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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  Fun offroading and others... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jrobertson - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Where do I start, I traded my 92 Camaro Z28 for the 97 Jeep TSi model and noted its capabilty for winter driving right off. It is a good snow/off road vehicle. I bought the vehicle at 36000 miles and to date have racked up 105000 miles. The only major problem that I had was Transmission slipping when the unit got hot. Had put the car into the shop twice with "no trouble found" (had transmission serviced second time for $400). Started slipping 6 months later and this time I burned the transmission out (on purpose). Had the transmission replaced at a cost of $2800 (1 new Jasper transmission and labor). Now it runs smooth as silk. I love it.

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  At least Daimler Benz is involved. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Imnochoirboy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first domestic auto Ive ever owned, and after 9 months Im still happy. Its only the second year for the Liberty, and unfortunately theyre still working out the bugs. Something behind my passenger airbag rattled until I made the dealership find it. Jeep service is pathetic, and will call all noises and rattles "normal." But it is a solid vehicle. I was surprised how well designed and built it was. Other than the pathetic gas milage (16mpg for a V6???), the Jeep is great.

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  Laredo vs. Special Edition - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Buren - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Cherokee in the last 3 years. My first two were Laredos and this is my first Special Edition Model and so far, I can say that I like this model. If youre curious about the difference, I can tell you that the Special Edition 2WD model has the body style of the Limited model, (about $10,000 more on the MSRP), but its interior features are that of the Laredo model. Ive been really content with my last Cherokee and decided to trade up to the Special Edition. You wont be dissapointed if you choose this model. The ride is incredibly smooth, handles great on the open highway, and the gas mileage is reasonable compared to other larger SUVs.

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  Big safety, small price - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jlew - September 6 - 2:43 am

  Great standard safety features for any price category. I dont think there is a safety feature out there that this Jeep doesnt have. Performance is acceptable on road and great off-road. Very quiet and comfortable. Best for a family of four that sometimes has to pick up some extra kids to run across town or out to the cabin.

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  Nice SUV, like its Man-look - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Leon - September 5 - 3:58 pm

  Overall a comfortable experience with purchasing and riding of this car. Only have it for one month and put on 700 miles. Best look SUV ever! Only thing not so satisfied is, city MPG is kinda poor, only 15+ in local.

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  Wouldnt Buy One Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbs - September 4 - 7:13 pm

  Too expensive on gas. Decent SUV for the price, however, its just good for now. I only wish that I had known the gas mileage would be so poor. The pickup on the car is not great. Also has a tendency to seem as though it is not going to make it to the right gear.

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  Look before you leap. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - September 4 - 1:03 pm

  This was my first American-made auto purchase in many years. Decided to go for an SUV and spent many weeks walking dealer lots, test driving, and reading reviews. Finally went for the Jeep, based on price comparison, features available, and overall ride. Goes without saying that you never know your ride until youve ridden awhile. True in this case. Some nice bells and whistles. But for a guy with long legs, the drivers side compartment seems small. Gas mileage is awful. Cant say much for the power available when you push the pedal. Having said that, Im still pleased with my purchase. Certainly has the WOW! factor. Great feel for the road.

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  2007 Patriot limited - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Julius - August 30 - 10:13 pm

  The exterior is very bold. I love the ride. It is so much more comfortable than other Jeeps or truck based SUV. It rides higher than cars, but not as high as truck based SUVs. Visibility is good. I dont like the placement of the rearview mirror, as it somewhat limits visibility. Road noise is prominent, but this is expected since I have the all terrain tires. Off road ability is superb. It can travel just about any place my previous Nissan Xterra went. Wind noise is somewhat pronounced due to the large mirrors. Cruising speed from 20-65 mph is very quiet. 65 and beyond, wind noise does increase. It isnt terribly bad, comparable to a Nissan Altima I traded.

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  Reasonable vehicle for reasonable price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Chocrame - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have done a lot of highway driving in my Liberty and it has performed pretty well--the Check engine light has come on several times and it difficult to get to stay off. Gas mileage isnt the best. Front seats are quite comfortable however the back seat is quite uncomfortable and crammed. I like having the spare tire so convenient. These Jeeps work great on bumpy roads although the ride is a little rough and noisy. Even in 4wheel high, my warning is not to drive it on the highway in any slippery road conditions. I have gone off the road a few times on the ice at . Thank God the vehicle never has rolled over!Over all its a cute little guy but do not expect to get out of a muddy ditch!

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  Love my jeep but not again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sherry - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep used only a year old. I had no problems with it till 2008. I had to replace the blend door in it ($763) of course the warranty wouldnt take care of it. Last winter i went to start it and one of the rods popped off. (WOW) and again the warranty didnt pay. Now this year right before summer, AGAIN, the blend door breaks again, another ($763). My transmission will slip once in awhile so Im sure that will be next. I have never had a car with this many BIG problems in such a short time. My gosh its only 5 years old.