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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  Loving it! - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Marine_Wife - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Its comfortable to drive, and i have plenty of room for my toddlers seat in the back. The back seats are adjustable, so my husband was able to get her seat in super snug. I love the gas mileage with this. I live by the beach, so a 4x4 wasnt necessary. Just a great car for the price. The metallic paint is just gorgeous, too.

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  2007 vs. 2011 - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2007 Rubi for a 2011 Rubi. 2011 has all the capabilities of the 2007 with the added comfort features of a Lexus; heated leather seats, heated power mirrors, Sat/Nav/DVD system. The on-road ride in the 2011 is much better than the 2007. Off-road in 2011 is on par with the 2007. 2011 is quieter on-road with either top than the 2007 also. Makes for in-vehicle conversation more pleasant. Fuel economy is a "6" because it isnt a fuel efficient vehicle, but I didnt buy it for that purpose. I gave an "8" in performance because in the automatic, low torque/got it, the engine seems to really work hard when the passing gear kicks in, but it does the job.

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  Love My Overland! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stacey - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Shopped the new Overland hard against the Lexus GX470 and RX350. Next to the Overland, there was no comparison. The Overland comes equipped with everything! Honestly dont know why anyone would buy a Limited with packages when the car comes in costing more then the Overland and has less features. Had to track this car down to sit in one before ordering mine, and found too many Jeep salesman who did not know as much about the car as I did(having done my HW), and not as much excitement as I felt the car deserves. That said the Jeep line 800- 935-JEEP is FANTASTIC, answered every question I had, clarified salesman misinformation, and were sooo on the ball! This car is a DREAM to own!

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  Safety Issues - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stan90 - July 7 - 1:52 pm

  I leased a 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited in November, 2013. It has a variety of problems some of which are serious safety issues that both the dealer and Chrysler choose to ignore. The transmission lags and lurches and makes periodic clanking noises. Worse than that, mine has twice run up engine rpms while I was breaking to stop - a serious safety issue. The electronic shifter offers no advantages. but rather is distracting (requiring a look down to verify what gear you are in). During an emergency situation I needed to stop and quickly shift into reverse to avoid a collision. Using this shifter created a delay that almost killed me. Several other problems none of which are fixed.

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  Only Jeep owners would understand - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Garus - July 7 - 1:13 pm

  What can I say, I own a 98 Grand with about 105,000 miles on it. I put a 2" spring spacer lift on with 31 x 10.5 tires...It has a meaner stance to it now. Truck has been great! I would definitely buy another one. It looks good enough to take the girlfriend out or go mudding in holes somewhere. I also love the power...I absolutley love this truck!

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  My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - July 5 - 3:43 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive, is excellent in the mud or sand. Handles well off road and living in Florida, I ride with the top down 80 percent of the year. One of the best things about a Jeep, is I can pretty much go anywhere I like without worries of getting stuck.

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  Patriot is a winner! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - July 4 - 8:20 pm

  This is the vehicle that America needed. A 4 wheel drive Jeep that gets 30 MPG, and is high on American made content. I now have 12,000 miles on my Patriot and I have loved every mile of my driving experience. The low price is reflected throughout the vehicle, but if you like older Jeeps, that is a good thing. Interior is mostly easy clean plastic. Instrumentation is clear and comprehensive. The square design of the Patriot provides an impressive amount of cargo space. Seats are comfortable. Rear seating is spacious for adults, but let a kid sit in the middle. The car is rated at 28 but I get as high as 32 on the highway. 20 in strictly city driving. 4 cylinder engine is plenty powerful.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By miltyo - July 4 - 10:30 am

  There were trepidations about the CVT automatic but they werent justified. The car runs very smoothly. I came to the Patriot from a Grand Cherokee so I was prepared for a letdown that never ocurred. Gas mileage is near 23mpg. With this fuel economy the small capacity (13.5) tank is no issue. The amenities are good, and the VIC is better than on my Grand Cherokee. I have just a 1000 miles on this baby and it keeps surprising me in the most pleasant ways.

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  My 1999 Jeep grand Cherokees story - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JJJ - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Jeep as a tow vehicle for a 20 runabout. I cant complain because there has been no problems in the last 10,000 mile. From all the reviews Ive read,it seem these jeeps are either a hit or a failure with nothing in the middle. Perhaps Chrysler should take note and increase quality control or extend warrenties to 10 years.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepCherokeeLimited - July 4 - 2:00 am

  An Awesome Car!!! It is the best SUV out there that you can get!!! You get a lot for your money!!!