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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  2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2.4L 4 Cycle - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cranestyle777 - January 27 - 9:18 am

  Bought this because I wanted the off road version, but was light in the wallet at the time of purchase. I suppose most people went with the V6 for the Trailhawk. I will say that if I met someone thinking about buying this car, I would say get the V6. You will be happier. That being said, the 2.4 4cyl tiger shark with the 9 speed transmission has kind of "learned" my driving habits, The transmission software issues from the 14 models are worked out and fixed. Sport mode is fun. I am happy I went with the "green" version. It is capable as hell, decent on gas,

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  Fool Me Once - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jaded - January 25 - 1:23 am

  I wanted to buy a 97/98. Instead, I fell in love with the 99 styling. Ive regretted this for the last 8.5 years. The locks lock/unlock at random, AC fan whines at random, the car shut off while driving at 60mph because the computer didnt recognize the chip in the key, the engine fan relay drained the battery twice, CV boots crack easily, the transmission shifts into 2nd too early, the dashboard and console lights dont always turn on, and the door upholstery cracked. Jeep was only able to fix the chip problem. Ill never buy another Jeep.

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  Great Jeep, poorly built - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JJJaeski - January 21 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first brand-new vehicle. I fell in love with it the moment I test drove the class! I tested the Laredo and found an excellent deal on a Limited, so I took the better options package that come with the Limited. If youre reading this review, you already know the good points of the Limited, so Im only going to focus on the negative: 1. I have had three major leaks that needed extensive re-work of the frame welding around the tailgate. Indicative of poor welding. 2. I have had poorly installed moldings at the driver and passenger door frames; they needed re-installation. 3. Poor gas mileage. All these considered, Jeep warranty replaced and fixed all gripes quickly!

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  Just plain fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By robert - January 19 - 7:43 am

  First let me say that I am 58 years old and always wanted a jeep, but life got in the way. I am a pilot and marine captain. I own a beemer 5 series, an F150, and 2 Ford Focus. So if I want to haul, I take the f150, if I am going on road trip, its the beemer, if I want to conserve fuel, its one of the focuses. But if I want to have fun, its the jeep. Bought it used and I had to replace the starter, the battery, and a few bulbs, but its 6 years old. The ride is not as bad as I thought it would be. But, folks this thing is too much fun, you will find excuses to go somewhere. I can be heard saying, honey we need something from the store? Get one, the fun factor is worth it all.

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  i love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By sid1103 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my jeep. Its great. I havent had any problems with it at all

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  Bailey Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Green Eyes - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for two weeks and I love it. I had a Wrangler and loved that, too, but I feel safer in the Liberty since it feels stronger and heavier. The interior is very comfortable and the exterior still maintains a jeep look. I would suggest an interior button or switch for the rear window so I would not have to rely on the remote control.

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  Good used jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Hercules97 - January 17 - 9:13 am

  Bought my jeep and right away was very impressed with the over all package. Driving and over all comfort is great.

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  2004 Rocky Mountain Edition Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vatowerman - January 14 - 10:53 am

  I purchased my Rocky Mountain Edition as a dealer demo. Fully loaded with all options except the navigation system. It is a Jeep - meaning that it has its quirks and faults. That being said; I wouldnt own anything else. I use this vehicle for my job which is building cell towers in extremely remote and rural areas such as mountain top sites. This Grand Cherokee has never left me stranded and no major problems. But keep in mind that a Jeep does need constant maintenance and care. It is not a Honda or a Toyota that you can abuse and not have any consequences. Flush the tranny every 30k, flush the cooling system every 30k, change out the differential and transfer case fluids every 40k.

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  nothappy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By nothppy - January 13 - 2:30 pm

  I got my used 08 Patriot W/48k back in early Sep.09. For the first 3 months I did not have any problems with it and overall is nice to drive and gets good mpg. Then one day I was driving and a light came on and my jeep was slowing down and lost a lot of its power. So I looked it up and it was the (ETC)electronic throttle control. I kept having problems with it so i brought it in and found out that the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. From my understanding this is something that a few newer jeeps have been having some problems with. overall I am happy with my Patriot but I,m uncomfortable with the ETC cause the mechanics said w/ ECT the accelerator has a good chance of sticking

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  1997 Dream - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By CWalts - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Sport. I have owned it since day one, and as I am approaching 100k, I have really only had one problem...the exhaust maniford, which I understand is quite common in the V6. $700 later and I am good to go. I LOVE THIS CAR...hope I never have to sell it. I drive it 40 miles/day, and what would otherwise be a miserable commute is changed with a few moves to get the top down. BUY ONE!!!