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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  Looks Good - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By KH 730 - November 29 - 6:23 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Commander used with only 5,000 miles on it. The car is great looking with an awesome interior design. The sound system is pretty good and the comfort of the car is out of this world. This car handles extremely well in snow. The car is solid & feels very safe. Driving is fun if you can look past the awful gas mileage, this car is a guzzler. We get about 12.5 mpg city and about 18 highway, not the best. The car stalled a few times but we arent sure what caused it. During the extremely cold winter the car would cough when started (not garaged). The passenger side window is possessed but I guess its a known computer error that hasnt been figured out yet.

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  a go any where vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By 60885 - November 28 - 9:20 pm

  Im a senior. In year 2001, we had a bad snow storm. I had to abandon my Volvo and started to walk the 3 miles home. A guy in a jeep gave me a ride. I was so impressed I went and bought a Wrangler. 60yr anniversary for Jeep and same for me. I still have it. I love it and cant part with it. Got less than 60K miles on it. It bounces and it jounces, my wife hates it, the dealership wants me to trade it (theyre salivating) but I can go on the beach, cast to the surf and enjoy my retirement.

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  Most Fun to Drive. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cassie - November 28 - 10:50 am

  I have owned Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and presently own a 2004 Dodge Durango (Hemi--of course). After driving and enjoying them all I must say that this Jeep Liberty is the most fun to drive. It fits into parking spaces that most SUVs wont, and unless you have 4 or more kids, I feel it is the ideal vehicle for women from their 20s all the way though their 40s. The vehicle is functional for the administrative duties on the job, travels well and it looks great when I show up at meetings or when I want to spend a night on the town.

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  My Cadillac Replacement Ranks #1 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MrJeep - November 28 - 7:30 am

  Driven Caddy Escalades for years, but the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is the ultimate. Ride/handling and high- grade/sturdy materials inside and out rank #1. Ahead of vehicles costing far more. A top contender for "car", "truck" and SUV of the year. It is everything! Rough and tough, yet smooth as silk. AWD system rivals our Range Rover. The leather is classier and it is far better built. Room, viability, panorama roof make it a breeze for people of all sizes and shapes to ride and drive in complete comfort. The Cadillac and RR are too lanky, tippy and cumbersome w/ distance too hard to judge. I urge everyone to test drive the 11 JGC. You will be amazed. It is as great off road as on.

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  Outstanding Value - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By John in Phoenix - November 28 - 2:43 am

  Bought this vehicle while I was in Iraq through military buying program. Did research on these types of sites, and information was overwhelmingly positive, even though it was not rated well in Consumer Report. I took a bit of a "plunge" and bought it strictly on consumer ratings, vehicle magazine ratings (other than CR), and people such as you giving honest feedback on these sites. Got a great deal and bought a Sport 4x4, CVT transmission, electronic package. I have been driving it for a month now and it exceeds my expectations! I was concerned about a 4-cylinder engine, but more than enough power to get around. I heard some cons about the CVT, but not an issue...works very well.

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  Tough Love - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.G. - November 28 - 2:13 am

  I have had this Jeep for about 6 years and it has been fun. The only trouble that I have had is replacing the cam shaft sensor and O2 sensor ($78 max). I suggest getting a new intake system, the stock intake is heavy (15 lbs) and bulky. Also, to make life easier for the people who cry about fuel, just replace the fuel pump with a performance pump ($330) in order for you to be able to get what you want. I now get 27 mpg/19 mpg, and yes, thats on the 3.7 6cyl 4wd model.

