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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  Love the Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Raven1 - October 24 - 1:46 am

  This 2003 Overland edition is great looking. The interior is also very attractive, but I find the drivers seat too soft and too small. The vehicle does not handle that well on windy country roads. There is a significant amount of body roll and the seat does not seem to hold my average sized body very securely. I love the chrome 17 wheels. The leather/suede mix is nice in the interior. The 4.7 HO is very powerful and quick from a start and when merging. The sound system is good but not excellent. My wife is the primary driver of this vehicle and she loves it. The vehicle has performed well on all road surfaces and in all conditions. The creature features of the overland are great.

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  Jeep 96 sport - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Johnny Dare - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 96 sport with 112000 miles i now have 126000 on it with no major problems, other than the shake at mid speed which im checking into it has done well for me, gas mileage is about 18 so im not complaining at all, cup holders are another issue, more would be better but were to put them is the other problem.back seat good for kids not much else, received recall notice about the hubs and steering box, nice to know that jeep is still covering any problems that come up years after the warrenty is gone

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  Terrible car experience - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By andera11 - October 22 - 6:08 pm

  This 2007 Jeep Compass is the worst vehicle to drive. It is not reliable; there is always something wrong with it. I had my Transmission Oil Temp light come on within a week of purchasing the vehicle. Roughly 2 weeks later, it came on again and now 8 months later it has come on yet again. The RPMs go up and the speed goes down within 1-3 minutes after the light comes on; makes you pull over on the road side for the vehicle to cool down. Definitely not worth anyones time. Not happy at all. On top of it, they say it is something different every time I take it in to get fixed.I have also had the control arm and sway bar and bushings replaced in the front at 66552 miles.

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  Fun Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By lmm - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My Jeep is really fun to play around with during the winter and it is really reliable. I havent got stuck yet and it preforms great. Plus they are the most fun to modify.

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  Fun - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Richard the first - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have my Jeep for six years now. It has over 110,000 miles but its still running strong. Sure there were a few things went wrong, I had to replace the catalytic converter and the exhaust manifold. Overall, its a great vehicle. I love the short wheel base that allows me to fit into the tightest parking space in the parking nightmare downtown Boston. I love the go-any-where that allows me to park on the most ridicules ice and snow covered spot no other car can get to, and best of all, I dont have to shovel for hours to dig out my Jeep after a big snow strom.

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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pbishop - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had a few issues with the new design in the beginning. But Jeep fixed any problems right away and it has been a blast to drive

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jake - October 21 - 12:36 am

  Had an 06 4runner but this patriot beats it. Better gas mileage and handling ... It really is fun to drive. But I miss the 4runners roll down window on the rear hatch ... Wish Jeep would offer that feature its great for my Labrador and when I visit the local home depot.

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  Perfect all-rounder! - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By V. Charles - October 20 - 3:04 pm

  This crossover serves us well on and off the road. High-quality materials inside and out, and a nice handling/driving feel!

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  Love 2005 Renegade! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By snoq - October 19 - 6:36 am

  Its comfortable to drive on freeway and in the city. The drive is more like a big truck than a passenger car. Stiff and a little bouncy which makes it fun to drive! Its so fun to drive off road! Weve went for off road test drive a couple of times already in Cascades. It drove through sticky cray-like mud, cross the water paddle (about 1ft. deep), drove up the steep gravel/dirt hill EASILY without any problem...all with 4WD High. We havent go to use 4 LO yet...need to be more extreme condition or tarrain to use it. (Maybe after heavy snow in the mountain!)

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  2007 Grand Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Al Schuette - October 19 - 1:46 am

  Bought this vehicle new in July 2007 and put on 7200 miles in 3 months. Towed equipment trailer across country and back in 114 degree weather without any problems. I can recommend this car without any reservations. Best gas mileage to date is 22mpg- somewhat disappointing. Interior layout is well done, seats are comfortable, AC and sound system work well. Paid 24k new for this car- it is worth it.