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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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Spencer - January 12 - 7:06 am

  Bought this Commander Oct. 06. Currently have 2000 miles on it. Small oil leak in first week of ownership. Dealer fixed with no problems. It has been a great vehicle. Was considering a V8 but the V6 has enough power. Was driving a large truck with V8 and this Jeep is a lot more nimble. Interior is very comfortable. I am 62" and it seats me very well. Wife loves it. She is the main driver of this vehicle. My two kids love riding in it. Highway ride is great and backroads are fun! I would recommend this vehicle for someone who needs a 4x4 suv. I have towed a small trailer with an atv with better ease than my truck, which I kept for hauling heavy loads. Also looks cool!

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  Had it for about 4 months now... - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeff778 - January 12 - 5:35 am

  I got the Overland with light interior and the V6. Cons: -The felt stuff they used for the "misc" holder on the top of the console cannot be cleaned. I have no idea what they were thinking. Its just pure stupidity. -The silver plastic on the center console looks and feels really cheap to me. It also scratches easily. -I dont like the dry/broken-earth background on the stereo. Neutral: -The carpet isnt that great. -The plastic isnt that great. -The grill on the Overland, where its just the outline of the "teeth" in chrome doesnt look very good. Pros: -I didnt like the flat/matte dark wood at first. I like it now. I think that was forward design. -V6 is peppy

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  The Fun Stuff - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joseph - January 12 - 1:53 am

  I had a hard time moving from my beloved Ford SVT to the SRT camp. I would do it all over again. I have a 2002 Lightning and the Jeep SRT8 if so much better in so many ways. I was stunned by the handling and the sheer acceleration. This thing pulls like a freight train and can handle curves like a high end sports car. The size is just right to handle myself, my spouse and our two kids on a road trip. Plenty of room for those things you need for a long weekend trip; bags, stroller, etc. My kids also love the rear seat entertainment system and the sound system rocks. This vehicle is stable at all speeds.

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  Horrible Gas Mileage, Very Poor Interior - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joel Kirzner - January 11 - 11:26 pm

  Ive driven this jeep now for around 24 months and am about to turn it back it to the dealer after my flease is up...thank god! I must say, for a quickly depreciating $30,000+ Chrysler vehicle, should I be surprised? I have the 65th Anniversary Edition that came out around Jan-Feb, 2006. The interior leaves much to be desired--hard plastic everywhere, questionable fit and finish and seat fabric that easily stains with the slightest bit of a rain drop. The gas mileage is atrocious. I average 14.2 mpg, granted, I live in Atlanta and drive mostly in city type traffic. Also, Im sure the 4x4 version I have and never use on the newly paved suburban roads isnt helping out much either.

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  The Unfixable Water Leak - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kelsie DeWalt - January 11 - 6:27 pm

  This is the fourth time that Ive had water leak in to my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. When I discovered the issue, I contacted the dealership. They had my car for 3 weeks and told me that after extensive testing they could not recreate the leak and to come and pick up my vehicle. Two days later I was the dealer again. Weeks passed with my Jeep in the dealership service bays until they fixed it. A month later I was back with more water leaking into my trunk, pooling where the spare is located, and flowing in to the rear floor boards. It took them another 2 weeks to fix it. I had my car for two months with no issue. Currently, my car is sitting at another dealership with a water leak.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cat6208 - January 11 - 4:40 pm

  I did a lot of research to find what automobile would suit my needs, and I was very excited when I bought my Liberty. Ten months later I cant wait to trade it in. I only get 16.5 mpg and I am cautious about putting my foot in it. There is a mysterious rattle in the back that drives me nuts, I put the radio up loud so I cant hear it. I also hate the way the transmission shifts ... very jerky. I also dont like that it reminds you that you need service every time you turn on your car (while having to wait for my oil change appointment). I also have put in a 3rd windshield because the smallest rock cracks the windshield. I had a Toyota before and never had a problem ... Im definitely going back.

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  The Legend Lives! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Phil - January 10 - 3:30 pm

  As an owner of two Wranglers, I was skeptical about this redesign. One drive and I was convinced its still a Jeep and better than ever! Its beefier, wider, quieter, more comfortable, more powerful and sturdier than my previous Wranglers. First 250 miles indicated 21 MPG -- great for a Wrangler and during a 250 mile trip the seats and ride were firm but comfortable, very little wind noise from the new cloth top or around the doors and the radio with 7 speakers excellent. The new engine pulls strong and the 6 speed shifts very direct. Overall a home run for the Jeep folks!

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  Now its nice - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ramblin Gal - January 10 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought it, it was major trouble...I needed the water pump, the oil gauge and something else replaced the first 6 months and it was heating up alot. The battery went out 4 times- the rear cargo door wouldnt close all the way and ran down the battery....I thought I had a lemon. Almost filed, but the dealership fixed everything OK and it has been reliable since then, except it seemed like it needed new tires and brakes too often and I do a combo of city and expressway driving . It always goes through the water and snow- it does slip in very sloppy conditions.

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  I love my yella Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By troilus1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Every few months, my wife begs me to get rid of my Jeep. "Its bumpy," she says. "I cant hear myself think." "I can barely climb into it." "My feet dont touch the ground." (shes 5 feet tall) But I run my hand along the hood, and I shake my head. Ill drive this baby into the ground. It handles like a dream, and has the tightest turn-radius of anything Ive ever driven. I love being able to crawl anywhere I need to go, and still get 20mpg on the freeway. With the top down, this is, for any North Dakota boy whos made his way to Cali, *the* dream car. Ive found it extremely dependable (I put 20k a year on it), easy to tinker with, and no end of fun.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Studatage21 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is great and fun Jeep to have once you own a Jeep you will always own a Jeep.