that was fun to track down, so I still got it and its running good at 156,000

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  Whats up with the windows? - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By fdzi - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 2007 Jeep Liberty in late 2006. I have had EVERY one of the window regulators replaced! Initialy they we all covered by the warranty. 2 days ago my rear drivers window regulator went AGAIN. That makes 5 windows needing repair in 3 1/2 years. This time I have 40,000 miles and the dealer said it is not covered by warranty. I have been trying to get Chrysler to fix it for fee as I have NEVER had a car with window issues like this. They should be ashamed of themselves.

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  Fun Rig - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee Country - March 1 - 8:56 am

  My grandparents and I went 50/50 in buying the Cherokee Country. Im 17 and got it last year for my first vehicle. I am absolutely in love with it. It gets me from point A to point B and I love the look and the comfort of it. Im only 53" so I fit perfect inside it. Its fun to take off road and nice enough to take out for a night on the town. I was in love the minute I set my eyes on it.

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  Luxury SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - February 27 - 3:46 pm

  Overall one of the best SUVs you can get. Many options and styles to fit any need. Gripes -- plastic interior looks good but very hard and cheap to the touch. Leather seats have more vinyl than than leather. MPG should be better. Drivers power seat is too high.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mark Bishop - February 26 - 3:20 am

  This is the first Jeep I have ever owned and I plan on keeping it for a long time. It has plenty of power to pull my boat around through the hills and the gas mileage is a respectable 20 MPG on the interstate. I am 6 foot tall and the seat and ride are very comfortable compared to some other SUVs Ive been in. This is a good driving 4X4 for the money, too bad they quit making them.

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  1999 jeep family vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By George Coffey - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We, my wife and I, bought the vehicle used. Had 32000 mi. the brakes were checked and described as ok.... after 11000 mi we encountered problems, and the dealer we purchased it from stated it needed a complete brake job. we stated that when we purchased it , the check system stated they were ok? the dealership would not stand behind there own check system, and we purchased the best warrenty program to a tune of $2000 and of course the warrenty program doesnt replace brakes. So I had to pay something like $450 for a brake job... We also had the rear end differential relaced due to noise..warrenty covered this problem..

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  My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ram1681 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Suspension. Fun to Drive. A real eye catcher

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  With TLC and will last 200Kmi - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 5SPZJ4x4 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this 93 ZJ Jeep as well as an 88 XJ. Both really have given me good service. ZJ handles and rides more confidently than the XJ(as well as Explorer, Blazer,..others in its class). At 150K have had some high maintenance bills but due to neglect of poor upkeep by prev. owners not the product itself. Happy w/ my 5-SPEED ZJ (1 of apprx. 1400)...just ashame there wasnt a demand for more of them!