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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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By topgun - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The only problem Ive had is the mount which holds the rearview mirror fell off. It was garage kept. 69,ooo miles. Maybe thats why the interior is imaculate and the exterior paint and body is good as new. I used to have a 95 dodge neon and the dash got a huge crack in it! There are no signs of any possible damage to the dash or anything else so far. The Jeep is very peppy and more importantly has excellent handling, which the combination of the two, makes it fun to drive! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Chrysler will not stand by the product. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bugeye62 - February 16 - 12:31 pm

  We bought our 2014 Overland in December of 2013. It isnt six months old yet, and the leather is pealing on the lower part of the drivers side seat. We had to make two trips to the dealership in order to have the manager take pictures so that he could then send them to Chrysler. Chrysler says they will not fix it. Too bad, because other than the leather pealing, it is a great vehicle. However, I am afraid to think of what I would have to prove if something went wrong with the drive train. BUYER BEWARE. If they wont fix something small like leather, what will happen with something big?

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  96 XJ SE - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By pocoPAT - February 15 - 11:13 pm

  I got the Jeep in2001 with 120000 from my mom. Ive had it for 6 years and its been great. It was problem free until it got over 150,000 miles; it now has 207,000. In the last 50k miles Ive replaced, 2 water pumps, starter, rotors, alternator and all the normal parts. The headlight switch has gone bad twice, the doors dont latch well and the inside handle has broken off along with the rubber stripping. Its got a 3"skyjacker lift, Rancho shocks, JKS links, Flowmaster muffler, throttle body spacer, cold air intake. front tube bumper rear hitch. I got this vehicle when i was 19 and Ive driven it hard. Before it was mine I learned to drive on it, hard miles.

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  95 Jeep YJ - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brant - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Jeep for my wife. She feel in love. I have developed Jeep envy...big time. Want one too!! Fun to drive, enjoy the Jeep wave. A money pit for add-ons but fun shopping. At 60k, blew main seal in trans & 1500 bucks later...runs like a champ. Basic mode of transportation. Love the top down and the tunes up loud!! Gotta love it!! I really do!!!

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  a few problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MeeToo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is an OK vehicle. My major complaints are the same as everyone elses...brakes warped at 12K, dealer machined for me free but they are bad a again at 24K. Have 26K now and realize Jeep has a TSB otu on the brakes. Dealer is supposed to add a kit to spread the pads further from the rotors and replace the rotors and pads for free. Heritage in Bel Air, MD wont so this for me. Unsure highway driving as steering is a bit loose. But everything else is OK.

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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MissA1987 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Ya know someone said they would rather have a toyota, yeah go ahead itll be recalled in no time. I did have a foreign car before I got my Jeep. But I hated it, it was awful on the highway. Ive had no problems with my jeep with the past five years that Ive had it. And here I am almost 100,000 miles later and Im still driving it. And I actually started a trend because right after, I let both my sisters, my best friend and my cousin drive it and ya know what they traded in their foreign cars for a JEEP as well. And Im not trying to be mean, but maybe yall dont know how to drive. The only thing I dont like are the seats, but if thats the price I have to pay to buy AMERICAN so be it!

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  Great Ride! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim J - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded a ram truck on the Laredo with the leather and hemi engine. Edmunds does not list the hemi engine in the review drop down menu for some reason, you listening edmunds? With the hemi it flat out moves..quickly. Of course gas mileage is terrible but I knew that trading from a hemi truck. Quality seems good so far but I only have 800 miles on it. The Cherokee is not a very large vehicle, I wish it was just a tad bit larger but it has good drivability. If you can afford it get the quadra lift and 20 inch wheels and quadra drive for better function and driving.

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  Second one... - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By se - February 12 - 9:03 pm

  97 Cherokee with 154k. Rebuilt the cooling system last year at 145k, the first time it was touched. Virtually indestructible, its done everything asked of it. Its a Jeep..not quiet..not smooth..just good road manners & traction to spare. We always keep a Jeep around for deep snows and the 97 is far better than the 95 we had before. If you need a pack mule to pull or haul & get decent mileage, consider a Cherokee.

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  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HG - February 12 - 5:33 pm

  This is a gas hog in city driving and I drive it as gently as possible! Good MPG on the hwy at steady speed. Rear window and rear pillars too thick, blind spots. Tire pressure monitoring system comes on in cold weather for no reason. Interior finished with plastic, plastic and more hard plastic. Too much interference from traction control on icy streets, impossible to turn if off completely.

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  Good Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By New Owner - February 11 - 5:06 pm

  The Jeep Liberty is a good vehicle for both city/highway driving. I havent offroaded it yet so cant comment on that. The interior is spacious and my only complaint is that the glove compartment is too small and the power window buttons are between the front seats rather than on the doors. It has excellent pickup and I do get 20mpg with highway driving and around 14-16mpg on city driving. There are times when Ive felt the vehicle slightly tilt when I make sharp turns but then, you should careful when making turns at high speeds. On the whole, I love my Liberty and am looking forward to go offroading with it.