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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  Beware - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Whitney - June 18 - 9:23 am

  My Jeep has had nothing but problems. Radiator cracked, windows leak, doesnt start most of the time. I have replaced many sensors, hoses, and more. Has had about $4,000 put into it and still doesnt run well. Hasnt held up like I expected. Has a little over 100,000 miles.

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  Its a Jeep... an ORV (Off-road vechicle) - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Captian - June 17 - 2:03 pm

  This handles extremely well on and off- road, though it does lean more as an Off-Road vehicle. I dont buy the "SUV" title it is given, I call it an ORV or Off-Road Vehicle. Cmon it is a jeep! If you never plan to take the doors off, tops off and get muddy inside and out, dont you dare think of getting one. If you never plan on letting your Jeep taste dirt, mud, and stone, get dings dents scratches all over it-dont buy one, or you will be disappointed. If you want a luxury SUV then buy one, but dont buy a Jeep, it is "comfortable" while you bounce around on potholes rocks and mud, but it wasnt designed to stay clean, detailed and comfy. It is rugged and mean. I mean its a Jeep a true ORV

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  Sofia is a great vehicle!! so far so good!! - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Cal - June 17 - 8:55 am

  I have a 2016 Omaha Orange Renegade Trailhawk, i purchase at the end of February. So far i love this vehicle, i love the funky style, interior, and electronics. I have owned Mitsu for 25 years, and have an Outlander, which is awesome, and i love it. i sold my other Mitsu to my sister, and wanted another, but only limited to Outlander or sport in USA. so sad.:( So i looked, drove and reviewed all the information and criticism of the Renegade, so i wait a year, until all the little problems were fixed, such as the key fobs, brakes, engine and transmission(shame on the usa uaw workers, poor quality at the start), but all seems good on the 2016;s, It is a good vehicle, and i hope i have lots of fun with it.

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  Proof of Truth - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steven - June 15 - 10:33 pm

  Some car reviews stated Jeep Grand Cherokee rating much lower than Japanese SUV. I discovered the truth was reversed. My Jeep is running superb and troublefree. My friend who have Toyota had a lot of trouble and unreliable condition. Other persons at work had Nissan and GM SUV gave them horrible and could not run good on off or on roads. My Jeep is a winner without any questions. Hemi engine gives superb performance and very quiet. Highway gas mileage is very good but accepted city gas mileage. The steering system and brake system are superb.

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  Piece of Garbage from Day. 3 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jan - June 14 - 9:31 pm

  This is my 5th, and LAST Jeep brand new Grand Cherokeee. Never can get parts and needs $500. And. $2500 repairs ALL the time. My son still drives my 2000 Grand Cherokee but since 2011 they have been horrible! I am done forever with A JEEP Product!!!

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  Mixed Emotions - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By maddogca - June 14 - 8:24 pm

  Mechanically, I havent had one issue with the vehicle. The vehicle has never left me stranded and it has always sent me from Point A to Point B. I have never had a problem with the windows like many here mentioned and I have never had a problem with the electronics of the vehicle. My biggest issue is with the interior. Not only do the seats get uncomfortable after a while, but anything can stain the seats! And I mean ANYTHING! Pour water on them, and you have a nasty dark mark all over it. The gas mileage is also terrible on this vehicle. If I knew I was going to get such terrible gas mileage, I wouldve gotten a Grand Cherokee. Never getting a Liberty.

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  Love That Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Wells - June 14 - 10:40 am

  I just recently bought my Jeep, and I can tell you that it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The acceleration is top notch; it will even keep up with some of the best sports cars. I love the interior. The seats are so comfortable. The controls are laid out well, and I love the steering wheel audio controls. The sound system in the vehicle is almost as good as some aftermarket systems. I really like the body style and love the 17" wheels and tires. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a very competent on/off road SUV.

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  05 jeep unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By hankmiestro - June 14 - 7:10 am

  I love my 05 unlimited (bought new). But it has very poor build quality. I have had to replace u-joints and sway-bars almost every oil change. Also the heater unit has broken twice and the cd player once. Another drag is the finish on the wheels has peeled off making them look terrible. All problems have happen literally 1 month after warranty was up, totaling some hefty bills. O yea and the starter motor had to be replaced (but that was covered by warranty). I consider these types of jeeps as toys or secondary vehicles. There just not practical enough for any serious amount of driving. If youre a young guy who doesnt drive a lot (like me) it an ok choice. Most people havent had an many problems as me.

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  I hate this cheap plastic car - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By rfernandez - June 14 - 2:40 am

  I would have never bought this plastic cheap car if i ever knew how poorly made it was. My jeep has been taken back to the dealer ship over 30 times for the sunroof plastic falling the door trim snapping out of place, for it turning off out of no where, for the electrical windows not shutting every now and again for the alarm, for the bottom plastic trim for the entire airbag system that had to be replaced

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  great jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gies - June 14 - 2:00 am

  28000 miles and only one problem. The heated seat on the driver side doesnt work and I have yet to take it to the dealer for repairs under the warranty. I have the selectmatic transmission that I have not seen on any other Jeep Grand Cherokees, but I am glad I do. It gives me the option of 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. It appears others have had trouble with the Quadramatic Trans.