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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  Love my Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rhett - November 17 - 2:03 pm

  So far I love my Laredo. I do miss a few things in my old car (different make) but so far I love my Jeep. Ive heard a few bad things about the GC but Im crossing my fingers that nothing bad (tranny, etc.) will go bad.

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  JD Who? - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hard2pleez - November 17 - 11:53 am

  I dont know where JD Power gets their data, but other than needing a 4.7L vs. a 4.0L, this vehicle is really nice. Had a LED heated seat indicator burn out, fixed ASAP by the dealer. Normal brakes and tires, but otherwise, primo vehicle.

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  Stay away - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tyler - November 16 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Trailhawk with 12 miles on it. It is now around 4,000 miles and I am experiencing issues. When I turn the car on, it says that 4WD is unavailable and that power steering needs to be serviced. I took it to the dealer and they "fixed" it. Sure enough, two days after the service was completed (reset PCM), the same warning came on.

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  Surpisingly reliable - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Go_Jeep - November 16 - 7:46 pm

  I bought our Jeep in 2001 with 27,000 miles. At first we did have a few problems with it: (transmission modulator valve, fuel pump S/O anti-theft and at 60,000 we had a cracked cylinder head that was covered under warranty). At 90,000 the water pump went and nothing has failed since then. It has 144,000 currently. The transmission fluid and filter were changed every 30,000 as was the spark plugs, oil changed every 3500 (Valvoline 10W30). It has had 3 sets of tires and two batteries. We did have lots of trouble with the front rotors and this was fixed by going to slotted Powerstop rotors and pads. My Wife has been driving the Jeep everyday to work for 9 yrs and it has never let her down

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  Great & Powerful Go Anywhere Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TX WJ - November 15 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Grand Cherokee new in January of 2000. It is fast (4.7 V-8) and powerful. It rides great and has all the comforts of a great sedan.

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  Even better than expected. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By C.J. - November 15 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased an X model with the 24S option package that provides better off road capability than the Sahara while giving up very little of the convenience and none of the comfort. I added rock rails to protect the underside of the bodys rocker area. Options include the wonderful Freedom top, automatic transmission, Sirius radio, Side air bags and fog lights. Compared to the previous iterations of the Wrangler, the new JK series is vastly better in terms of quiet and ride isolation. If youve own an older Wrangler, you will be astounded at the refinement of the JK inside and out, on road and off road. Fuel mileage around town is 16 mpg, while getting a surprising 25+ mpg highway.

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  awesome - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By akersey2 - November 15 - 11:23 am

  Ive been reading the reviews that have been posted and I dont know what to say about all the problems that they have been having with the vehicle. I purchased my 1st Jeep Compass in Dec. 2006. The following May I was in a car accident when a dump truck hit my passenger side and pushed it to the drivers side. I was very grateful that the vehicles structure was saved my life. A month later I went out and purchased my 2nd Jeep Compass and have had no problems with it. Ive had it for 2 years now with 34K miles on it. I travel often to Texas from Iowa and have no issues.

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  Better than my Aztek - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By George - November 14 - 1:40 pm

  This is my first non GM car ever. Traded in a 2000 Pontiac Aztek that my wife and I loved. This is a tougher car. It will go anywhere and it is a lot of fun to drive. I only have 2200 miles so far but no complaints. It is everything I ever wanted. It beats the Aztek and I didnt think I would ever find a replacement that I would say that about. Gas mileage isnt as good as the Aztek but I beat the EPA estimates. I am getting 20 mpg all around.

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  KIMS JEEP - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KMBRLY - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I WISH I HAD ANOTHER SET OF SEAT IN THE BACK. OTHER THAN THAT, I LOVE THE LOOK AND THE RIDE OTHER THAN THE ROAD NOISE..THE ONLY REAL PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING IS THE RUBBER AROUND THE WINDOWS ARE SHRINKING AWAY FROM THE JEEPS EXTERIER..

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  Awsome Jeep Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aaron Davis - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my second Jeep Wrangler. My first was a 1995 Sahara. I loved it and had regretted selling it until I bought my new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It has the best motor Ive ever seen, the 4.0L I-6, that has plenty of power. A great 4- wheel drive system that has never failed me in snow, rain, mud, etc. It is comfortable, attractive, functional and the perfect size. No land yahct for me, thank you very much. By far the best all-around vehicle Ive ever had. Once you get one you will never want another SUV, or car for that matter.