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  My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Meltaitt - November 27 - 2:33 am

  I have really enjoyed owning this vehicle. I havent had any major issues (knock on wood) other than the usual maintenance. Its fun to drive but I really wish the gas would last a little longer. Other than that Im really happy with my Jeep and I believe that my next vehicle will definitely be a Jeep. Thanks

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  4x4 Fun, Technologically Dumb - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Erick T - November 26 - 11:58 pm

  I began leasing my 2016 Renegade Trailhawk about 6 months ago. I was looking for a cheap and fun solution for Michigan driving. The look took a while to get used to the look but then I started to like it, and the visibility while driving was awesome (lots of head room). I took it off roading and was amazed by the capability of the little jeep. With ground clearance higher than a standard truck and multiple smart 4x4 settings there was not much that I couldnt conquer, especially the hill descent was very entertaining. When winter hit the snow was meaningless to the Renegade. It would tear through 12 inches of snow and hard packed ice without a problem. At this point you are probably wondering why my rating for the vehicle is so low, well let me explain. I commute 30-40 minutes one-way to get to work, all highway driving. This quickly made me realize two of the Jeeps biggest downfalls. 1) Speed: the speed of this jeep is unbearably slow. I took the jeep into the shop and was provided a Chrysler 200 as a rental. The significant speed difference of the 200 made me feel as if I was in a tuned sports car. I think a huge problem is the transmission in the 2.4L Tigershark (maybe it should be “Tigger”shark), which is a 9 speed that has a "acceleration" technique of using less gears when you step on it. The lag of this system is well over a few seconds sometimes, and even when the timing is right, the car takes a good 10 seconds plus to get to 60. I didnt buy this jeep with the intention of replacing my race car, however, I very much dislike the terrifying emotion that I experience when simply getting on a launch ramp to the express way, or debating a pass on a two-lane highway. Not to mention, on numerous occasions the transmission has jerked on me when initially putting the car in drive/reverse, and we all know this winter even in Michigan was very mild so cold temperatures are not to blame. 2) Comfort: Driving this jeep on a sand dune or through the woods is amazing, there is no other way to put it. However, city/long distance driving this jeep really shows you its uncomfortable side. I am driving the most expensive model of the Renegade, the Trailhawk, and the front seats lack the ability to adjust lumbar. Also, although the bucket seats look great with black vinyl interior stitched in red, the bucket is a little too small, therefore, a rather skinny mid-build 6-foot guy like me feels like I am being cramped in the seat and my shoulders are pushed forward while my back cannot find support, especially not in my lumbar. Another thing in regards to comfort is noise. At speeds around 30-45 mph the engine/transmission lets out an uncomfortable hum that sounds like the gear change just isnt quite right. I hope this is not how it was designed purposely. To wrap up this review I also must mention that my engine light has gone off 4+ times in a period of 2-3 months. Every time I get it flashed it reads as a thermostat issue, which it is not. It was taken for a few days, while I got to drive the "race car 200", to be looked at more in depth. The computer underwent numerous upgrades and everything was good to go. Less than a mile out of the lot the engine light went back on. I dont think my local dealership is bad at their job, I think a cheap jeep with a 9 speed transmission, advanced 4x4 system, and AWFUL voice activated blue tooth system, among other technical abilities is OVER developed. Similar to Android devices, it might be great that it can scan your retina as a security measure before someone reads your sensitive text messages among a multitude of additional outrageous applications, however, when it becomes so overwhelmed with glitches that it is dysfunctional in less than a year, then the lack of sustainability is an issue. In conclusion, this is a fun, progressive, fuel efficient machine with impressive off road capability. Take my cons with a grain of salt as I am sure not everyone has had the same experience, but when spending $300+ a month to lease the top model of a vehicle, I expect a little more. Drive safe out there.

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  First Impressions - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim C - November 26 - 10:06 pm

  Just picked up the new jeep and took it on a trip to northern Michigan. It is a wonderful SUV and everything is better then the previous version. This is the first jeep I am happy to park next the BMWs and Audis at the office. Looks great and is good value for the money.

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  Love this thing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ksimon - November 26 - 10:00 am

  My first jeep. Bought it used but youd never know it to look at it or drive it. I love this thing. Flame red is about as attractive a color as Ive seen. Far more comfortable to drive then my "non jeep" friends warned me it would be. For the first time in my life I am anxiously awaiting a huge snow storm.