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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  Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Sharon E. Gary - September 5 - 10:56 pm

  I have driven trucks all my life not really a car person. I have had a Ford Bronco and a Ford Explorer, I love 4 wheel drive and I use it. Like a vehicle that can hold its own and so far this Jeep Liberty has done it all. It can hang the interstate with the comfort and smoothness of a car and off-road it is as tough as a Bronco. It makes a nice safe ride for when I have my grandchildren in it and they love the look. The real test for me was my granddaughter just got her learnerÂ’s permit and loves to drive this Liberty and I feel very safe because of the LibertyÂ’s safety features. So far this grandmother loves it. It is so brand new but the more I drive it the more I love it.

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  Not sure what to think - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Terry - September 4 - 1:53 pm

  This vehicle has been fun to drive but has had problems since day 1. Bought it at 55,000 miles, it had the 318 V-8 engine in it. Dealership could never fix engine "pinging." Rod bearings went, then entire engine had to be replaced at 101,000 miles. It was my wifes vehicle and she used it to commute back and forth a short distance to work. This vehicle has never been driven hard or abused. We also had trouble with the 4WD slipping out of 4WD low--wouldnt engage. The CD player quit working, radio shorts out. Sunroof leaks during big rainstorms. Vehicle has bled us dry for repair bills. Gets 15.6 mpg. Trannie seems to shift back and forth unnecessarily when going up hills.

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  What more can you ask for - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Big Frank - September 4 - 10:10 am

  Most dependable and sturdy vehicle I have owned in years. Actually like it better then my Lincoln.

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  It works! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - September 4 - 4:26 am

  I bought the JGC LTD (5.7 Hemi) in Missouri and drove it home to FL. So far, so great! Its a blast to drive and the new model year suspension is very smooth. As expected, the fuel economy is not great but that isnt why one buys a SUV. Ive now driven over 1,400 miles and I cant say its anything less than expected. And its a head turner to beat.

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  Do these things ever die? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By MaxHops - September 3 - 8:40 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 12 years and have only had standard maintenance work done. Water pump, brakes, shocks, serpentine belt, tires, oil are the only thing I have had to replace. The V6 in this is called the iron maiden for its extreme reliability. I think I could drive it for another 10 years if I need to.

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  Nightmare Vehicle! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam - September 3 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my vehicle (used) in November of 2007. It has only been 8 months and I have had it in the shop 4 times already! 1st with the radio and heater, 2nd with the transmission, 3rd time with the transmission AGAIN, and now its the a/c and shocks. I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE PURCHASE ANOTHER JEEP. I have had nothing but trouble. And the gas mileage is even worse. I only average 15.3 HWY! Now Im stuck with this piece of garbage for 5 years!!!

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  I guess I got lucky? - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Mrobinson - September 3 - 11:51 am

  Based on the other reviews you would think this vehicle was sub par. I actually love it ! Takes about $15-$20 to fill where I live (KY) great on the road when Im traveling back and forth about 45minutes away. I can get drive as fast 80-90mph and not even realize it thats how smooth it rides. Ive not experienced any of the below issues. Im 25 so no kids. I have 62 guy friend that fit comfortably in my backseat as well. And I have enough cargo storage for my hair and makeup kit and lighting. Overall great vehicle !

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  rented one to see if i wanted to buy one - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By nyjt - September 3 - 7:52 am

  ok the biggest problem the 9 speed transmission, wow what a disappointment on otherwise a great car. Its a perfect size for me. acceleration is great if you put it in manual mode. the a/c worked well the infortainment system was nice but had a lag in it. the seating was roomy for the size. the exterior is very nice looking. I really liked everything about the car except. the start stop technology was the worsttttttttttttttt when at a stop light engine turns off a/c goes lower and radio stayed on but got a fraction of a second turn off. very annoying like you know something that would have been a test and not perfected and not put in the car but they did anyway! When taking foot off break you feel the car restart and same thing. If I was in stop go traffic I would be miserable and embarrassed if anyone was in car with me. Thirdly how would this be in a year or 5 years down the road this car only had 900 miles on it. The shifting is subpar also and on highway I read other reviews where people say it can be dangerous trying to accelerate (I thought they were being dramatic) they were not. I know in order to pass of step on it it just well didnt . Putting it in manual mode it changed the entire thing to a very very peppy and strong feeling engine that accelerated perfectly. SO its the 9 speed transmission not the engine. I found the engine to be very peppy. So bottom line ON most thruway drive 200 miles each way through virginia I averaged 30 mpg with a/c blasting and 100 degree temps. I did not beat it just drove normal so I thought that was decent. I am not going to buy it, I had my heart set on it but with Jeep reliability ratings and this 9 speed those really cut into the rating of this car. Too bad jeep you always have soem great designs etc but?????

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  my fun vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill Best - September 3 - 2:26 am

  My Jeep is a fun vehicle with economy acceptable at 18 to 22. I like the tight feel of construction and maneuverability It is not a road car but is enjoyable even on long trips. I would buy another one but I do not think that I will ever need one Go Jeep!

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  wow - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By badasdart - September 2 - 11:36 am

  We purchased new, first thing was the vibration. Started at 55mph. We took it back they replaced the tires 11 times(they were out of round). did not help. they replaced the dry shaft (bent) the rear end(crack)and the front wheel(crack)the Heated seats quit the windows quit the gas gage quit, the winshield leaked,they could not figure what caused this. Headlined was reuined, Exaust leaked, they fixed the wiring problem. it kept shorting out. it was in the shop 9 out of 11 months of ownership. my third jeep and very disappointing. I love jeeps, they recalled mine and purchased a different one.