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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  Sorry I rushed into this purchase - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep Owner Blue - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The V-6 is too sluggish getting on freeways, no pickup. Heater on floor level on either driver/passenger side virtually gives off no heat in very cold conditions. A very loud ticking noise at idle from under hood, dealer says it is normal, live with it! Chrysler advised me yesterday to get a second opinion at another dealer. Huge gas guzzler, costs $34-38 to fill up. Snow gets all over front seats from roof top when I open doors to start car. Uncomfortable radio controls in steering wheel causing aches in hands from repetative use. Driver rear view mirror doesnt heat up as quickly as the passenger mirror. .

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  So Far..........So Mostly Good - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rgravesjr - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Originally went shopping for a Toyota Tacoma 4X4, but couldnt get any extras in them w/o spending megabucks. The Liberty goes through snow like a plow and handles well. I think the front seat cushions could be an inch or two longer. My only real beef is I had it in the shop at 2k miles for a strange turn signal/flasher problem. Fixed under warranty.

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  My first Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By wallywow - November 13 - 10:46 am

  I bought this Jeep for the 4X4 capability. In MI, I burned up the trans in my 2000 Grand Marquis because I kept getting stuck in the snow, over 9 years (only 92,000). I have to say that I will probably never own another vehicle, other than a JEEP 4X4. Vehicle paid for itself in the first month I had it. We had one of the snowiest Dec on record, and I was able to go where others got stuck. I have nothing bad to say about my JEEP. I love her. I named her SYDNEY. :-) My next JEEP will be the Limited (maxed out).

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  Jeep girl at heart - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By niiiinamite - November 12 - 3:19 pm

  I drove a Jeep Cherokee as a teenager, and after the disappointing performance of my last vehicle, was excited to trade up. It is comfortable, performs well both schlepping me back and forth to work and tooling through the hills. The technology features are a comfort when off the beaten path, and the panoramic roof brings all of the great outdoors in no matter what the season or weather. For once, I am excited about traveling back and forth between Idaho and Montana this winter.

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  Our Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bettys Jeep - November 12 - 9:36 am

  I compare our Jeep to a 47 cj2a. My first. It meets and exceeds expectations. Bigger gas tank. Built like a tank where it counts. Can go anywhere better than any stock 4x4 except another Jeep. Still looks and acts like a Jeep! Gas mileage around 18 average. Did not buy for economy. My wife bought it for the looks, everything else is gravy. The ride is good on and off road because the weight distribution is almost 50/50. Braking, turning and handling are better than expected. The stereo is awesome. Warranty the best. We paid less than a 1000 for 7year/100k bumper in addition to the lifetime powetrain. Just hope they stay in business before we die! We like our Jeep!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam - November 11 - 3:03 am

  Lets start with the easy points - You dont buy this car for its gas mileage or to haul 7 passengers around. Instead, you buy this car if you want a vehicle that is safe, has phenomenal 4 wheel drive, and has a great feel to it (drivewise), which are the factors most important to me. Yes, the ceiling is low, the pillars are thick, and I would not buy a grand Cherokee without the backup sensor (which works great), but in essence this is a great vehicle and well worth considering (if you can get past the first hurdles). Ive had it for less than year and reliability is yet to be seen, although no problems after 6,000 miles. This vehicle is great for what it is, but it is not for everyone.

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  Really Fun Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pimpin_Braden06 - November 9 - 8:53 pm

  The car is an over all fun car but lacks on the fuel economy. if you just drive to and from work it is good but driving around all the time not a very good car.

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  DO NOT BUY a Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - November 9 - 4:06 pm

  And this is from somebody who has only owned Jeep products and going back to 1993. Mine is an 06 Hemi Limited with 29,000 miles now. 2nd day I owned it had to be towed away on a flat bed. The electronic throttle control went out. At 17,000 miles both differentials needed to be rebuilt. Drive shafts replaced for vibrations, memory seat work when it wants to. Passenger side window wont go up without a fight sometimes (window regulator) Engine ticks, transmission clunks, cannot be driven at 65 mph since the tranny cant make up its mind. The dealerships are complete scum and constantly try to get out of warranty work. You must fight them on everything. $44,000 msrp and now worth $15K

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  Jeep - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Arlene Gold - November 9 - 2:39 pm

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  Dependable and Fun - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By KulDip - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my YJ for two years now and have well over 120K miles on it and have never had any problems. Fun to drive, especially during the summers. Very rugged and dependable. If you want a cush ride, go buy a Lexus, Jeeps arent build for comfort, they are built for form and function. Overall, one of the most reliable, well built rigs I have ever owned!