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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  i LOVE my jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TheMercennary - July 8 - 11:43 pm

  Had it new since March 03 only had 2 window cylinders go under warranty Im at 88k and I drive like I should have 500 hp. I am replacing tires and shocks now. The front brakes were replaced and upgraded to the new version, 2x as big + under warranty > around 50k .... The rear are good at 88.9 k still. Have a friend at work put new headlights.. N .. Boxes in for 90$ for both after shipping looks like new

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  Good looks...bad ride - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian Rhodes - July 8 - 2:50 pm

  Really like the looks of the Jeep, but BIG disappointment with the ride. Not very smooth and seems to "wobble & shimmy" on the road...worse when you are on open highway and very windy. Wish I had had a better test drive, would have thought twice about buying. Looking to trade now!

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  Countless Problems with 8.4" Screen-Radio - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slick7108514 - July 8 - 4:09 am

  Ive owned my 2014 GC Overland V8 for about 6 months. After 3 months my screen froze and radio/hvac went haywire. The radio froze on full blast and the hvac froze on full heat. The knobs did nothing and the touch screen was completely frozen. Screen/radio unit was completely replaced. Dealer forgot to transfer my sirius subscription, so spent over an hour on the phone with sirius explaining that I did not purchase a new radio, blah, blah. New unit seemed to solve my problems. Then about three months later, the screen completely turned off as I was on the highway. Been dead for about a month. No radio, backup camera, etc. Dealer is going to replace unit AGAIN.

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  Good Value, Great MPG - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By P Ruth - July 6 - 4:10 pm

  Compass FWD Limited with CVT Bought 3 weeks ago Fun vehicle with great bang for the buck. A bit noisy but otherwise I love it. First tank 29.1 MPG with city in at 25.88 MPG.

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  Commander: Soccer Dad Auto - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Pipe_Dream - July 6 - 12:00 pm

  I bought my Commander a month ago and am still waiting to get better than 12mpg city. Wow! Fuel economy means nothing at Jeep. I feel like it was something of an "impulse" purchase. I probably would have gone for something different if I had thought about it for another week or so. The first big rain of the year and my front passenger door seal started leaking. Jeep fixed. The looks and exterior sizing feels a little too metro for me. I figure Im in it for the next few years, since the resale is dropping as I type.

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  Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dave#1 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Had her for 2 years. Picked it up used with 27K. Have only had 1 major repair bill for major 4WD repairs, something about induction. The car has pick-up on the highway (up to 85/90 mph). Took it up to Vermont all winter to hit the mountains, I only had trouble on ice/snow once or twice during a white out. I love it. Reliable to the bone.

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  Love it. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chickster - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car has been bullet-proof. I have had no problems and can fully rely on it to get me where I need to go comfortably. I have been told (per my mechanic) that the straight-6 2wd version of this car is in a different league than the v8 4wd, which tend to come with many more mechanical problems. Fuel economy is between 18 and 23...no complaints!!

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  Love my jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By freeze does it - July 1 - 10:06 pm

  I love my Commander. The hemi is outstanding and just took it on a trip of 1000 miles and actually got great gas mileage when i wasnt gunning it. I got in mixed driving 17.5 mpg which was great for how much truck you drive. I have a fully loaded one and i love the nav and back up camera and the dealer i bought it from is great. I have bought jeeps before and I will continue to support the brand!

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  been a good rig - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimsjeep1 - July 1 - 5:12 pm

  I Bought this Jeep in 2005 brand new. It has been reliable and fun to drive. I drive about 35000 miles a year and this vehicle has served me well. I only took it to the dealer a few times and the rest of the time the local oil change place. It has 201,000 miles on it and I am going to trade it in for something that gets better mileage. No major problems. Maybe they run better when you run the heck out of em!

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  so far, so good - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Peter - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have only had my car for a month now. I am pretty happy with it so far. Its a fun car to own and to drive. I was very disappointed to find that the 20 mpg was a dream that I would never reach. I really hated my car in the beginning because of the terrible service of my dealer. I am still trying to get over it and not blame the car. This car is definitely not a car to be driven above 75 mph.