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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  Jeep Rubicons Rock - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wrangler Rubicon - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned 2 Jeep Wranglers and now a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This is the Cadillac of Jeeps. Although the gas mileage isnt great, the power and comfort that comes with the Rubicon are awesome. There is nothing like putting the soft-top down and cruising around on nice day. Also, when the weather gets bad, you wont find a more dependable vehicle. Another plus is being a part of the Jeep Wrangler family. When you pass another Wrangler owner, most of them will wave at you. I will always own at least 1 Jeep Wrangler for life...

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  Hemi Limited Quadra Drive II Rocks! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Karl - February 6 - 2:36 pm

  Ive owned several SUVs and this one has been reliable, luxurious, capable of handling off road trips, and fast. I like the clean lines, simplicity of the controls/switches, and the leather interior is nice and the seats are very comfortable. The 5.7L Hemi is a rocket and the 4wd Quadra Drive system handles snow, ice, rain, mud, and off- roading/camping with ease. My only wish is for better gas mileage, as I get 15mpg in the city and only 18mpg on the hwy at 75mph. Ive not had a single problem with this Jeep and would buy again. It has a 7yr/70k powertrain warranty, so Ill keep it at least that long--not anticipating any problems with regular maintenance. Id recommend this vehicle.

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  More luxurious than a Cadillac SRX! LOVE IT - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lori - February 4 - 1:14 am

  We bought a Cadillac SRX and drove it for two years before trading it on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 with the 8 cylinder Hemi in it. Ive had my 2014 for 13 months now and I am still in love with it. We hated the way the Cadillac drove - and the JGCS is so much better. The technology works better and is more receptive (everything from the touch screen to the outside touch door locks/unlocks). The interior is beautiful, I love the look of the dashboard and the leather seats. The only thing I would change is the seats could be a little more comfy. They arent bad, but could be better. Ive heard people who have had trouble with the transmission and other things, but so far so good with mine. No issues at all. I LOVE that jeep offers a lifetime warranty on the vehicle which I purchased. Its comforting to have it, because I know even if I have issues Jeep will take care of them. The cost of warranty on my brand new Jeep was less than an extended warranty on a used car. I plan on driving this vehicle until it literally wont drive anymore. There are only three things I would change - comfier seats, maybe better gas mileage and I would love it if it read the iPhone text messages like Ford and Chevy vehicles do. I was coming back from an activity on a school bus (Im a teacher) and this gorgeous car in the parking lot caught mine - about a split second later, I realized it was MY CAR!

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  DOORS NOT FLUSH TO FRAME - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mxburket - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep in the shop 6 times to adjust the drivers door frame. When it snows or rains it builds up in all four doors. When on the highway wind blows in around the frame. The strike plate on the drivers side continuously needs adjustments. The dealer tells me this frame problem witht the doors is normal. I have owned 3 SUV and never had this problem. I am pretty disgusted.. I would like to hear from a JEEP representative to discuss these problems.

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  gr8truck - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By newjeepowner - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the feel of driving this car and the ability to switch to 4WD when I need it. Was considering a Honda CRV but glad I made this choice. Headroom is good, plenty of room for child car seat(s when necessary) and it hauls what I need. Very comfortable except the shape of the seat back. Everything is in the right spot.

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  Very good - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepbull - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any mechanical issues with this vehicle in a year and a half. My only real issue is fit/comfort. I am over 6 feet tall and athletic build and I find that on long trips (1hr or more) my right leg starts to fall asleep. Ive tried many different positions and cannot find a good one. I dont feel the seat is wide enough nor does the seat go back far enough for taller drivers.

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  Love Love Love this car - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nicole - February 1 - 6:43 pm

  Started leasing this car almost 3 years ago, and couldnt be happier with it. Only problem I ever had was the back wiper stopped working twice when I first got the car. I also had to get new brake pads and rotors but that was according to STS so who knows if I actually needed that done. SO much fun to drive, lots of power, love the available 4WD for when it snows. Mileage, of course, could be better. The lease is almost up and my dad is pushing me to get a dodge...I cried all the way home tonight thinking of how much I will miss my Jeep if I go through with the dodge deal :( I would love to have this car forever and ever and ever if I could.

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  I love it - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brock - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got this jeep with 94,000 miles on it. I love it! Its so fun to drive. The interior is plain and simple. Great car

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  Not So Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blauten - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I too have had trips to the dealership to repair/replace brakes (twice), transfer case lead twice and still leaking, rear shocks, front stabilizer bar(twice). Now scheduled to take it in for a 3rd time for brakes and only has 30,400 miles on the vehicle. Since it is out of the 3yr. warranty, the kind man on the other end of the toll free Chyrsler phone said they would replace brakes, rotors, and calipers for $50 cost to me. I feel they pretty much destroyed the Jeep name. Wished I would have leased instead of purchasing it in 99. Never Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  jeep liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By headly - February 1 - 10:00 am

  so far so good,I feel the jeep is fun to drive handles well has good pep.you have to be careful in the rain it has a habit of sliding a little because of its pep.when rear windows are down wind makes a wierd noise that i cant handle and have to roll them up, no idea what it is. had a 300m before thid and found it to be horrible,so i was alittle worried about another chrysler family vehicle but so far so good no problems in 7 months but it does like gas