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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  A very reliable Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By twelveboy - November 29 - 7:26 am

  We bought our Jeep Grand Cherokee, V6 2WD, when it had 70K miles and drove it to 205000 miles! We barely gave it regular maintenance and the only things we replaced were the AC blower(about $900) and part of the exhaust ($500). Overall very suburb reliability! We even got about 25mpg on the highway on road trips at about 75-80mph. Would definitely buy one again if I knew gas prices would not go back up!

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  Fun & Reliable Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Trafdlo - November 29 - 4:53 am

  I loved the retro Liberty style and bought it in spite of my fears about Jeeps "not so good" reliability record. I have been pleasantly surprised. The interior and exterior designs are unique and done exceptionally well. Ive owned sports cars mostly so comfort and handling is exactly where I want it. Reliability has been the real surprise. Ive replace the ignition key cylinder and thats been the only issue; really minor based on what other vehicles have. I have been completely satisfied and will probably purchase another one next year.

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  A Perfect 10 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Impressed - November 26 - 1:36 pm

  What an amazing vehicle. My wife has wanted the 2011 JGC for over a year and the wait was well worth it. I cant think of a better looking SUV or a more comfortable car. The fit and finish are near perfect, the technology in the car is amazing and seeing people turn their heads is fun too. I would put this vehicle against any in terms of performance and or appearance.

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  Jeep for life - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kathy Dorrough - November 25 - 2:49 am

  Actually dont have a 2016, Have a 2000 bought new, Snow storms to camping to fishing trips it is the best. 160,000 miles, normal wear and tear repairs only, recently make a 10 day trip towing a livin lite camper, my jeep didnt miss a beat. Best vehicle purchase of my life. go enjoy life in a Jeep!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike W - November 23 - 8:16 pm

  Let me be the first to say that I was not keen on the Grand Cherokee at first. I was a dyed in the wool “true Jeep” fan and was not interested in a “Chrysler” Jeep. My previous two vehicles were a 1989 Jeep Cherokee and a 1997 Jeep Cherokee, both of the original AMC design. It was about time to replace my Cherokee when I went on a business trip and ended up with the new Grand Cherokee as a rental and was immediately impressed. So when I got home, I purchased a base model Laredo with a V-6 and have been very happy. Lots of features on the base model and find the gas mileage and pick-up to be very impressive. Great on long trips. Still feels solid after 24,000 miles. No Rattles!

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  Rear window regulators - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Adrienne - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep new. Although I love it overall, the rear window regulators are a pain. Mine have broken 3 times. I finally took off the door cover and propped up the window with a 1x1 stick. I operate on the theory, no one sits back there in my car. My brother has the same model and his broke. My nephew also has a Jeep and his broke. If they are not going to do a recall. they could at least make the part available. They dont. That makes you hostage to the dealer. I can buy the motor, but not the regulator.

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  16-years and 332K miles - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By T. Scott - November 21 - 9:54 pm

  Purchased in 2001, this is the 3rd Jeep Cherokee owned and the best, as by 2001 the Cherokee had enjoyed purposeful improvements and technical upgrades. Still on the original inline six engine and 4A transmission. The 4.0 seems to tend to leak and this one started dripping oil (never measurable) at 170K, but initially a valve cover gasket solved the first occurrence. Oil changes every 3k-5k miles. The typical O2 and cam position sensors in first few years of service, but not since repaired. A computer at 318K, and normal wear items as expected, including the AC compressor at 170K, radiator at 200K, heater core at 250K. Brake rotor warping solved by mechanics choice of replacements by 2003. Lots of torque and smooth run at highway speeds. Nimble in town. Excellent stock solid axle 4WD capability. Have driven through many on/off road conditions that stopped other vehicles. Have been up to the axles in mud, up icy hills on the road when others stopped making headway, waded through flooded streets (safely) in bumper-deep water when others became stranded and pulled a make-shift plow to break up beaver dams in a creek. Served as neighborhood taxi in snow/ice covered roads with steep hills - no problem with good street/trail tires. Shifts in/out of 4WD easily. Its not trouble-free but its performance and on/off road capability, great stock ground clearance, weight and overall reliability and ruggedness of the drivetrain always outweigh any issues. Keep up with the maintenance, make repairs when needed and it should provide reliable, highly capable stock 4WD on/off road performance with reasonable operating expense. Purchasing this year/model/configuration with well over 200K miles that has been maintained properly should not be a concern. Parts are readily available and generally not too costly. Abundant aftermarket parts/accessories. Still on original paint/clear coat, carpet and seat covers, all of which are in remarkably good condition. Still 17-19 mpg city, 20-25 mpg highway. Still commuting 300+ miles/week. Other than drivers door speaker, all other electrical items still function as when new.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark Calzia - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very excited about my new Rubicon, I have had it in the colorado mountains and its performance was unsurpassed. I went where other jeeps could not and with ease. I have owned 2 other jeeps in the past, but this Rubicon (stock) is awesome.

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  TJS OPINION - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOM HESCHLE - November 19 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT, FUN TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY IN FLORIDA. GET ME THROUGH HEAVY RAIN AND PUDDLES

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  2005 JGC first impression - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fkagi - November 17 - 2:46 pm

  Have not driven a Chrysler product in over 20 years. Pleasantly surprised with car like ride, precise steering, quiet, good power (5,7l), interior has European "quality feel", achieved 17MPG+ right off the showroom floor, no negatives so far.