Jeep Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
9,359 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1811 through 1820 of 9,359.00
  • This is a little late - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    I have been driving Jeeps since 1976 and my loyalty to this company is over. At 45,000 mile the problems on this Jeep are too numerous to mention. I hope that people who read this and other reviews will seriously take heed before purchasing a Wrangler.

  • New to Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    I love it! Fun, comfortable, enough power, sits high, rough and tough, a real head turner ( cant keep people away, they want to look at it, lots of great comments). I love the simplicity of the interior, easy to use, big dials, big door handles. Men love it and so do women. One women told me it was a chick magnet and a client told me it was classy, a stranger told me it was nicer than a Hummer ( I agree, cheaper too!). Remember this is a Jeep not a sports car or Luxury Liner. You get a Jeep with lots of good frills. I love it!

  • better than ever! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    First off, I get 30+mpg at 55mph! Got the 6 speed manual with rwd and limited slip. With the traction control and abs its certainly all you need in the South.

  • I got a Hemi! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    6 month ownership review: I have just under 7000 miles on my Jeep now. I am still loving it. No warranty issues so far and no fuss. I took it in recently for its first oil change. Driving it on the highway is a pleasure. The cabin is dead quiet at highway speeds and the stereo cranks out some great sounding tunes. The seats are comfortable on long trips, short trips and everything in between. Ride height and view of the road is perfect. I had the front door glass tinted. The high roof line allows the hot Southeast sun to come into the side glass even in the middle of the day during the winter months. The tint took a lot of that heat and glare away. The Hemi is really coming alive now as the engine and drivetrain have broken in with some miles. I have no issue with the electronic shifter myself. I like the sleek look it gives the center console. __________________ I searched and test drove just about every SUV model offered. I just couldnt find something that excited me. I decided to take a look at the Jeep and was pleasantly surprised at the build quality, fit and finish, and overall appearance. Finally, an exciting SUV. I am enjoying my new Summit 4X4 V8 Hemi immensely. This is my first Jeep and my first Chrysler product since I drove a 1966 Plymouth Fury in High School. I had an X5 for over 9 years. I like the Jeep better. I also love the V8 Hemi engine although it is a bit thirsty. Still, the torque and the growl of the engine makes me forget all about fuel economy. Im sure it will improve as this Jeep breaks in. The interior is plush and great looking. I like the look and feel of the leather dash. The HK stereo is truly audiophile grade. Combined with the quiet cabin the music is clear and detailed like Im sitting in my living room. The only thing I notice is the navigation takes a good minute to boot up and the stereo is slow to start if playing from an iPod or an SD card. That seems surprisingly slow this day and age. The air suspension seems to give the Jeep the best of everything. The ride is solid but not harsh. The handling is firm and sporty. I like to take the curves hard and this Jeep holds the road well. The interior is the quietest of any car I have ridden in. Even at highway speeds a whisper can be heard across the cabin. All in all a very impressive vehicle. I dont know about reliability yet but several coworkers have been driving Jeeps with no issues. That was enough to go for it.

  • My 05 TJ - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    This is my second Wrangler and 4th Jeep. These TJs are a big improvement over YJs ride quality and interior is great. People talk about road noise and slow steering, thats not what these are about. If you want a luxury car go buy a Caddy. The is not a cute-ute like a Honda CRV or Lexus, those have no off road potential. These Wranglers are one of the most reliable solid vehicles ever built and anyone with auto knowledge will tell you the 4.0 6cyl is one of the best engines ever made. There is no comparing these Jeeps to anything out there. No Honda, Suzuki(except the great Samurai), or anything of the like can compare to a Wrangler.

  • MUCH Better Than my 2002! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    I recently Test-Drove the New Jeep a few weeks ago and liked it! I have a 2002 and, as Reviews say, the 1999-2004 Jeeps Rock From Side-To-Side! This one doesnt!!!!!!!! I Test-Drove the New 5.7L Hemi!!!!!!!!

  • Special Order WK - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    We purchased the GC primarily due to availability. Ordered in Korea and delivered in Germany. We have come to really like the GC...it really grows on you. I am very happy with the Quadra-Trac II which was a major selling point, along with the GVW (safety). We have the 4.7L E85 option but really wanted the CRD...it was unavailable at the time. Have not run it on ethanol yet but do know I get much better mileage using premium gas. It handles well on the Autobahn but definitely needs better rain tires. The ride height and shape proves to be a real nuisance with gusting cross-winds as Ive recently found out. All in all we are satisfied with our purchase.

  • Die hard Jeep fan - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
    By -

    Absolutely love my Jeep, I bought it from the construction co that I work for when it was 3 years old & the lease was up. Had 60K miles on it then. Has 185,000 now, March 09. rarely had problems with it. Its been all over the beaches of NC & VA & thru the snow in PA. handled well in every situation. Other than changing belts when they get worn, and changing the oil faithfully, I dont normally put any money in it. I have had to replace a window motor & brakes once, but thats really about it. My daughter will be 16 in a year & I plan on handing this reliable car down to her. & she cant wait!! I wish there was another Jeep I liked as much as this one that I could replace it with.

  • Limited V6 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
    By -

    I recently purchased a Limited V6 with the Tow Package, Technology Group, & the Luxury Group. My wife and I love this vehicle. It is very comfortable and has plenty of power. The 9-speed transmission is smooth, but does take a little getting used to because the shifts happen at smaller intervals than what you expect for a 5 or 6 speed transmission. The ventilated seats are slightly more comfortable than the standard seats - they feel a little like the Grand Cherokees seats. The vehicle is quiet & well built. The tecnology group works well. On the highway it averages 28.5 mpg & in mixed driving is averages 22.5 mpg. The cockpit is similar to a 2014 Grand Cherokee, but smaller overall.

  • My 3rd and Worst Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    This is my third top-of-the-line Jeep, and owning it has been my first bad experience with Jeep. I have spent about $1500 per year on non-warranty service. The brakes have to be redone at least every six months. Mechanical failures are too many to list. I love the look and feel of Jeeps, but this weekend I am trading it in for anything but a Jeep.

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