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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  The Powerful Beast - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danielle - January 26 - 7:20 am

  I have owned my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for over a year now. It is my first vehicle and my mom also owns one (1998 though). It is very reliable and the only problems have been mostly from abuse of past owner. The CV shaft on the driver side was badly torn but other than that, no major problems. It handles well on-road, as well as off-road.

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  Kens. 2016 Trailhawk - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ken Gissing - January 23 - 10:27 pm

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  love the looks, hate the handling - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By zmt214 - January 21 - 4:13 am

  This is my second wrangler, my first was an 01 sport automatic(this one is manual) that I had lifted and loved it, besides the acceleration. I recently lifted this jeep 4 inches and put some 35s on it. it looks great but rides terribly. my first jeep rode about 10 times better with the lift, but this one seems the exact opposite. well, it is worse but it wasnt great to start with. it is a very bouncy ride, riding on the interstate is almost terrifying especially when even a slight curve comes up, lousy acceleration and i HATE the death wobble. I havent had any mechanical issues yet with this vehicle but it is my daily driver and it couldnt be any worse of a choice in the way of comfort.

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  Never Again... - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin - January 20 - 4:53 pm

  This was my 2nd JGCL. I previously owned a 2004 JGCL and loved it, never a problem. However I currently own the last Jeep Ill ever own. Bought new off the lot 19 mths ago and its been in the shop 4 times. First the windows would randomly roll down on their own. The back window gate latch will not catch, have to slam SEVERAL times to get it to catch. Several times a week it will stall around 20mph, no matter how hard you stomp the gas...was fixed, now a reoccurring problem. Now at 42,000 miles, I just got it out of the shop today due to the water pump, fan belt, and thermostat. Of course its still under the powertrain warranty, but its about to find itself another owner!

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  Perfect for me, and what a deal! - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By philinla - January 19 - 9:06 pm

  I cant believe how nice this Compass is -- at least for me. I was expecting cheap and thrashy, and instead its smooth, quiet and very composed. Soaks up bumps. Firm, supportive seats. Interior is not nearly as cheap as some of the reviews would lead you to think. I mean, lighted cupholders, cruise control and Jeep floormats on a car I paid $13K for brand new! The plastics are soft enough in most places, a decent quality vibe.

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  GREAT TRUCK! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shaun - January 18 - 5:33 pm

  My second Jeep in two years. Better then the last one! Just went up to Big Bear California. Did great in the snow and rain, also took it out to Glamis Sand Dunes. Does well in the sand too! Rides great, looks great, new Boston Sound system is better the the old Infinity.

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  Wish they still made these. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DT-Jeep - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I ever drove. Fun, powerful yet small. My trip computer says Ive averaged 19.2 mpg including pulling a camper and daily driving.

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  Not bad for the money, dont pay sticker though - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By himold1 - January 18 - 8:45 am

  My wife wanted it, I think its decent. Drives nicely, well equipped. Got a great deal on it and a pleasant transaction as well.

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  Wanted one for 10 years. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By W - January 16 - 4:10 pm

  I have been wanting a Jeep for 10 years and now finally I have my own. I have had it for 2 weeks and I love it! The feeling, the community, the Jeep life. Yea it sucks gas and it takes 55 dollars to fill up. Who cares? Its a Jeep! i just love it! It is one of the few convertibles for men

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  Still rolling - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chucksizzle - January 16 - 9:56 am

  Bought new 1n 1999, all options available including 4.7 ltr v-8, have driven it all over. I have about 160,000 miles now, most miles in cold weather climate., am now in south, ac just went out, not compressor but a couple smaller parts., been repaired along with vent door problem, had 100,000 mile warranty, so all minor problems were taken care of by dealer then. Still a daily driver. My 4th Jeep.