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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  100,000+ and still going - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lone Wolf - February 19 - 10:53 am

  Bought it back in 2001. Had transfer case rebuilt in 06(common problem).The A/C went out this year. Fun driving in back trails every once in a while.The wife likes getting back to nature.Pull the T.T. with ease. Like the tight turning radius. Just done regular maintenance. Let you know when I reach 200,000

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  One of the worse vehicles I have owned - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By Firefighterjake - February 18 - 1:40 am

  I bought this Jeep shortly after graduating from college . . . guess I shouldnt have believed the hype about it being the ultimate off-road vehicle since it was the biggest lemon I have ever owned. In fact, it was this vehicle that made me decide to never own another Chrysler product (well that and my experience with a Dodge Omni and a Dodge Aspen.) Where do I start? Broken motor mounts, terrible service at the local dealership, a blown motor, a broken windshield wiper motor (I know of no one who has ever had to replace their wiper motor!) . . . and this was with minimal off-roading (i.e. old dirt roads). I will admit however taht it was a blast on warm summer days with the top off.

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  Making jeeps great again - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By roy case - February 18 - 12:53 am

  The Cherokee is not for everyone but if you want real off road capability and towing (4500#)capacity this is the only choice, albeit an expensive one.

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  Unreliable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pat Rogge - February 16 - 7:50 pm

  My Liberty 2005 has proved to be the most unreliable vehicle Ive ever had. The first year, the engine had to be removed twice to replace valves, then had problems with transfer case. Then, the rear-end differentials had to be replaced...not once, not twice, not three times, but "four" times. The first three times it was covered by warranty, but not the fourth time. I approached Chrysler for a replacement vehicle, but to no avail. Chrysler is ignoring these problems, indicating they can do nothing. I am definitely stuck with a lemon. Am waiting for the rear-end differential to go out again...which it surely will. What do I do? Sell this piece of junk to some poor unsuspecting buyer

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  Total Lack of Support - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By floridateacher - February 16 - 6:58 pm

  Bought a JGC Ltd. in January and loved almost everything about it. But in May I had an accident that caused all of the front air bags to deploy. The vehicle was repaired in about 3 weeks but I am now in my 7th week waiting for the knee air bag to arrive and be installed. The collision center has done everything it can and I called Chrysler Support. What a joke, they are telling me it will be another 8 weeks before the part will be available. They have offered NOTHING in the way of support like a free rental car even though I have maxed out my rental insurance. I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product. How can they sell cars they dont have parts for? Does the customer mean nothing?

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  Love my new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Melissa - February 16 - 5:50 pm

  Just purchased this Commander (dark khaki) and love it! I traded my Audi, which all of my friends loved, for this vehicle and am extremely happy. My husband was even pleased and I researched and chose this myself. It has clean lines (I like the square look-couldnt bring myself to buy an Element), a smooth ride, and low price with Jeep dependability. Again, I love the look and am happy with the ride and thrilled with the navigation, back-up camera and sunroofs (3). The mpg is not that great but it is still worth every penny. I highly recommend it thus far.

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  Patriot Rocks - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Gsmac7 - February 15 - 12:06 pm

  I love my Patriot. I actually traded a Liberty for the Patriot. It is nice on long road trips and great on gas.

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  Great Fun but Time to Move On - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rascula - February 14 - 8:17 pm

  I bought my 09 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara in June of 2009 and will be honest for the most part it was a great vehicle. It did what I needed it to do getting me wherever I needed to be, protecting my children and I when we were hit by a drunk driver from behind at nearly 40 miles per hour, and the touch screen radio with GPS and HDD were wonderful to have for getting to places and not having a vehicle cluttered with CDs. I rarely took my front top panels off but when I did everyone loved it (cant say how heavy or difficult the back portion was as I never removed it). My torque converter did go bad at 42K miles (thankfully I bought the lifetime warranty on the vehicle which in and of itself paid for the tranny issue), I had to replace the brakes at 65K miles with the rear passenger side shoe sticking and needing a-lot of work, the door hinge bushings were starting to go bad, and finally the O2 sensors (which there are 4 of) went bad twice. I did truly love the vehicle. Visibility was great, the ride was smooth for a 4x4 and it was easy to handle. My main reason for getting rid of it is that the gas mileage is lower than I would have liked and I travel a-lot. I never got more than 21 mpg on the highway (and roughly 50k of the 75k miles I put on it were highway). If you want a fun 4X4 and can get past the lack of mpg and a little less than desirable power the 2009 was a good vehicle (at least for me).

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  Pro review wildly inaccurate. - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By rollpoly - February 14 - 10:32 am

  To start, the "pro" review is shockingly inaccurate. The vast majority of 2015 patriots are have Auto transmissions as Jeep has tossed the CVT. The 4x4 comes with a competitive 2.5L engine. 5yrs ago Jeep interiors may have been cheap, but the 2015 interior is great! love the illuminated cupholders. Great features at a great price, the latitude has heated seats, reclining rear seats, audio controls, 115V outlet, remote start, ht. adjustable seat and much more. I got 30mpg driving from denver to WY and back. Thats a 4000ft elevation gain. With 4WD you have the benefit of being in 2WD 95% of the time and getting better gas mileage than AWD cars and better 4wd performance whine in 4wd.

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  No Troubles here! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan Bartlett - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Jeep last year. Has everything. Paint is great. Engine has 107000 miles now Transfer case is gear driven so it has the typical whine to it. I pull a 2500 lb boat with is and a family of 5 goes as well to the lake...This jeep has no trouble doing its job. You will however pay for the power with fuel economy. 15.9 avg over the last 17000 miles. This includes trips to Vegas from Ca during the summer daytime. Climbs well The Jeep only requires oil changes, tire rotation, and 8 or so grease fittings every 5000 miles or so. As I said no problems mechanically or electrically except for the radio!